This is the story of how my life course changed to following the Lord into my next season, going on The World Race. I know that the journey began on that day, not in January when I launch. The journey started the day the Lord presented this to me and I said yes.
This story really starts 11 months ago on a Sunday night in December. I was hanging out with two of my friends, as we did every Sunday night for the past year. We had been there for each other in seasons of life that were tough, some that were easier. We three had laughed and cried with and for each other, spoke life to each other, prayed for each other. The Lord had been so good to us, blessing us with such an awesome season of friendship between us, that he knew we needed. On that night, however, as we were laughing and enjoying time together, the Lord spoke one sentence to me “This season is about to change.”
That was all He said. My heart sank, as I knew part of what He was referring to was the times that our friend group had was going to change. The Lord was getting ready to move us to where He wanted us next. I had no Idea what that meant.
As the next few weeks went by I quite often remembered and began praying into that word which was spoken to me. “Lord what are you talking about?” “What is coming next?” and even “Why does this have to change?”, all these and more I asked the Lord, while I was preparing for my summer Mission trips to Mexico and Haiti.
When I had come into a deeper relationship with Christ at the age of 19, one of the things he quickly gave to me. was a heart for people to come to know the Lord. I led bible studies, and learned to love on friends who weren’t Christians. This was then followed by a heart for the nations and when I started traveling outside the US and saw what the Lord was doing in different corners of the world, I was in! This is what my heart was about! Seeing people come to know him and having their lives forever changed!
Coming back to May 2015 I was pressing in and asking the Lord what was coming. (As you may know, He doesn’t usually give the details when you want them. Still love Him though.) I was so ready and willing. I have learned that following his lead and course for your life is the best option, and I wanted to be obedient. One of my friends shared with me that he would be staying in Mexico as the rest of our team came back. I was so excited for him! Thrilled! I was so sad that he would be leaving our friend trio, but I knew this was a God ordained time for him. I still hadn’t heard the Lord tell me what was happening with me though.
All of that backstory that brings me to that one day in May. The kids that I nanny were sleeping and I stumbled across the survey “Think You Have What It Takes To Go?”. I took the survey and within 24 hours I had an email stating that someone would contact me to talk more about the World Race. I had no idea that they actually looked at those survey results! Much less sent out an email after you took it!
I have had a few friends that had gone on the race before. I was definitely curious about it, I just never knew that it would be something that the Lord would lead me to. Its honestly not what I had planned.
Funny how what we don’t have planned it usually what the Lord has planned. Good thing that He is God and not me.
The incredible thing is that when I finished taking the survey and received the email, I felt alive again. I hadn’t realized that some dreams, and passions in my heart for the Lord and his plans for my life had become dormant and deadlike. I loved where I was serving in my church (Its a wonderful church!) I love the kids, and the students and my friends, but it was like I was sleeping. I felt hope again. Much like the time when Ezekiel spoke for life to return to the bones in the desert I experienced that in my soul that day. (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
I was excited. I began researching immediately more in depth of what The World Race and AIM was, and what their heartbeat was and I was amazed! It was as if they had listened to so many of my conversations with friends and family that I had about missions and what the Lord had called me to do in ministry (in living differently that the American Dream….that can be explained in a different blog on another day). So of course I began praying and seeking counsel. I talked with some of my closest friends and their excitement for me was astounding. One yelled at me, but in a good way. My parents were also thrilled! (My dad also happy yelled). Everyone I talked to was supportive. 100% Support. I knew this was what the Lord was talking about when he spoke to me about change. I could sense his smile and excitement for me as well.
I knew that this was going to require a insane amount of faith to walk out. I wasn’t afraid. I was humbled and nervous because my heart is to serve my King well. I knew my God was big enough to supply all of my needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I’m so excited to partner with you in this exciting opportunity. I will be sharing more in the next few days what the waiting season was like before I got the call that said “You’ve been accepted!” To an unexpected injury and what the Lord did at training camp.
I’m so humbled to be chosen to go and take the Hope of this world to people in 11 different countries. I look forward to giving rest to ministries around the world who are tired and need help carrying the load. I don’t take it lightly. I know I have a lot to learn and will not be the same person when I return. Its not possible to be the same. However I can’t go without you. You have an amazing opportunity to support me as I answer the call. Your prayers are coveted and if you are led to support financially please click the link above!
I love you all so much!
