When I started the race, I wondered what impact it could have on the people I was leaving behind. I was hopeful that the Lord could use it in big ways, and not only in the places I’d be traveling to. I still am.
I’m learning that the act of choosing the race isn’t really enough. Sure, the Lord can ultimately use anything. I just believe that it also requires bold actions along with it. Even with the people close to you. And those conversations are the hardest, in my opinion.
A lot of the typical ministry that happens here in Nkhata Bay revolves around school. Now that we are in the middle of the holiday season, our mornings have completely freed up this week. We have been taking the time in the mornings to worship and see what the Lord has for us. One of the mornings this week, our team lead, Zach, asked us to pray for a name of someone here in Malawi that we could potentially interact with that day.
As we sat and worshipped, someone from back in the states came to mind. I kept thinking about them, and then immediately got frustrated, wondering why I was so distracted. Then I realized that I actually wasn’t distracted. The Lord was speaking to me.
After, we went around and spoke the names on our hearts, and I told them that it actually wasn’t anyone in Malawi. I told them that I wanted to call this person and share my heart with them.
I eventually was able to call, and I remember the peace I felt leading up to it. Normally those type of conversations are the most difficult since you actually know the person. It’s almost easier to walk up to a complete stranger in a random country, knowing that if they reject you, you’ll probably never seen them again anyway.
The Lord convicted me to tell them to follow Jesus again. I am confident that they have met the Lord at some point in their life a long time ago, and I want them so badly turn back to Him. I encouraged them to just start seeking Jesus. To pray to Him (which I I learned that they actually already had, and I’m confident that’s why the Lord put them on my heart to answer that prayer). To surround themselves with people that love Him.
The Lord showed up that day more than I have ever seen in my life. It is my favorite day of the Race so far, because it was so raw with someone dear to me.
So as I sit here, staring out at Lake Malawi, I have to end by stating the same to you. I don’t now where you are in life. I have no idea if you love Jesus. I have no idea what things you’ve experienced in your past.
I do know that I want nothing more than for you to know Him. He is SO worth knowing intimately. Seek Him. You won’t regret it.
Follow my personal blog at https://lindseykappler.wordpress.com/blogposts/
