How did I get here? Great question. 🙂
A year and a half ago, I found out about the World Race. I had never heard about Adventures in Missions before that, and honestly hadn’t seriously considered taking a year to do ministry. I was starting my sophomore year of college and assumed I’d be at school for another 3 years, so I didn’t need to think about it quite yet. Oh, how wrong I was! This past summer (2010) I spent 10 weeks on a project in North Myrtle Beach, SC with Campus Crusade for Christ. I had gone into the summer with the assumption that when I returned to school in the fall, I would be starting a journalism degree and had another two years ahead of me.
Whenever I think I know exactly what I’ll be doing in the future, the Lord shows me differently, which has led me to further trust in His timing and plan for my life. During the summer, my heart was broken for the world. My eyes were opened to the spiritual reality around me, and it was overwhelming. Time and time again, I found myself sharing with those around me about the Race. The blogs, and the videos never failed to reduce me to tears (and honestly, I wouldn’t say I’m the crying type). I felt this weight upon me. The Lord continued to show me the injustice in the world, the desperate need for love, the emptiness of life without Jesus. I couldn’t put it to words, this feeling. I just knew that I had to be a part of bringing life to others. Deep inside, I knew that the Lord was calling me to finish school early and leave the bubble I’d created for myself.
Someone once told me that I have a righteous indignation – it pains me to think of others not knowing Christ. My heart aches seeing the complacency and apathy of believers. I believe we have been called to more than “normal.” We are created for more than “average.” Life is more than jobs, money, success and comfort. Yes, it's scary. It's like jumping out of a plane, with just a parachute. Your faith is in that parachute to open and keep you safe. Regardless of the uncertainty, I believe with my whole being that it's worth it. I believe that following where the Lord is leading is worth everything. It seems uncertain, but that's the furthest from the truth. He knows what He's doing, and I trust that because He has never been anything but faithful.
I look forward to the Race. It didn't take long for me to see that this is exactly where God wants me when I finish school. I saw this opportunity and heard His voice urging me on. I couldn't be more excited to see what He has in store for me, for my squad, and for everyone we know (and don't!) as they join us in this journey.
