Three years ago, I heard a whisper that stirred my heart and even turned my stomach! God had spoken to me to take up the challenge and get out of the comforts of my life. My answer was a definite yes! Asking God to change my life is a guarantee He’ll ask me to go somewhere or do something I wouldn’t normally want or choose to do. It led me to the cross where it led Jesus- a place that is not pretty or comfortable. Rather, it’s a painful process that strips selfishness, pride and fear- all that leave a soul dry and unsatisfied.
I’ve opened my mind and life for the spirit to lead, regardless of what others may think or assume about me. I decided to live a life which never limits God and what He can do in us and through us. And I heard Him ask me to GO. Go make disciples, go heal the sick, and go teach of His love towards people.
The World Race is a stretching journey into 11 countries in 11 months to serve “the least of these” while amongst real and raw community. This unique mission trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for a worldview that teaches it’s not about me; it’s about the Kingdom. I will be seeing different cultures, not having a home, and working with community. I’m fully aware that my life is a journey of transformation, and the goal is to become increasingly more like Jesus.
Francis Chan accurately describes how my heart feels…
As for me, I am tired of talking about what we are going to do. I am sick of talking about helping people, of brainstorming and conferencing about ways we can be radical and make sacrifices. I don’t want to merely talk anymore. Life is too short. I don’t want to speak about Jesus; I want to know Jesus. I want to be Jesus to people. I don’t want just to write about the Holy Spirit; I want to experience His presence in my life in a profound way.
So I ask for prayer. As I launch on this journey in January 2016 to 11 different countries for 11 months. The countries include: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand. What we’ll do each month will vary based on the ministries each team is sent to. It could be anything from teaching English, working with orphans, volunteering in hospitals, doing construction work, befriending women and children who have been victims of human trafficking, working alongside long-term missionaries and churches, etc. Most importantly, our goal will be to tune into what the Holy Spirit says about each place we go.
I will face many challenges all throughout the World Race, but as I prepare for my departure, one of my greatest challenges is my financial support. Like most other missions organizations, World Race participants are required to fundraise financial support. I need to raise $16,267. This money will cover all of my field expenses for the 11 months of the trip.
I’ll also be posting on my blogs throughout the time I’ll be on the field. Here’s the link to my blog where you can also make donations towards my trip: kristinakalmikov.theworldrace.org
I want to thank each of you ahead of time for partnering with me prayerfully and financially to further God’s Kingdom through this World Race He’s called me to be a part of. It truly means the world to me!
Sincerely,
Kristina Kalmikov
