"So what's next?" … "Are you going back out?" … "Are you getting a real job now?"
See above for questions I've already gotten more times than I can count over the last ten days.
It's exhausting. But…always with a smile — I give an honest answer — "Wherever the Lord wants me to be, that's where I'm going to be…may be here, may be overseas, it doesn't matter. I'm willing…"
Out of all the things I learned on the Race, it's that obedience is the defining characteristic of true faith. That revelation was the foundation for everything else for me. I can still remember a conversation in the mountains of Honduras with one of my best friends. Looking over the beautiful landscape of mountains and watching the sun set behind, I looked at him and said, "Why do I get to do this?" — his response? "You said yes because of your love for the Lord…It's as easy as that".
Photo Cred: Jordan Hewitt
That word…"yes"…
It completely changed the course of my entire Race and life. From that moment forward, I tried [and failed a time or twenty] to always say yes to the things that God was asking. It wasn't always easy, but knowing my faith was dependent on being obedient, I pushed my pride and selfishness to the side so I could walk more with the plans that God has for me.
I can genuinely say now that if I hadn't have been willing to accept anything and everything He wanted to show me, I wouldn't be typing this blog right now. I'd be out doing the same things I was doing before I left last January.
So before I share the big news and jump into the whole, "So what's next?" question — let me take you on a quick flashback to Cambodia.
Cambodia was Month 5 on the Race for me. The whole month was centered around teaching English and the Word to kids at an after-school 'English Center'. From the first class, I knew it was my element. It was my wheelhouse. The kids [mostly 17-20 years old] stole my heart. I just didn't want to be their English teacher, I wanted to be a friend…a brother…a encourager to let them know that they have the power to change the world.
Needless to say, it remained one of my favorite countries and ministries of the entire Race. And truthfully speaking, I could definitely see me making another appearance there in the next couple years.
From the end of that month and going forward, I knew I was ready to start thinking about what was going to be next for me after the Race. I kept it on the radar and more and more, the Lord kept placing that age group of the kids I had in Cambodia on my heart.
I still can't put into words how easy it was to relate and how I could tell that the words and love I was showing was not just going in one ear and out the other, but it was hitting their soul.
Not knowing or having a single clue where to start with figuring out how to get back in an environment similar, somebody mentioned leading a Passport Trip [for those who don't know, a Passport Trip is pretty similar to the World Race. The biggest differences are that the Passport Trip is 3 months compared to 11 and it's strictly for kids 18-22].
I wasn't really sold at first, so I wrote it in my journal and promised God I'd pray more into it. As the months went by, the Lord kept placing leading a trip on my heart. I knew I could do it, but I just wasn't sure if it was meant for me. In an act of obedience, I decided I'd apply to lead a trip and told myself if it's going to happen, He'll allow it. I'll knock the interview out of the park and the AIM office will make it clear they want me.
As I applied, it felt natural. It was like this was the plan all along. For me to be at this point. It's pretty indescribable to know with full confidence you're walking in what the Lord has planned. That was what was happening.
After trying for weeks to set up an interview, I finally got a chance to Skype [from a rooftop in India with a guy in Gainesville, GA…how cool is that?] and go through the process of becoming a leader for a Passport Trip.
I was pretty sure it went great — Michael and I really connected and the conversation just seemed to flow naturally and be completely led by the Spirit. If nothing else, the conversation encouraged me to finish India and my last month on the Race strong…but there was more to it than that.
A couple days went by and I got the word…I was accepted and asked to lead a trip.
...at the end of January.
I know what you're thinking — "Whaaaat? You just got back! Where are you even going?"
To answer those questions…it's true. I'm going back out because I know I was asked to. I said yes to an entire year and it ended up being the most amazing year of my life. So why turn away from that now? Why not see what other revelations the Lord will show me?
As for the rest of the questions and specifically where I'll be going…I'm going to be traveling back to AFRICA. And I'm stoked. I have 100% peace about it and the Lord has already confirmed this is the place where I need to be going in this season of my life.
I'll be leaving on January 25th and heading to Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe and I'll return three months later in April.
I can't begin to put into words how much I'm looking forward to going back on the field and being able to not only lead a younger generation through some of the things they are walking in currently, but also learn from them and the exuberance that they bring towards life every single day.
I also can't put into words how thankful I am for every supporter, prayer warrior, family member and friend that has supported me for the last year. I seriously would not be here if it was not for each and every single one of you and the role that you played. You guys are world-changers and I plan on sending out a letter to all of you before I leave again.
Some more details about the trip coming up though…
Total cost to go is going to run me around $1500 [not including personal money]. That covers my travel insurance, plane tickets, etc. If you want to support me and partner up with me on this trip, you can hit the "Support Me!" tab on the left [or you can CLICK HERE] or you can mail a check/cash to the following address:
Kent Cranford
56 Nicklaus Trail
Petal, MS 39465
*Any and all donations will go directly to helping out with my partnership with Adventures In Missions*
You can also feel free to contact me via Facebook or you can hit the "Contact Me!" tab on the left side of the page if you have any more questions.
I can't wait to begin this next season of my journey with each of you.
God bless and Happy Holidays!
