Lying on the floor in the shape of a star, I found myself staring up at the ceiling. The hour previous had been spent pouring over my Bible and praying, “God, what do I do? What do you want?” Both of my parents had received phone calls about the issue at hand; one was supportive and one was worried about the money. Yet, I sat curled up in the corner of the couch weighing every option. Unable to make a decision, I found myself on the floor with an ultimatum: you’re allowed to get up when you make a decision.
This was where I was a year ago: trying to make up my mind about whether or not to go on the World Race. As month five comes to a close, it’s obvious what decision I made. And, in all seriousness, it was probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make. I love to dream. I love to plan for the future. I love to think about what’s next, but I usually end up not chasing any of those dreams. It was for that reason that I decided to go on the World Race. I was done selling myself short. I had dreams and I wanted to see them come to fruition. I wanted to go on an adventure with God where I didn't know the end, where I hadn't planned for what would happen.
When I was writing about my thoughts and feelings before I made the decision, I wrote this:
In my heart, I've already decided that I want to go on the World Race. I want to find my special place in India. I want to help victims of sex trafficking in Thailand. I want to bring light to Ireland. I want to play with children in Cambodia.
So far, those dreams have not come true. I didn't find my special place in India. Our squad didn't go to Ireland, but I still have hope for what is to come. My dream ministry is working with victims of sex trafficking and college students. Those are what make my heart come alive. With our route change, we are seeing Thailand a lot earlier than we originally thought. Next month is a month of dreams coming to fruition and I’m so excited to tell you about it!
Lighthouse in Action is an organization in the heart of the Red Light District of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is a three-fold ministry consisting of X-Life, WonGen/Zion Cafe, and Love Acts. I’ll let this sweet video explain more about the ministry. We haven’t even left Nepal yet, but I already love our contact just by seeing her passion in this video. You can also read more about them at their website.
My team will be partnered with two other teams for the month and at this point we don’t know which part of the ministry will be our focus. What I do know is next month is going to be about building relationships and if you know me at all, you know that’s my thing. We will be living right in the heart of the Red Light District and I want nothing to hinder me from being all in.
So here’s where YOU come in. Our World Race budget does not include the funds to take the girls out who work at the bars. Whether it’s just out for coffee, a day trip to some local waterfalls, or literally buying her for the night so no one else can, I want to be able to do whatever the Spirit leads me to do without hesitation of how. I don’t want to sit and weigh the options, calculating my budget for the month. If you’d like to support my ministry for this month, please send a check made out to Jessica Feeley to 954 Herbert St. Alton, IL 62002. Also, if you don’t feel comfortable giving money for that, I am only $600 away from being fully funded. No matter what you are able to give, it will be a helpful tool in my ministry next month! I can’t wait to tell you all about what happens this Christmas season in Thailand.
