Friends, I am already 25 percent funded!! I cannot thank each of you enough for your prayers and support. Time is going by so fast with only 128 days until I launch! I know that I haven’t even left the country yet, but God is already showing me incredible things through my preparation. Here are five things that the Lord has shown me so far:
- People want to be a part of what God is doing
It is easy to look at those around you and think that they are solely focused on themselves, on their own plans, and their own lives. But every time another donation comes in, God is revealing to me just how invested people are in HIS plan. This trip is an incredible opportunity to share the love of Christ both through sharing the Gospel and meeting the physical needs of the nations, and people want to partner with me in that! They may not be able to go on this trip themselves, however they believe in the work that my squad will be doing. I am so encouraged by the sacrifices of all of my supporters!
- God can use what is happening in my life to bring me closer to others
This week I received a very unexpected package from my grandfather. I say unexpected because my grandparents had already donated to my fund and because I mostly get mail from my grandmother. When I opened the package it was a 75-year-old copy of The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis that my grandpa received from his uncle many years ago. Inside the cover was a written blessing over my trip and my life. I was so touched that he would think to send me such a sentimental gift. I hadn’t even known that he was a Christian and now I feel closer to him than ever before. I love seeing how my journey is bringing me into deeper and sweeter relationships with those that I care about.
- God’s plans are so much bigger than ours
When I think about the road I have ahead of me I am overwhelmed with awe and excitement. Two years ago as I was graduating high school without a single plan for my future, I never would’ve expected to get the chance to travel the world for a year. Then I got a job in Charlotte and I thought working in student ministry was going to be my long term plan. Little did I know that God was preparing my heart for an even bigger move. As I look back on my expectations of college and a steady job, I almost want to laugh. The World Race is going to be so much more challenging and so much more rewarding than any job I would have found or class I would’ve taken. I know the World Race isn’t what He has planned for everybody, but I encourage you to let Him lead you to things that will push you and bring you joy.
- He uses the imperfect to reach the nations
I am not perfect. I am easily overwhelmed and over analytical. I have a tendency to binge watch Netflix when I should be reading. I yell when I shouldn’t and get frustrated at slow drivers. I forget to pray and I often try to do things without depending on God. The bottom line is that if only perfect people got to share the Gospel then I would not. But that is the beauty of my weakness and God’s strength, my sins and God’s grace, my struggles and His goodness. He is going to use my imperfections to reach the people that I meet, as an example of His provision, mercy, and LOVE.
- GOD’S GOT THIS!
We have raised over $4,000 in just three months!! I could not have done that on my own. Every time I begin to get discouraged or look at far I have to go, God manages to remind me just how far I have come. He has His hand in each step along the way and I have faith in His power. I will not be discouraged; I will keep my eyes on Him.
