The One About the Cowardly Lion - Explore Archived World Race Alumni Blogs

April 8th, 2019

“Be strong and courageous… above all, be strong and very courageous… haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6-7,9)

ok ok I get it, “be strong and courageous”, but what if I’m not??

There have been so many times throughout the past three months that I have felt like the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz. Afraid to step out of what I know and try something knew. Slow to take God out of the tiny box I have Him in. Hesitant to tell Muslims about Jesus in Coté d’Ivoire. Shy to get to know the girls at the basketball court in Ghana. Nervous to get up in front of 30+ people and share the little knowledge I have about the Bible in Togo.

In all of these times that I found myself questioning my capability, I had to take a step back, maybe a breath or two, and remember that God has called me to be strong and courageous. I don’t have to borrow courage from a great wizard or my team (s/o to my team in my moments of weakness when this was very real) or anyone else around me.

God has sent me halfway across the world to do His work, of course he’s going to give me exactly what I need. He says “do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” He is all I need and thank God he’s everywhere I go.

I have what it takes to do what He has called me to do because his presence gives me courage.

Over and over again, I’ve wanted to run because that’s way easier. But man, has it be incredible to stay, say yes to the hard things, and dive head first.

I know I can’t do the things He has called me to on my own, but I can be strong and courageous because the God of the universe is with me. He will never leave or forsake me (Mt 28:20).

So thank you, Africa, for challenging me in ways I didn’t even know where possible. Thank you for testing my faith and leaving me with nothing but space to put all of my hope in the Lord. Thank you for new friends and memories that I will never forget. Thank you for red red and fried plantains. Thank you for ministry hosts who took us in as their own and loved us so well. Thank you for showing me the power of prayer. Thank you for finding joy in the simplicity. Thanks, God, for showing me how freaking BIG you are. Thank you for never leaving or forsaking me.

That’s a wrap. Three months down. Two more continents to go.

See ya later, Africa. It’s time for Asia.

Thanks for keeping up with me!! Here are some pictures of the last three months from my time in Africa.

Month one: Cote d’Ivoire

This is where we had church every Sunday for the first few weeks. It consisted of concrete blocks, a few wooden posts, and a tin roof.

Movie night!

Pastors of the church we partnered with.

Our ministry hosts for the month. These dudes are pretty cool.

We quickly became regulars at the shawarma shop down the street.

The sweetest family lived behind us and sold fresh fruits and vegetables across the street from our compound. I’m gonna miss my daily hi-5’s from the little man in the middle.

Fried fish, eggs, SPICY sauce, couscous, and fried plantains.

Month two: Ghana

Debrief: at the beginning of our time in Ghana, my whole squad met in Elmina to debrief our first month of the Race. Debrief, which happens every few months, is a time for reflection, worship, rest and relaxation. We also meet with our mentors/leaders a few times throughout the week for check-ins.

R Squad (low quality pic, high quality people)

First night in Cape Coast

I don’t think I’ve ever seen more goats in my life than I did in Ghana.

Our room for the month

While we were staying in Elmina, Matt met the Queen Mother one day while he was in town. Long story short, she ended up inviting us to her village and put on a cultural party for us a few weeks later.