Alright friends its time for The World Race recap blog. Im not sure what direction this will go but here we go.
A year ago I dragged my feet onto a plane headed for Haiti not knowing what in the world I had gotten myself into, that same thought crossed my mind more times then I can remember through the year.
Each month God worked on me and those around me, this was a mission trip but in so many ways it wasn’t, through serving others I was transformed into a different more Christ like women.
The first few months God really revealed the importance of community, my team loved me so well and allowed me to love them. Some days weren’t easy but each day we chose to love each other, pray for one another and have hard conversations. Team Deep Pursuit taught me how to love when I felt unlovable, to love more then I ever knew possible, and to laugh harder then my blatter could handle.
Then next few months we had team changes, my family that I had grow to share everything with was being ripped away from me and I quickly learned that I had placed community above Jesus, relying on them more then Him. My new team The Fellowship banded together and took on Africa. We were all very different but still chose to love no matter what. The word to describe us the best is grace. We chose to be intentional with our time together and watched countless hours of Friends. This was a time for me of brokeness, God tore down walls of shame, bitterness, guilt and so much more.
The next few months were about depending on God, we entered Asia with the shocking realization of how prevelent sex trafficking, drugs, child abandonment, and slave labor were. Although our team did not get to serve in a sex trafficking ministry we did hear countless stories and saw it all over on the streets. While we were in Cambodia I fell in love with a 6 year old girl Ya Ya who was not cared for by her family. In each of these situations I could only depend on God, asking for strength in these terrible times and guidance in what to do or say. Most days God simply told me to love, love the children and love the women. The only way I make it through each day is to depend fully on Him.
The last season of the race was surrendering to Him. Many conversations centered around plans of what was next and things to do once we were home. One night I was so overwhelmed with what to do next I finally surrendered to Him. “Jesus whatever you have next for me I will do, my eyes are on you so please lead me.” It is a choice each day to lay down my own fleshly desires and live for His plans.
So that is a little recap of the year and now I would love to tell you all about whats next for me. In less then a month I will be moving to Seattle to participate in the program Serve Seattle. This is a Urban Missions Institute in partnership with Seattle Union Gospel Mission. Three days a week I will be working in urban issues such as sex trafficking, homelessness, at risk youth, gang violence and much more. One day a week I will be in classes diving deeper into the bible and discipleship and one more day will be doing outreach in the city. I will be living in community again with 30 other people in a 100 year old mansion on capital hill.
In order to particpate in this program I need to raise $6,000. I know this is a lot but God provided the last $16,000 and I have no doubt he will provide this as well but I need your help. This money covers all living costs for the time I will be in Seattle (food/lodging/transportation). Will you prayerfully consider partnering with me? Every bit helps, prayers are even more appreciated!
Also this blog must also come to an end, my new blog for the progam is www.jessethomass.wordpress.com. Please check in out and subscribe to keep up with my new adventure!
TO DONATE:
Visit my GoFundMe page at: http://www.gofundme.com/vj2px7e2 (not tax deductable)
If you would like your donation to be tax deductable:
1. Make checks payable to Seattle Union Gospel Mission, MEMO LINE: Jesse Thomas ID#2810577
2. Send checks to Serve Seattle Atten: Melissa Engstrom 1808 18th Ave Seattle WA, 98122
OR
Visit www.ugm.org/support and click me name in the drop down option
