Growing up in Northern California, I was blessed with an amazing family, including parents who were head-over-heels in love with each other and with God. I loved my time at home, and after high school I moved to San Diego to attend Point Loma Nazarene University. My junior year of college, after a battle with cancer, my wonderful Dad passed away. He was my hero, and at his memorial service I committed my life to serving others for Christ. Giving my life to the one thing that really seemed to matter in the end. Two years later I joined Youth With A Mission’s Discipleship Training School – first as a student and later as staff. Through my training and outreaches to Madagascar, Budapest and Brazil, I fell in love with other cultures and what God is doing in the world. In addition, I recognized a need for people who were trained and desiring to walk through these life-changing experiences with the many college-aged students who participate.
Though I considered staying on with YWAM, I felt a need to return to the states for further training. I attended Azusa Pacific University, where I studied College Student Development. During my studies, my love for God’s work in the world continued to grow with time in Thailand, Laos and Costa Rica. But I did not feel a “release” to go. I did, however, learn more about college students by living on campus as a Resident Director at Whitworth College. Whitworth has been an incredible time of learning and growing alongside students (especially while living in an all-male building). This spring, though excited to continue working at the college, I finally felt the release to go. I did not expect it, but boy did God make it clear! One day I was signing on enthusiastically for another year, then two weeks later I was turning in my letter of resignation and pursuing a full-time ministry in missions.
So, why the World Race? Interestingly enough, though I have a love and passion for what God is doing in the world, I never felt drawn to just one particular country or people group. For this I always felt a bit less than a true missionary. However, I am learning that today’s missionary can also have a Barnabus/Paul relationship – as an encourager. This is just what I feel called to do! To serve alongside other missionaries offering energy, manpower, and encouragement in whatever way they need. Hopefully, in the future I can apply what is learned during this time to better lead teams of college students in similar life-changing experiences.
I cannot tell you how excited (and anxious) I am to serve alongside missionaries around the world. Thank you so much for your prayers and support as we embark on this journey together. Blessings!
