Since many of you have heard how I feel about the world race, I wanted to show you all how different people from my race are perceiving the crazy adventure we are about to go on together.
There are days when I don’t want to fund raise and there are days where I don’t know if I will be able to get the money needed in order to go on the race. The verse that constantly keeps me calm and reminds me that God is there is the first bible verse I memorized when I became a Christian. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 God has me and my life in his hands no matter what and I am trusting him with all I have. -McKenna Flood from Iowa
God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called. Whenever I doubt my ability to affect all of the people we meet I proclaim this freedom myself! God is so good and he wants ME to be his hands and feet?! It is so amazing that God wants broken people to do his work, he doesn’t expect us to have it all together, he wants to break out hearts and build them back together with his unfailing love! That is why I have never doubted my decision to do the race no matter how stressful the fundraising is. -Brooke-Anne Townson from Florida
There have been multiple verses, quotes, and statements that have been impactful to me during this time, but something that has stood out the most is a name, Jehovah Nissi, which means the Lord is my banner. The Lord hasn’t created me to have a spirit of fear so through these times of the unknown and difficulties I want to keep saying yes to the Lord and fighting for Him, and the World Race is an opportunity for me to do that. I’ve been able to learn that the World Race Gap Year is going to be filled with battles, and it’ll be difficult but He has kept reminding me that He goes into battle before and alongside us. So I’m excited for where the Lord is going to take me during the World Race because I have no idea what it’s going to look like but I know that we are going in His name and through His power and strength His name will be lifted up and His will be done! -Avery Jones from South Carolina
All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should. God sees that justice is done, and he watches over everyone who is faithful to him. Proverbs 2:6-8 The reason these verses mean a lot to me is because when I was thinking about what the next step for me to take in life was, my friend told me that true wisdom comes from God. That him me super hard. Going to college to get all the head knowledge is pointless compared to gaining God’s wisdom and understanding. When it came down to it I really wanted to pursue what I thought would bring me closer to him. I really felt that the race was it. Verse 6 really applies to that, but as I kept reading verse 8 stuck out a lot with some things that happened this year. Remaining faithful to him and staying grounded in him even though there are days I want to cave to my sinful self, but realize God will bring the justice to my situation in the end. -Destiny Brubaker from Ohio
Here I am with open hands, I have nothing left to prove, God I give it all to you. -Kat Wikner from Iowa
Let no one despise you for your youth, bet set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 God has such a great plan on my life and is going to use me even though I am young. I will be 19 on the race and I am believing that God will work through me to reach those who are lost! It doesn’t matter what age people are, God can always use others to change the world. -Luba Eady from Alabama
One of my most favorite sections of the bible has been Psalm 91. A ground called Shane and Shane sings it, and my favorite part of the song is verse 5, which declares, “you will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” This verse resonates with me in a monumental way in regards to going on the World Race and even just going to training camp in about 7 months. The process of applying, fundraising and all the things with the race have pointed out to me that I can be a very fearful person. Afraid of change, afraid of the unknowns, afraid of conquering fears. This verse speaks to my heart and reminds me that God didn’t call me to this for no reason, and definitely didn’t call me to this just to be afraid of what it entails. He will be with me no matter where in the world I lay my head down and He will always be the one who protects me. -Abby Easley from Texas
Mark 16:5 “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all nations.” This is a straight command from God on why we are to do, so no better way than to go into nations. I cannot wait to serve alongside each of my team members in building God’s Kingdom. -Ahava Lewis from Louisiana
These different views about the world race are from a very small portion of the team members I will be serving with for 9 months. I cannot wait to tell you more about them as I get to meet them in July.
Before the year is over, I want to say thank you to all of you who have donated, although my blog doesn’t show it I have raised about 3,500 dollars! However I still have a long way to go so any amount you can donate would be phenomenal. Have a fantastic New Years day and I pray that God blesses all of you in 2018.
