This is Binida, and her beautiful baby girl. When I first saw Bindia I was instantly drawn to her. The joy, strength and confidence she exudes, I knew she had a story. I asked her one day on the bus, “Whats your story Binida? I know you have one.” I was right of course. She grew up in India with a Hindu family, when she was a teenager she came to know Jesus. “My father hates Christians.” she said “When people ask my father about his oldest daughter, he says i’m dead.” My eyes widened.. “But God is faithful!” She proclaimed. Binida now dedicates her life to ministry, raising her daughter as a single mother. She has this desperation for Jesus that is absolutely beautiful, clinging to Him, and depending on Him for everything. Trusting Him with everything.
When I first announced that I was doing the World Race to friends and family, I got a lot responses that sounded like this “The world is not in a safe place right now.” “What about you film career?” “What about all the diseases?” “Christians get prosecuted in other countries!”
When I hear stories like Bindia’s, or read scripture and hear the words of Jesus, I come to realize that we are not called to be safe. No, the world is not in a safe place right now, and yes I will be going to countries that don’t allow Christianity and are full of deadly diseases, but Matthew 10:28 tell us to not fear the things that can destroy the body, but fear what can destroy the soul: complacency, comfort, and ignorance.
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[a] 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?[b] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 10:28-33
I am much more terrified of living a comfortable life and failing to follow Jesus than I am of any illness or tragedy.
I am so blessed to be here, at this time with these people, on this adventure. The World Race has opened my eyes to what it means to truly be a follower of Jesus, the cost it takes..but how its so worth it. And it doesn’t stop after these 11 months! Even when I am back in America, for the rest of my life I will be called into dangerous situations, but I count it Joy for the sake of Christ!
No we are not called to be safe, but we are called to love. To love God, with everything! And to love those around us. To be scattered seeds among many nations, spreading the love of Jesus, proclaiming to good news. These words are often said, but please think about what they truly mean, they hold much weight.
–On a side note with safety. If you are ever in Nepal and you go to the monkey temple and you have a little girl in your arms who’s eating an apple…before you enter the temple with mean, apple grabbing monkeys, BEFORE…either have her finish the apple or throw it away…(Im so sorry about her apple Binida..”
