I’ve said before that I’m not the biggest fan of short-term international mission trips. In high school, I went on three international mission trips. I went with an open mind and the best of intentions, yet if I could go back and re-do it. I would have done it all so differently. The Lord used us and our efforts, but at times I wish I could back and re-do it differently.
The more time I spend abroad and the more people I meet the more I have felt convicted about short-term mission trips. I’ve seen them done well, and I’ve seen them done poorly. I’ve seen people waltz in with the biggest savior complex and I’ve seen people humbly pick up a towel just to love others. I’ve had friends that have been greatly blessed as the result of global missions and friends that have been deeply wounded by the same efforts.
I go back and forth about it. I struggle with it. Yet, the reality is as Christians we’re called to missions. & so what does that look like for a student in college graduating with a social work degree? That, I’m not fully sure. But that was the hardest part for me about committing to the World Race.
The last thing I wanted to do was travel the world, in the name of Christ with great intentions hoping to love and serve others, while ultimately hurting people. I asked tons of questions, but when it was all said and done, I simply had to trust the Lord. Trust Him that He was calling me to the World Race and that if I would simply be obedient that He would take care of the rest.
& so, as you know, I went for it and committed to going. Watching the Lord continue to bring peace and confirm this in my heart and mind has been one of the coolest things. Since committing to go on the World Race, I’ve been able to take the 3 people on 3 different continents who are serving the Lord in a variety of ways and have had people from the World Race and come serve alongside them. Every single people said that having World Race participants come work and minister alongside them was one of the biggest blessings for them. Which is such a relief, knowing that the work I’ll be doing isn’t just good, but it’s helpful, encouraging, and wanted by the people serving on the ground day in and day out.
Secondly, I find it both comforting and depressing that of the 4 million Americans that go on various mission-related trips a year, 75% of these trips do not meet the standards of the U.S. Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission. That’s a pretty high statistic based on economics, ethical principles, integrity, and Biblical principles, however, the World Race meets all their standards with flying colors. The World Race partners with over 1,000 organizations worldwide and 97% of them said they want to work with participants on the World Race again.
While I am in no way saying the World Race is perfect. No mission organization will ever be perfect, only Jesus was and is perfect. I’m thankful for all the ways the Lord is reminding me that this is a trustworthy and credible organization to go and serve the Lord alongside. I’m thankful for the confirmation that He is giving to me, through three small converations and some pretty cool statstics. It makes me all the more excited to go and serve.
Please continue to pray for me in the days and weeks to come as I continue to prepare for the World Race spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically.
“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all people!” 1 Chronicles 16:24
XOXO, Lauren
