God continues to amaze me with how He controls even the smallest details of our lives. My name is Joshua Markland, I’m 24 years old, and I’m currently living in Baltimore, MD. If you had asked me a year ago if I would ever consider participating in something like the World Race, I would have laughed at you. Leave home for a year to live in impoverished countries doing missionary work? Why? I have a nice job; I live in a great city with all my family and friends. I’m happy and I’m comfortable…too comfortable.
I graduated from Virginia Tech (GO HOKIES!) in 2005 and immediately went to work. Life after college was hard for me to adjust to. My friends had scattered across the country and it was difficult to find excitement in working in a cubicle every day, day after day. Could this really be the rest of my life? Is this all God has for me? I grew up in a Christian home but never made Christ a priority in my life. When I went to college I wanted to change that, I wanted to get involved. But the distractions of a secular college left God on the back burner once again. Luckily He is patient, loving, and kind. A year and a half out of school I felt him urging me to move halfway across the country to a city that I’d never been to; a place where I had no friends, no job, and no place to live. I tried to dismiss Him like I had so many times in the past, but He wouldn’t go away. So I prayed, packed, and left. The next six months would be the most difficult and most rewarding months of my life. Unable to find a job and having difficulty meeting new people, I spent LOTS of time alone talking to God. After I was done whining and complaining about my situation, I was ready to be quiet and listen to Him for the first time in my life. It’s amazing how clearly God speaks when you truly listen.
Other than a 10-day trip to Jamaica in high school, I’ve never really had any interest is missions, and so I’m blown away that God would ask me to represent Him to the nations. I can sort of imagine how Moses must have felt, unqualified for what seems to be an enormous task. But true faith requires leaving your comfort zone and trusting that God will provide. This trip is going to be crazy awesome and I can’t wait to see first hand how He will use each member of this team to further His kingdom!
Romans 10:14-15 “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”
Some facts about me: I love to play guitar. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is my favorite driver (I’ve been told I kinda look like him. One time my friends and I actually convinced some girls that I was him!). Braveheart is my favorite movie. I have a huge fear of snakes (especially the black mamba). I have one younger brother who is currently serving in Iraq. Nothing beats a Maryland crabcake. I prefer country to city living. I hate riding the subway. Country music is the best way to go (I always sing along in the truck). Watching golf on TV is always unacceptable. And of course, I love Hokie football!
