Most of us have read or seen “The Hobbit” at some point in our lives. If you haven’t and really don’t want to have it spoiled, stop here, go watch it, and come back.
In the first Chapter “An Unexpected Journey”, Bilbo Baggins, the stories main character, lives in his lovely hobbit hole in the shire. A beautiful place unknowing of the evils of the outside world. When he was young he adventured to the edges of the shire, explored. But in his older age, Bilbo grew lazy, content living in his happy home eating more than three square meals a day and only worrying about himself. The adventurer was still there, just suppressed, buried deep inside. Then one day a wizard named Gandalf arrives at his house, completely unannounced. Shortly after, a dwarf knocks on his door, then another, a few more, until 13 dwarves and a wizard are in Bilbo’s dining area making a ruckus and eating all of his food. The purpose? Gandalf is there to convince Bilbo to go on an epic adventure. A quest to reclaim a fallen kingdom, slay a dragon, and win some gold.
I wish my testimony had more flare, more zing, more flavor. My walk with God began when I was -9 months old. I was raised in a middle class, loving, Christian family. I’ve always considered myself to be an “Average Christian”. Occasionally attend church but also opting to stay home to watch football. Try to say my prayers at night and through the day. Avoid sin and temptation the best I can. I follow the standard operating procedures that many follow. Slowly though I have grown lazy. Content with my relationship with God, which is odd.
I’ve always had a problem with the mundane. Even when I was little I asked my mom “Why can’t church be more like ChuckeCheese”? So why is it that lately I have been so content with my relationship with God? Why have I grown lazy?
That’s the question I prayed about. “God help me grow, help me become better, I don’t want to be content.”
God knocked at my door.
I laughed when I made the connection. I will be living out the fantasy I have read since elementary school. Me, a short, curly-headed, unassuming creature, and my fellowship of strangers, will follow God across the world to reclaim his kingdom, fight the demons and evil throughout the world, and search for the heavenly treasure.
In January 2016 I will embark on an 11 month mission trip to 11 countries. Stopping at each country for about 30 days.
Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina.
The work I will do in these places is a mystery. It will change month to month, week to week, day to day. I may assist in the planting of a church, play with orphans, befriend prostitutes, pray for victims of sex slavery, or tasks I haven’t yet imagined. Tasks God has not yet revealed
I do need help though. I face the first daunting task of my journey as you are reading this blog. Fundraising. I have to raise $16,562 by April 30th 2016. I ask that if you are reading this to pray for me throughout this process and the trip itself. I would truly greatly appreciate it. Also I ask you to consider donating to my cause. Any amount helps! there are onetime and monthly options available. Just click the support me tab on the left side of the screen and follow the simple steps. Easy as that! I also ask that you tell your friends about this cause and refer them to this site. Word of mouth is a powerful tool.
I do not know what lies ahead. If I did then the journey wouldn’t be unexpected.
I am done being content
I’m going on an adventure!
