2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith; not by sight"
Here I am. Standing on the edge of a ledge overlooking a huge chasm, scared to death about taking a leap of faith, hoping and praying that the impossible can happen. That when I leap, the cornerstone will break my fall and his path will lead me across what seems impassible. The World Race Missions trip is an eleven month journey spanning three continents, and is a completely selfless leap of faith.
With that being said, I have a confession to make. I have sponsored a child for almost a decade and have never brought myself to write him. He is a beautiful young boy named Nicholas from Zimbabwe. Intermittently throughout the years, I get updates on his life. Letters from him telling me how he lives in a mud hut, raises chickens, walks miles to school, and loves porridge. Letters thanking a stranger who funnels money to him and his community every month. I didn't know how to respond. What could I say? Tell him how I am truly blessed to be where I am, how I enjoy rich meals and have plenty left over to go bad in my fridge; how I have a closet full of clothes for every occasion; how I can travel the world on a whim; how I can walk into a doctor's office today and get the healthcare I need for FREE. I couldn't tell him that. His life seemed like a make believe world of suffering and I could turn a blind eye of indifference knowing that I was doing my part by donating some of my easily earned dollars.
I finally asked myself, is my money really saving his life? Or could one letter, despite years of dollars really be what he is waiting for? Or if I could go there and see him myself, could one hug bring hope into his heart. If I could just hold him and tell him that I love him, and how truly precious he is to God, would that be worth more than a lifetime of dollars? I think it would. I felt guilty that I didn't write, but even more guilty that I wasn't willing to put myself in his shoes and walk a mile. Despite all this, I know that God still loves me. But I now know that with all these blessings comes a greater obligation to give, not just my dollars but myself. As a Christian saved by grace, I think it's about time I put my money where my mouth is. It's time to stop preaching and start reaching. So not only am I going to walk a mile in his shoes, I'll walk thousands across this beautiful fallen Earth.
This is why I'm doing The World Race. Because complacency is dangerous, and ignorance is not bliss. I am buying a tent, leaving my ridiculously comfortable bed, all the luxuries afforded to me in this amazing country I live, and going out to show the love of God. And guess what, I'm also licking that stamp and sending my first letter to Nicholas, because for once in my life I can be proud of what I have to tell him.
For information on how you can walk with me on this amazing journey please visit my Support Me! link, and subscribe to my blog. I truly believe that we can reach our goal before my launch date in January. With that being said, if you can't donate then please support me in prayer. Prayers are as powerful as dollars, because prayers from the faithful get His undivided attention. I personally pray for support however it may come, and my heart rests in solace knowing that the words were for me when He says “whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith”.
