This is my story about the best decision I ever made, the one that matters the most to not only me, but people all over the world (I know it is long but every word is worth reading):
I struggled with the decision to do the World Race for awhile. Starting in January 2014, I was at the Passion Conference and God kept telling me that He called me to a better place than where I was. I searched for answers trying to figure out what to do next in my life. I kept saying yes to every opportunity presented to me and by the spring I felt an overwhelming heaviness in my soul. I was tired and drained to the core. I felt as if I was giving God everything and my answers were not being met. I took a daring step and decided to travel across America with two of my best friends to Alaska. As soon as we stepped off the plane this past June, my soul felt excited. A couple days into our trip, the three of us set off on a hiking and camping trip in one of the Alaskan fishing towns. I had never been on a trip before where we carried everything that we would need on our backs. After a struggling hike, we finally made it to the beach where we set up camp. The beauty that surrounded us was indescribable and worth every minute of hardship it took to get there. I took many pictures, but looking back at them now does not compare to what was before my eyes then. God had awakened a desire in my heart to travel and experience His beauties all around the world, but I did not tell anybody about it. When I returned home, I did not know what to do and I went back to the same routine of saying yes to every opportunity. By September I found myself in Washington D.C. for a meeting about graduate school in the field of forensic psychology. The whole time I was there I felt like that I was where I was assumed to be by societies standards. After you graduate college it is almost expectant of you to either get a job or go to grad school, but neither of those decisions sat well in my heart. It was not long after that D.C. trip that God finally began to open my eyes.
One night later in September, I was sitting by a camp fire surrounded by girls. We were sharing our dreams with one another and the places where we felt God calling us to be. I remember telling one of the girls that she needed to say yes to the right opportunity and for once actually follow her dreams. She needed to stop saying yes to everything, and instead needed to say the preeminent yes to her God given dream. I remember sitting there and feeling like a hypocrite because I was refusing to do just that in my own life. The very next day at church, the sermon was on being the person who bridges a gap between God and the people of the world. I never felt more compelled to do something than I had in that moment. God was and is calling me to connect the gap between the people of the world who need Him the most and Himself. All along I believe God has been leading me up to that moment, where I had to decide whether or not to be His person, or to go on living life the way society defines it. I said the best yes that I have yet and decided to apply for the World Race. When I was accepted, there was a peace in my soul that is indefinable. God had finally given me His vision.
The World Race is more than a mission trip to me. It is a calling placed on my heart by God alone. It is fully giving up my comfort zone and the safety of home in replace for a season spent serving God, experiencing indescribable beauties, and loving people all around the world. In the book, The Best Yes, Lysa Terheurst says it best, “I think it’s important to understand this soul thing isn’t about us. It isn’t about selfish ambitions or vain conceits. It’s giving voice to what otherwise just stays a quiet whisper locked inside. It’s about letting out that cry of passion God entrusted to you. It’s about letting it all the way out so as to touch others, help others, and bless others.” This dream I have was never about me. It has always been about God using me to reach people who need Him the most. And I’m so blessed that God has entrusted in me a dream that I believe will bring so many people to know Him and a soul satisfaction within me that only He can give. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes me and the impact God will have on me, people around the world, and you.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:14-16
I’m going to be a light for God all over the world and I hope you will find where God wants you to be the light too.
Love always,
Melissa Presley
P.S. You can be a part of my journey by praying for me and supporting me financially by clicking on the “Support Me” tab, any amount given will help me be a light for God. Please subscribe to my blog to be sure you get the latest updates of what is sure to be an epic adventure with the Lord in every way imaginable! Last but not least, due to the large amount of money I need to raise please feel free to share about my trip to any and all those in your life and church who feel especially called to helping missionaries fulfill the plans God has laid before them
