“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4:7
As I finished up work this last week, the number one comment I got from my bosses, coworkers, parents of students, friends and even strangers, was simply this : “Be Safe”. Obviously, this worry is stemming from the recent events happening all around the world, and many people are looking out around them and wondering if anyone is really safe anymore.
With Eastern Europe as our first set of destinations, many people are quick to point out the attacks in Paris, Brussels, Nice, and even the recent coup attempt in Turkey. They mention the bombings, the shootings, and all manner of dark and terrifying things that are happening the world over. Logically, it doesn’t make sense to travel right now. Shouldn’t we all just stay at home, safe and sound in our little 3 bedroom houses, far away from the terrors the rest of the world is facing? Shouldn’t we be cowering in the corner trembling with fear as we wait for Jesus to come and take it all away?
How about — no.
I don’t want to live a life of comfort. I don’t want to live a life of fear. Yes, traveling to eastern Europe after hearing about all these events has my flesh a bit worried. And to be honest, I’m more than just a *bit* worried. In the natural, I’m terrified. But thankfully, I don’t live out of the natural. Instead, I’m finding comfort and peace that can only come supernaturally through Jesus.
I’m not worried about traveling for a year, living in places I’m not familiar with, and preaching the gospel in “dangerous” countries. I’m not worried about my health or my safety because I know that God’s already paved the way. As a child of God, I can pave the way ahead with prayer. Angels go before me, they surround me with their presence and the Holy Spirit lives within me. I am not traveling alone.
When I’m in Serbia, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Romania, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Bulgaria, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Macedonia, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Zambia, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Botswana, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Namibia, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Malaysia, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Thailand, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Cambodia, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
When I’m in Vietnam, the Holy Spirit will be with me.
So yes, in the natural I have fear. That’s a normal response for us humans. But we’re more than that, we’re spirit beings and my spirit has found peace in Jesus and the path he’s set before me. God’s already fully aware of every single encounter I will have along the race. The good, the bad, and the ugly; he knows. And he’s already equipped me with everything I’ll need to face them. How? Through the Holy Spirit. As long as I stay in tune with the Holy Spirit and what he’s telling me, I’ll remain in the will and protection of God. I’m not saying that attacks won’t come, in fact the bible promises the opposite. Trials and tribulations are guaranteed for the children of God. With that said though, we’ve already won. The battle was won long ago, on the cross upon which Jesus died. And as long as we remember that, we’ll be able to live a victorious life.
Even if the world around me trembles with fear, I know that I can have an unexplainable peace in Christ. The one who’s already defeated death, the one who’s already conquered the grave, the one who’s power surpasses all understanding — he’s the one I seek refuge in. He is where I find my peace.
My race has already been paved with prayer, and prayers are continuously being added upon it. And every time my flesh tries to panic about the potential dangers, I just have to remind myself of that very thing. My race is paved with prayer. I am surrounded by angels. The Holy Spirit lives in me and I hear his voice. I am not alone.
I encourage you as we go out from here, to not only pray for your country and those suffering around the world, but pray about your future and the road that lies ahead. Pave it with prayers of protection, peace, and wisdom in all situations. Pray that you’ll heed the Holy Spirit’s voice and remain in God’s will and protection. Go ahead and pave the way with prayer.
And if you’re feeling like it, pray for us too. Pray for every single person on my team, my squad, and all the ministry hosts & people we’ll come into contact with this next year. Pray that we stand strong in our convictions & trust the Lord always. Pray for wisdom as we face difficult situations, boldness to share the gospel, and a heart that’s forever open to the Lord’s leading.
ROUTE CHANGE: Month 4 is changing back from Greece to Macedonia. The country we were originally scheduled to visit. Please be praying for the ministry contacts in both countries.
FUNDRAISING UPDATE: $3,500 is still needed by AUGUST 4th in order to launch! Without $10,000 in my account, I will NOT be allowed to leave the country and my race will be deferred to a later date. Please pray about donating today, every gift counts. $5 or $5000, it’s all appreciated! Click the donate button up top to get started.
SERBIA MINISTRY UPDATE: I just got news of our ministry for month 1 in Serbia! We will be teaching English lessons, cooking, street outreaches, Saturday night youth & kids services and Sunday morning church. We will be living in Belgrade, Serbia! It looks like all my years cooking in the camp kitchen & serving in Kids Church will be put to use! I can’t wait to see how God works through us this month.
Belgrade, Serbia
