I have always been one of those people excited to hear about mission trips, but I have never been the person to actually go. What held me back? The root of all my fears was a lack of trust in the Lord. “This isn’t the right time, you won’t be able to talk to people about God, you don’t know enough about the Bible, you don’t have the money, you have a good job right now, you aren’t strong enough, you will lose a year of your life.” All of these internal thoughts relied on my will and my power to go. At the end of the day, the only way possible is to rely on HIS POWER and HIS WILL.
I have heard about mission trips through church, but specifically the World Race was brought to my attention by a friend in my lifegroup. I have always been interested in missions, but like I said, it has either never been the right time, or I haven’t been in the right place to want to pursue something that would involve serious abandonment and hard work physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
When my friend mentioned the World Race and explained #11n11 to me, I felt called to go. I have recently been taking steps and saying “yes” to what God is calling me to do. I have been praying for opportunities to take leaps of faith and praying for a heart for discipleship, which is usually difficult for me since I dislike public speaking and getting out of my comfort zone. But, as my friend simply put, “He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.”
More opportunities have come up to where I’m needed to speak in front of others, such as in youth ministry. I would love to go to grow spiritually and fully surrender all that I am to the Lord and say “yes Lord, here I am!” This would be a humbling experience that could teach me not only about other cultures, but also about God’s love for others. It would provide an environment where I can get comfortable being uncomfortable, give me “God eyes”, help me to intentionally love others, and grow in the community of believers with those around the world.
It’s exciting to know we are the Church and have the opportunity to share the Good News with people not only locally, but also to those around the world that may not have the chance to hear so clearly and boldly about our Father. I feel as though this is the time, and I need to listen. Where am I putting my trust? In myself? Or in God’s desire to work through me and use me as His tool?
“Yes Lord, Here I am! Use me!”
