HELLO & WELCOME to my very first blog post!!!!! If I’m being honest I have never been much of a writer so the thought of blogging terrifies me a little bit. That’s okay though because I’ll be doing a lot of it so hopefully my writing skills improve over time. Anyways, here goes nothing..
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Throughout the gospels there are many pieces of scripture that talk about how we are the salt and light of the earth. One of my favorite references to this is in Matthew 5 verse 13. It says that we are the salt of the earth but if the salt has lost its taste it is no longer good for anything except being thrown out and trampled upon.
Now for just a little background information. In the Middle East around the first century, salt had two purposes. It’s first purpose was to preserve food. Combined with the lack of refrigeration and the high temperatures of the desert, salt was used to keep meats from spoiling. Just like salt, we are here to keep the earth from spoiling. As Christians our job is to preserve the earth from ungodly things. Salt’s second purpose is to enhance flavor. We, as followers of Christ, are “enhancers” of the world. We are positive influences just as salt is to the food it seasons. Where there is strife, we are to be peacemakers; where there is sorrow, we are to be the ministers of Christ, binding up wounds; where there is hatred, we are to exemplify the love of God in Christ, returning good for evil.
In this story it then goes on to talk about how we are also lights of the earth. Matthew 5: 14-15 talks about when you light a lamp you don’t stick it in a dark place. You set it on a countertop so everyone can see the shine the light gives off. Now this is the part that I love. Verse 16 says, “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.” As I go on this trip, I will be a light for others to see the glory of God’s grace. We will be the light when we feel like the presence of darkness is too strong for us to handle. We are the salt and light.
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So, what is the World Race???? It is a 9 month missions trip that will take me to 5 different countries. I am on Route 5 which means I will be going to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Botswana, South Africa, and the Philippines. I will be with 55 people all between the ages of 18-20. While I am over there I will spreading the word of God by working in orphanages, giving lessons on HIV, teaching children English, ministering to the people of the countries, helping build cities back up, and so much more. I will be leaving all the comforts of the life I currently live and will be living out of a pack. This is all because I have a burning passion to go out and share God’s love with everyone I meet.
I have so many emotions running through me when it comes to thinking about this next journey that I will soon embark on. I am full of excitement and nerves all at the same time. THANK YOU to every person who took the time out of your day to read the words I have written. All the prayers, encouragement, and donations are so appreciated and don’t go unnoticed!!!!!!!!
