[First published on 10/28/2015. To view the original newsletter, click here.]
Hello family and friends!
Greetings from California! After a short vacation with my family, I have made my way to the San Diego sun 🙂 I’ve been here for a few weeks now and am slowly taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of this beautiful region. The change in pace and place has been greatly refreshing and is helping to recharge my batteries for The World Race!
So my first few newsletters have been primarily informational, providing background of the what’s, where’s and how’s of my trip. Now it’s time to share with you all the why’s — to dig a bit deeper into why I want to go share the Gospel for 11 months. So let’s begin!
But first… a quick family vacation selfie from the Grand Canyon!
A SENSE OF DUTY
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19-20
Early on in my faith, I viewed missionaries as to what an ideal Christian should look like and held them in the highest regard. Not only were missionaries sharing and teaching the Gospel, but they were doing so to peoples of different cultures and languages that did not know Christ. And yes, I aspired to be something close to that, but couldn’t see myself actually doing it because honestly, it scared me — I was afraid of the unknowns and dangers that come with a missionary lifestyle and was unwilling to give up the comforts and safety of home.
So when I first heard The Great Commission verses in Matthew 28:19-20, I figured it wasn’t for me. God must be talking to someone else because I didn’t have the make-up to be a missionary. And every time I read or heard a sermon on these verses, I ignored this command to “go and make disciples of all nations“… until years later when I remembered (or re-remembered?) something very powerful about them: these were Jesus’ last words to His disciples before leaving earth and ascending to Heaven. And this fact has always weighed on me since then — because if it were my own father or mother or someone else I loved, would I not take special heed to their final words?
And this isn’t just anyone — it’s Jesus Christ, the very Being who gave His life for mine. So if that means I need to give up 11 months (or even more) of my life to serve Him overseas, then that’s what I will do. Because out of all the many truths and revelations He could have imparted us with, Jesus chose to instruct us with the task of sharing the Good News to all peoples and nations as His last words — and that would mean it’s something really close to His heart, no?
So that is my first reason for going on The World Race — the sense of duty I feel as a follower of Christ to follow Christ’s final instructions that He entrusted to us, to honor the Father’s heart by sharing the Gospel to those who may not have heard it yet. And do I still have my fears? Without a doubt. Are there reasons for me to say no? Abundantly many. But I choose to let go of the fears, questions and doubts plaguing my mind and instead mentally submit and obey His command, placing my faith in His promise, “for we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor 5:7)
PREPARATIONS UPDATE
This section will be short! I’ve gotten my biggest gear items squared away and taken half of my vaccination shots… just a few more things to check off and I should be good to go. I’ve also been spending more time praying and reading missions-related articles to help me prepare for my Race.
Our team also got introduced to our squad mentor and alumni leaders who will be helping us get ready during these last few months. They’ll be the ones providing us with additional information as we get closer to the launch date so I’ll make sure to pass along any updates to everyone!
FUNDRAISING
PTL!!! And thank you, thank you! With all of your help, I was able to meet my first fundraising deadline and am now at $3,680 of my $16,362 goal (23%)! Thank you to everyone who donated so generously to my cause! I am truly blessed!
And sorry again for the late notice on my first deadline! I hate getting deadlines last minute so I’m sure you all didn’t enjoy it either 🙂 I don’t want to drop the ball on this again so here’s info on my next fundraising goal: my second deadline is $10,000 total by December 18. Yes, it’s a lofty number but please continue to pray with me as to how the Lord may use you in supporting me on this journey!
Also, I’ve received a few inquiries as to how long I will be fundraising for my trip. As of now, donations will be accepted until the end of April 2016 (so yes, I can still receive funds while on the trip). So for those considering to support me on a monthly basis, I hope that info helps! Below is the link if you’d like to donate!
[Select Support a World Racer and enter my full name, Sang Yeop Park.]
Thank you for reading this far! As I continue to share the many reasons that God has placed in my heart for doing The World Race, I hope you will also continue in this faith journey with me. Because He entrusted not just myself, but all believers to partake in the duty to share the Gospel and make disciples of all peoples — wherever we go!
Until next time…from back home in VA!
By His Love,
Sang Park
