So launch and parent launch for the World Race was amazing! So amazing that I asked my dad to write a little blog about his experience. The impact launch made on my family was such a huge answer to prayer. I had so many people in Nashville praying for my family’s experience and God definitely showed up. I was hoping that through launch, my family would be able to better understand the relationship I’ve formed with God over the last two years. I was also hoping the Holy Spirit would move in their hearts to form a desire in them to want a more personal relationship with the Lord. God moved more than I even hoped for! My dad is even considering going on a men’s mission trip in Nicaragua this January with Adventures in Missions! Here is what my dad had to say about his launch experience:
“So the day finally came for Jillian to start her journey with the World Race Mission. Although Jillian and I had many conversations about her passion for Jesus, me being a strict Catholic was proud that my daughter was building a relationship with God, but was concerned that because of her age, was moving too fast with her level of commitment to God. Jillian had worked so hard on her goals to work in the music industry. Multiple internships, moving to Nashville, overcoming stressful positions. Why couldn’t she continue to pursue her career and have a relationship with God at the same time? So here we are heading to Nashville to meet Jillian and travel to Atlanta, Georgia for a weekend of parent training and education to understand what our daughter was going to do for the next 11 months (in what seemed to be dangerous countries).
We started Friday morning with meeting other parents and young adults and immediately I sensed something different with this group. I started to realize what sacrifices and commitment these kids had made to follow the path of God. These kids really want to change the world through kindness, compassion and spreading the word of God. I think one of the biggest things that hit me, was a quote from a presenter that said, “Are you just building a resume to impress God or are you truly living and growing with God day to day?” These kids are not just talking about their devotion to God, but living it! In a society where there is so much evil, these kids want to change the world through God. I am so impressed and proud of my daughter and all the racers. This experience has made me think twice how I live my life and my relationship with God. I understand now what they meant when they said this is not only a new journey for your sons or daughters, but a new journey for the parents!”
