Being a senior in college, whenever I meet someone new or reunite with friends, their first question is always, “So what’re you going to do after you graduate?”
Some people I earnestly tell that I will be going on the World Race because I know they will be excited for me and what God is doing. For others, I have to admit that I can feel rather reluctant to tell them what I’m doing. There are times when I will try to make it sound less like a missions trip and more like a volunteering opportunity. Or I’ll only explain what I’ll be doing before the World Race: Living in my mom’s basement and working. (Keeping it classy, right?)
As I go into this time of my life where I will be asked about my future by almost every person I come in contact with, I wanted to honestly state for myself and for you, friend, why I decided to do the World Race.
- For the past year and a half I have felt God calling me to do this.
I’m a big planner and planning my future is one of my favorite hobbies. While I had many plans and back-up plans, God had a different agenda. When I started feeling called to this, I was confused.
I’ve only slept in a tent maybe six times tops, God. I hate seafood and other weird foods. I like to do things that I want to do when I want to do them and that doesn’t sound possible on this trip.
And, of course, the biggest excuse of all:
I really love Japan and getting to know Japanese people and studying Japanese. How about I apply to a few missions trips in Japan and that can be our halfway point, right?
As time goes on, I’m growing more and more excited to see God’s plan play out
2. Ever since I can remember, Asia has been a huge passion of mine.
If you couldn’t already tell, I love Japan. But I also love other Asian cultures and have been to several countries in Asia, which has only fueled the fire. When I applied to the World Race there wasn’t a doubt in my mind (well… there was a little bit) that I would apply to the all-Asian route. I feel very blessed that all of next year I will be serving people in these Asian countries, learning more about them and their cultures, and experiencing how God works in Asia!
- Disciples multiplying disciples and disciples discipling disciples.
As Christians we are called to make disciples and to build one-another up. Not only will I be spending my time evangelizing in a variety of ways, but I will also be growing in community with my teammates (the group of people I am with for the whole trip). The World Race is an intensive discipleship program that will help me to grow and to encourage others to grow.
- While I know I can grow in my relationship with God wherever I am, I can only imagine how much more it will grow when I’m completely outside of my comfort zone.
At home, it’s so easy for me to enjoy the good parts of life, but block out the bad. For example, if I get into an argument with a friend, I can easily just go back to my apartment, lock the door, make some popcorn, and binge watch Japanese dramas. On the World Race, I’ve heard popcorn and dramas aren’t as readily available and that conflict-resolution (AH!) is a part of daily life. When I’m facing these issues I am also coming face-to-face with my personal struggles and sins.
Why am I jealous of this person? Why did I get upset about that? Why do I feel inadequate?
With no comforts and distractions to fall back on, my only option (as it should be!) will be to go to God.
One month and two days ago I finally said “yes” to what I felt God was calling me to do. In eight months and 28 days I will be leaving on the World Race. While preparing for this journey, I know I’m already on it and have already seen God work in great ways. So for the next 272, the 11 months after that, and the time beyond I’ll continue to learn by going where I have to go.
