While I was trying to raise funds at home for the race, my eyes were really opened to what people thought about foreign missions. I got so much encouragement and support for this year through many different churches and people. I have been incredibly blessed to go from needing $15,500 to only $4,000 in a matter of months. I have been blown away by the generosity and support I have received, even from complete strangers. It really helped me to take this leap in confidence. I couldn't have done it on my own. Now, I am blessed to get to take this journey all of you. If you contributed in any way from encouragement to money, you are running this race with me. I really have been overwhelmed by the love I have received. However, Not every one has been supportive of this journey.
I remember standing on the side of the road with donation signs on a Saturday. A man pulled up, flagged one of my friends over to the car like he was going to donate, and then proceeded to tell her how, "No one cares about a stupid mission trip. Go put your signs up." That was kind of a hurtful thing to hear. I'm glad the Lord so proved him wrong by using a ton of people to bless me with over $300 in 2 hours. So, I was able to just shrug it off, pray for him, and press on. Not all disapprovals came in that direct of a form, but they all cut the same.
The main thing I have heard from others is, "I don't believe in foreign missions. We need missionaries right here in America." This was said behind my back by people close to me and to my face by people I had just met. I don't disagree at all with the fact that we do need missionaries in America. But if you are a Christian, than you are a missionary. No matter if you are in the China or Nebraska. God calls people to different places for different purposes. These 11 countries for these 11 months are where He called me. If he has put a passion for home missions on your heart, than get out there!
Being in Malaysia has opened my eyes to see just how important foreign missions is.
Here are some things I have noticed:
Islamic prayers are shouted out at least 5x a day over the whole town through speakers, starting around 4 A.M.
98% of the people I have met have been either Muslim or Hindu.
Women find their worth in if they get married young or not.
I saw young girls forced to give up their seats for a man.
I see ladies all around unaware of their value, turning to prostotution.
I see trash, pollution, sewage, and smog every where.
The average age people live to is 65.
I see stray animals every where I turn.
I see drug and alcohol addictions.
We smell weed most of the places we go.
I see people losing everything due to economical and gambling problems.
I see children in dirty clothes, not having much of anything.
I see heavy gang issues.
I see men so bound by their flesh.
I see muslim protests and demonstrations.
I see a place where it is illegal to witness to a muslim.
But…I also see hope!
　
　
　
The church we have been serving with is absolutely incredible. They are doing amazing things in Malaysia, not just through church services. They have hospital ministry, youth outreach, praying in peoples homes after the loss of a loved one, trying to put an end to the gangs. They really have a passion for God and being His hands and feet. We have been so blessed to serve with them this month. Pray for the church and lift them and the work they are doing in this country up to the Lord. There is so much to be done here.
　
This is my first month and my first country, so I can only imagine how much this list will grow this year. It breaks my heart to see so many people destined for hell and living in such despair. It's such a heavy feeling to just walk down the street and see how Satan has his hands all over this country. I pray for people to start putting their religions to the test. To start seeking out this man called Jesus and longing to experience what He has to offer. I pray for a people who get sick of just being Muslim or Hindu, because their parents were Muslim or Hindu. I pray for a people who want more! I pray for the Country of Malaysia to come to Christ. I pray that these people stomp all over Satan's fingers until they break off of this place. I pray that this country will turn to their Creator and experience His unending love and mercy!! Pray with me!
　
Foreign missionaries are needed!!!! In America, you are bound to find at least one christian on your block. Unless we are with the church, we struggle to find one christian period. I don't discredit mission work at home by any means. Just be aware that there is a tremendous need for hope overseas.
　
"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have not heard?" – Romans 10:14
