I think one of the first things that people want to know when I tell them that I’m going on the World Race is why. Totally understandable and a question I want to answer here. So Kim, why are you going on the World Race? You have a solid job and church community – why are you leaving for 11 months to do mission work overseas when you have a mission field right where you are?
Well, thanks for asking. That is a great question.
Let me just start by saying that this was not a spontaneous decision to quit my job and vacation for 11 months. Nope, not it. Go ahead and strike through that. Because first of all, it wasn’t a decision I made on a whim, and secondly, it sure won’t be a “vacation.” I know what those are and this doesn’t meet that criteria.
I first heard about the World Race well over a year ago and thought it sounded like something that would be a great experience…but not something I initially felt God calling me to. So I let it sit on the back burner, not giving it much thought or consideration, as I prayed about and processed this current and next season of my life. There were a few things I’d figured out about myself over the last 2-3 years and a few things I knew I needed to step into. After spending some time teaching and leading youth (both at school and church), I knew that I had a heart for people and discipleship. I knew that I wanted to be in ministry building and equipping the body of Christ and I knew, more importantly, that I was growing too comfortable where I was and needed to be stretched.
If you know anything about me, you know that traveling, and consequently missions, are a part of who I am. During this period of reflection and evaluation, I went on a fun trip to Alaska, and while I was out there taking in all of God’s beauty, he spoke to me and simply told me to “go.” Up until this point I had been seriously considering YWAM London, but I knew this command to “go” was not to London, where I have been specifically desiring to go, but instead to the nations – through the World Race.
That was my call. As I poured over their website and looked at all of the routes, I knew that God had a specific route in mind for me, one that combined all of my passions and desires. And as I continued to pray about it, he revealed it to me. I have always wanted to serve in Africa caring for orphans, I have had a growing desire to minister to girls and women trapped in human trafficking, and I have a huge burden for seeing the Father’s restorative love and hope brought back to the people in Europe. I know that through the World Race I will have the opportunity to change the world, but I know that God will also change me. So why would I ever say no to an opportunity like that?
