This past week we’ve had the privilege of having Laura Frankenfield join us here in Palenque.
Laura was one of the 2006 World Racers and has spent this week helping us to prepare for this next year.
Laura, 23 years old from Abilene, TX, initially heard about the World Race through a friend who had participated in previous Adventures in Missions projects.
She immediately told another friend, Jessica Friske, about the opportunity and they both signed up.
A part of the first World Race team, Laura shared advice and wisdom to help us prepare for our upcoming adventure.
When asked about one of the biggest lessons learned, Laura was able to sum the year up in one word:
loss.
This lesson started simple with the realization that many of the “things” of this world – the materialism and stuff we grab with our hands – were unnecessary and no longer desired.
From there, the lesson expanded to the understanding that nothing truly belongs to us in this world.
She explained how freedom came with those lessons and how she eventually gained the ability to trust the Lord – knowing that
He was
enough.
Simple stated:
“He’s sovereign, but he’s also good.”
Additionally, Laura relayed another lesson that she learned while the Racers were in India.
Their local contact there described to them the differences that he saw between the Western Church and the Eastern Church.
The Western Church he explained to be “committed.”
When
the church doors are open – the people are there.
When the offering plate rolls around – people give.
The people, more or less, are committed to the church.
In contrast, the Eastern Church he claimed to be “surrendered.”
They aren’t sure exactly what the plan is, but their answer is “yes.”
An interesting paradigm to consider, Laura explained how easy it is for us as Western Christians to be given the options and then choosing to commit – versus the other option:
not knowing anything and surrendering anyway.
To simply let go and give your yes –
now instead of later.
Before even seeing
any semblance of what’s going to happen!
She encouraged not only the World Racers but each of us as individuals as well to simply surrender now and give our “yes” to the Lord.
Laura was also willing to give advice to others who may (or
may not) be called to quote-unquote “missions.”
Recognizing that each of us are wired and gifted differently, she emphasized the importance of knowing and walking in those gifts.
Seek out how the Lord has made you.
Know where you have unique abilities or particular desires.
We each have something that makes us come alive – that we are passionate about.
Whether it is teaching or acting or business … become the person that God created you to be!
While she admits that sometimes this might mean forfeiting titles or recognition or even a little income … in the long run, we end up feeling just a
little more alive.
Since finishing up with the World Race in November, Laura recently celebrated her engagement and is currently planning a wedding for June of this year.
Future plans, however, are still up in the air at this point for Laura and her fiancé.
Instead of seeking out the “will of God” for this next stage of her journey, Laura recognizes that it really
should be the other way around.
“We
ARE the will of God to the world.”
We are His hands and feet in this world – wherever we might go and whatever we might end up doing.
She explains further, “Life
is missions .. and missions simply
is life.
All is sacred – Don’t compartmentalize.”
And in the end, whatever is done is done for His glory.
If you would like to read more about Laura’s journey on the 2006 World Race, you can visit her blog at
laurafrankenfield.theworldrace.org.
