My World Race story started all the way back at a church conference at the end of 2013. I met a guy that is actually on the race right now. I remember thinking about how crazy he was for taking on such a trip immediately following his graduation from college. To be completely honest, after I left the conference, I never thought anymore about The World Race. Fast forward all the way to this past March, and that’s when God started to speak into my life in a way that I have never before experienced. I was laying on my bed in my apartment, and didn’t hear God, but I actually felt him speak into me. And from that point on I’ve felt as though the words “World Race” have been seared into my heart. (I know that sounds ridiculous, especially with 1,025,109 words in the english language, but that’s the best I can do) I did my best to ignore what had happened to me, but it was impossible. I wrestled with God for months. Finally, after a few months I was exhausted, and I decided to submit to the will of God. I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I usually know what’s best for me. That’s why it’s so difficult to give up control, especially when God is calling you to do something so radical. I made a deal with God a long time ago. I said, “God, I’ll go anywhere and do anything You ask me to, just as long as You don’t ask me to go to Africa.” Africa is hot, Africa doesn’t have much clean water, Africa has starving kids, Africa has a very high AIDS rate, oh and did I mention, Africa is hot? But of course almost a third of my trip will be on the continent of Africa. God probably laughs at us when we try to outsmart Him and make deals with Him. I am in a season of life that is requiring more faith than at any other point in my life and it is hard. Very hard. I believe God has a plan for each of us and I refuse to allow fear to cause me to miss mine. I will be bold. I will be faithful. And I will be courageous. Not because of who I am, but because of whose I am. Starting in August of 2016 my everyday life will look completely different. Being out of the country for 11 months will be challenging, but I know I will have the creator of the entire universe watching over me with His hand of protection. That doesn’t mean this process isn’t overwhelming and scary, but knowing that we will be facilitating the opportunity for people to have an authentic relationship with Jesus is the lasting legacy I want to leave behind.
