As I sit down to write this first blog post, so many emotions are racing through me. Excitement. Fear. Passion. Pain. Reality. Trust. I’ve been waiting for this moment to come where I can share with you all this next journey in life that the Lord has called me to! Commitment is a scary thing for me….. I struggle with the fear of failure, and I especially struggle with it when the whole world knows and something big is on the line. So believe me, what I’m about to tell you is HUGE for me.
If you didn’t already know– college graduation has come and gone, and I am no longer an “enrolled” student. Things have settled down back at home, but in this process my heart has been restless. Leading up to this point I’ve had my fair share of spiritual warfare and I’ve been attacked by the lies that I have no purpose or value. I will admit some days I have really failed and have believed those lies, falling into self-pity and loneliness. But in the days that I have fixed my eyes on Jesus, the Lord has been so gracious to clothe me with His truth and to give me a glimpse and passion for the purpose He has for me to shine for His glory.
This next news may be shocking for some, and some of you might already know. But after a TON of prayer and even tears, I have been accepted AND have committed to do the World Race in January 2016. I will be traveling to 11 countries in 11 months doing missions. What I truly love about the World Race and what stood out from other trips, is that this isn’t just a mission’s trip but also a discipleship program designed to train and launch this generation into our calling for the kingdom. Through the World Race, my team will be serving in partnerships with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution through human trafficking, and bring the restorative hope for the Father’s love to many tribes and nations!
I’m SO pumped to announce that I’ll be traveling to South Africa, Botswana, Madagascar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala!
Now in spilling all that big news I’ll be the first to admit: I feel like I’m the least qualified for this trip– and I say that in the most humble way and sincerely out of lack of experience. I have NO idea, personally, what it’s like to be out of the country. Plus the length of this journey, let alone the cost, is something that at moments really terrifies me. But through it all, I am so confident and so sure that the Lord is leading me in this! I know He will provide and even though it brings nerves I’m thrilled to see the Lord do miraculous things!
What is required is WAY beyond my ability and capability to do on my own. It will require trust in the Lord WAY beyond what I’ve ever had to rely on Him for. It’ll require obedience, sacrifice and surrender. LOTS and LOTS of surrender. I know that our life is a ministry and the Lord can use us wherever we are. I also know that there are opportunities of shorter missions as well…. But, my desire and passion has grown to step out beyond the border of my current trust in the Lord. To step out of what is familiar and easy. To step out and to say goodbye to my comfy comfort zone and to allow the Lord to shape and mold me in an entirely new way. I know this journey is going to be hard and such a life-changing experience of my life. All that I am and all that I have is worth sacrificing to take up my cross and follow Jesus in this.
I’m sharing my heart with you and explaining this opportunity because I know I cannot do this on my own. Although I still struggle with the fear of failing–with not having the funds or messing up in some way– I know this requires me to step out in obedience and ask for your help. I cannot do this without a heart that is aimed on Christ and without having the support from those willing to be obedient and come along side me in this journey!
You can make a donation (which is tax deductible by the way) by clicking the ‘support me’ tab at the top of my page! You can also subscribe to my blog and follow my journey through this season of preparation as well as my journey during The World Race!
Brothers and sisters, whether I know you deeply or don’t know you at all, you are treasured and loved! I am so excited to share with you my heart, the people and experiences along the way. I am so grateful for each and every one of you!
In Him,
Mariah 🙂
