As many of you know, Jennifer is participating in the World Race, an 11 month 11 country mission trip. When she first presented the idea to us last February, we took the stance that if she is in God’s Will, it will all come together…and boy did it ever! Thanks to you who supported her with prayer, notes, and financially as well. It warmed my heart to see so many of your taking her in and loving and praying for her. She left on the race Jan. 3rd not fully funded, she is at $14000 and needs $18200 by March 31st, but we are trusting that God will provide for that need as well.
Jennifer prepared by visiting local churches, in Bible Study, in prayer, working craft shows and at one point, working almost 70 hours a week (God provided those opportunities too!) I would tag along to the church visits and craft shows and watch her grow. It was an exciting time for me as a parent. So when she asked us to go on the parent launch, I really didn’t see the need to participate. I knew what the World Race was about and it would just make the goodbye harder! Why do I really need to fly to Atlanta to say goodbye? But every time Jennifer talked about launch, I could tell she wanted us to be there, so we went.
Boy am I glad we did! The spiritual renewal and Christian community that was present was just what everyone in attendance needed. We meet with the people that would be spending almost a year with Jennifer. We meet other parents who were releasing their children into this same year long ministry. You could feel God stirring in our midst.
One thing that resonated the most with me, especially as I contemplate retirement in the next few years, was that there is still tread left on my tires! There is a new kind of stirring in my heart and my mind is filled with all kinds of ideas, when I think about the “what’s next” phase of my life. Jesus said, “Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Matthew 18:4-5). I think this group of young adults who have made this yearlong commitment to the ministry of the World Race might not only be leading others around the world to Jesus but may be moving in the hearts at home to bring a new desire and fire to commit to outreach ministries at home.
So what will my “world race” look like? What will your “world race” look like? Keep your eyes and hearts open and I am sure HE will show you!
Continue to keep all of the racers and their families in your prayers throughout 2019.
