When God called me to the World Race first back in March 2009, it sounded like a crazy idea by far. But the question came down to whether I truly trusted God in this and in His church to have a heart for such things. Not only did the Lord, but thanks to many people who sacrificed for His kingdom to be spread, the total of $15,000 was raised in five months to do the mission trip and He showed up in many crazy ways.
Throughout the trip God had always shown His hand at work; whether through meeting the support goals of other squadmates, a couple having a baby, Esther and Chalice, or providing needs on the trip we would need at the last second without having any idea where they could come from. Now let me bring you to a specific God story all around.
Back in Thailand during men’s ministry month we only had visas that were good for two weeks only, meaning we would have to take an eight hour bus ride one way back to the Cambodian border to get two more weeks of visas to stay in Thailand longer and then come back eight hours the other way. One van crammed with guys wasn’t the most comfortable and during the ride, especially on the way back, I began to notice some unfamiliar pain on my bottom side that made the whole trip very uncomfortable. The pain never went away for the rest of the Race, and I assumed I had reaggrivated my tailbone which bruised one time playing basketball as a teen.
As the mission trip went on it became worse, and let’s say that the African bus rides don’t help at all. I had my team pray for me and about the pain that kept me from sitting normal, walking normal at times, and I knew that somehow I would have to get this checked out when I got home and didn’t have insurance at the time. So far, this pain has been going for six months now. Fast forward to the end of Hungary, three weeks before returning home.
Before leaving for the World Race I worked at an incredible bank called Central Bank, here in Lexington, KY. A bank that truly cared for its employees and gave me full support on this mission trip to help people around the world and has an incredible reputation. They were like a family in the bank and after sending an email to see if I could come back to work for them, during a tough economy, I was welcomed back by them to come back and work part-time with insurance; I am thankful for them.
One of the hardest things about coming back from the World Race is that many of us come back home lacking community and also don’t have a job. But I was fortunate that God had me come back home with a community of friends and family, but also a job that really showed kindness during tough times to let one of its employees back. When arriving home I realized that the pain in my lower side was much worse and not better at all, it would have to get checked out very soon.
When I began working back at the bank my insurance would start immediately on January 1st. When you come back from the World Race its good to get a medical exam, blood test, and then my own personal issue. Originally I had a scheduled appointment on January 27th which so happened to get moved to the 3rd; quickly after insurance started they had an opening. After a check up from the doctor, he realized quickly that I was going to need thorough surgery and sent me to a surgeon within a few hours. Let’s just say that some things happen to you that you wish never did but I was diagnosed with a pilonidal cyst and absess which has seen much infection over periods of time and if not caught any sooner it could have been lethal within a couple of months. Surgery was soon scheduled and thanks to the wonderful family at my bank they let me quickly get this done quickly.
My insurance was opted for the Health Savings Account where I can pay it off over time and not upfront. My deductible would be a little high but insurance would cover 100% from there. I didn’t have the money to do this surgery without insurance, but God provided a job part-time with insurance in a serious time of need for my health just coming back from the Race; I thank my team for my prayers. Now if you know anything about World Racers, we’re not rich and have lived amongst many of the poor throughout the year. But I was being comforted by the continual provision of God.
When the day of surgery came last Thursday I remember going into the room where I had to change into my gown; that’s always awkward in a cold room and layed on the bed. Then a nurse came and didn’t seem to have an American accent and I asked her where she was from, and she said she was from the Philippines! I had almost dropped my jaw, knowing that was one of my favorite months on the World Race and have had considerations of going back there long term. She was from the area that our squad had done ministry there last March and was familiar with everything. We enjoyed conversation and told her about my heart there. Soon my family came, pastor Terry Leap, and in a circle along with the Filipino nurse who was a Christian prayed over the surgery. When I woke up a few hours later they said it was actually worse than they thought but surgery was a success; it’s going to be a long recovery. Then as I went to the recovery room, another different post-op nurse was there and then I found out she too was from the Philippines from Sibu. My mom believes it’s an OMEN for me.
From the rest of the day I don’t remember much. I was so drugged up and since being home have struggled to stay alert and have cautiously been moving. I cannot sit, I lay on my side and when I get out of bed I have to lay on my stomach to push up. The pain is rough and I have to thank my mom for all the care she’s doing for me.
This is long but in the midst of the chaos of this story there are a few things I have come to realize or at least have been stamped upon my mind.
Yes, miracles still happen in America or off the World Race, we just have to open our eyes. Second, live always in an attitude of gratitude. Paul says, “Rejoice always!”
God provides, and He takes care of those who truly trust Him. I casted this onto Him and He cared for me. For you in your life, cast your cares onto the Lord and allow Him to show you how big he really is.
I don’t know what’s next in my season of life, but God tells us not to worry, for He knows what we need and provides for us “our daily bread”.
