Hi Everyone!
I am beyond excited for the World Race to be a part of my life. It seems like I have been waiting for this type of adventure my entire life and I can’t wait to see what God has in store!
A little bit about me:
My name is Melissa Presley. I have a love for reading fairytales and for creating my own adventures. Growing up in Virginia Beach, I spent every summer staring at the water and waiting for the moment I was called to chase my dreams across the sea. I have always been a dreamer and believe that following your dreams that are in line with God’s plan is the GREATEST adventure in life. When dreams are accomplished there is a satisfaction that is like no other.
My heart has continuously been for serving other people. I have spent a lot of time in my life trying to find my “call” through many different ministries such as jail, anti-human trafficking, youth, children, women, and camp. What I found is that my soul was most happily content in moments of serving others. I love the part in scripture that talks about serving:
Matthew 25:34-40 (NLT):
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
How My Journey & The World Race Began:
Once upon a time there was a young girl who dreamed of adventures across the sea. She spent her summers creating adventures in her mind that would take her to the ends of the earth. She imagined meeting people from all around the world and learning about different cultures. Then she grew up and life happened. Those dreams were replaced with school, struggles, work, and demands by society. Her dreams kept getting farther and farther away. God stepped in and interrupted her life. She fell more in love with Him and her focus began to completely shifted towards His plan for her life. As she grew closer to God, her dreams became to the front of her mind and they started aligning with His plan for her life. The woman began to focus on the future and things to do after college graduation. Graduate school seemed like a good idea at first, but she was never satisfied with that choice. The woman began to dream again and a friend told her about the World Race. That friend did not know that they would be a part in changing the woman’s future forever. The more she heard about the World Race, the more she knew that this was her next big journey that God had planned for her. Her dreams across the sea are now a reality and it is the BEST THING EVER!
