“This is my chance to say, all the things you want me too.
This is my chance be, exactly what you want me too.
This is my chance to do, all the things you want me too.
This is my chance to live, exactly the way you want me too.”
Day 315. Only 1 day of ministry remains and another 5 days of G-squad shenanigans at final debrief left. That’s it and that’s all folks! My race is coming to a close. Pretty surreal and impending, it makes the days long and my heart grow more fond of home. But I am starting to miss it already, and I haven’t even left yet…
No more continent jumping, 17 hour layovers, or experiencing diverse ministries around the globe. No more sleeping on floors, living out of a backpack, or being woken by lions whilst in your tent, No more Tuk Tuk rides, 12 hour truck bed rides, or 37 hour long days. No more daily feedback, team time, or sharing 1 toilet and 1 shower with 20 others. No more tanks patrolling the streets, random machine gun fire, or armed guards at every pizza place. No more squatty potties, throwing away of toilet paper, or showering on the toilet. No more foreign languages, playing charades, or guessing your next bus stop. No more legit street markets, crickets being ate, or “gotta have it” cultural food. No more preaching via translators, going house to house praying, or worshiping as the locals do. No more of all the crazy things us racers do… … … … … …
That is, for now. 🙂
You see this was only for a season, a time God had set aside before I was born. A time where he would reveal himself and take me deeper into his unending love. A time where I would discover my true passions and giftings. Where I would come to know what ministry brings me life and what ministries are draining. It has been a season of short comings also. Seeing the ways I have failed at leadership, failed at showing love, or extending grace to others. And a time to realize that as I depend on myself I fall short so much! This season of life has been epic to say the least. So many highs and so many lows. A time full of immense challenges with the opportunity to step up to the plate and go all out each at bat. Though all of it may be ending, though my “what has been normal” paradigm is shifting once again, it has all been for a long foreseen purpose. To start me running into my next season at home in Holland, MI.
This is my chance to live out everything I have experienced on the Race, back home. To reveal to others what the Lord has revealed to me as I finally made Him my full time priority for the 1st time in my life. I can choose to let all that crazy stuff I mentioned above end, and just go about my time back home. Or I can carry it with me as a badge of honor, living out what God has used to mold me. I am a different person than I was when I left. This race has changed me. Centered my focus on the Lord and gave me a directive of freeing those who remain in the bondage of this world. The Lord knew that it was only through this World Race experience that I would gain the freedom to carry on this calling. Haha, funny dude He is. Just another example, of the countless I have given, that God knows his children! He knew I needed a gnarly adventure to mold me!
Nicaragua has been another lesson in love. Legalism is rampant among the churches here. There is immense division between churches, and many pastors won’t reach out to others because they won’t receive a tithe in return. Its heart wrenching. We have done men’s bible studies out in the Barrio at night under the street lights. Many of these young guys have or had a habit. Last week Jesse, our epic translator, asked “who here has Christ in their heart? Most raised their hands. One who didn’t, spoke up and said, “I don’t have Christ because I have a habit.” … Wow! The lie that has been given truth through the power of legalism in the church. So many down here have that perception, that you gotta be clean to gain Christ. We all know that ain’t right, Christ came to the sinners and hung out with them. Shoot, we are all sinners, all equal, and all deserving of death. Yet, the only way this lie has gained the power of truth is through the actions of Christian followers. Many church goers here perpetuate this lie by not accepting guys like this. 4 of our guys have to bike into town a half hour just to attend a church that accepts them. That folks is not of Christ. The American church struggles in the same way, and the only way this changes is through love and vulnerability of our own sins! My challenge at the closing of this race to us as believers is of self reflection. What are our actions saying to others about what we believe. Do they match up with our beliefs, better yet, do they match up with the walk of Christ? The worst thing for believers to do is the work of the devil and turn others away from God’s kingdom.
So what season are you in, in your life? Where does God have you, and what is He teaching you? It’s probably hard and enjoyable all at once as my race was. Through it all, have eyes to see and ears to hear to gain that eternal perspective! This will be my last post from the field, but more are to follow as I adjust to home in the coming months. Hopefully no catastrophic breakdowns happen from the cultural shock of re-entry, haha!
As I get home I will be compiling my hours of video footage in a video for ya’ll, so stay tuned for that as well!
Finally, please please please PLEASE, if you would like to chat about my world race adventures as I return state-side just shoot me a message on Facebook, or get at me via email. I would love nothing more than to share with as many people as possible what God has done and is doing throughout the world!
