Whelp…I’ve never written a blog before, but here I go!
First off, my name is Taylor Baxley, and I am a sophomore at the University of Central Arkansas! I love to be outdoors, eat crazy food, and hang out with my wonderful Chi Alpha family! By the way, Chi Alpha is not a sorority, but an amazing campus ministry that I have grown to love and thankfully gotten to be a part of.
THE CALLING.
I felt the Lord call me to go on this mission trip called the World Race back in October and, after sincere prayer, I applied for the mission trip and was accepted soon afterwards. I’ve had many doubts since then, but have known the whole time this is what God wanted me to do. Even before the trip, I had a strong desire to help those living in poverty, and I felt as if God was calling me out of Conway, Arkansas. I don’t really want to make a lot of money and, even if I do, I want to live as if I don’t. I want to live with less and to help out those the Lord directs me to. I’ve felt this way for a while, and I know the Lord has given me these feelings and desires not only for this mission trip, but for other future plans He has for me.
After I got accepted into the World Race: Gap Year mission trip, two fears entered into my mind. First, I feared that people would think I’m dropping out of college and that I’m crazy, which people have both thought. However, most people are just concerned about my well-being, love me, and want me to succeed. I respect their concerns and opinions, but the Lord is who I will follow, and His voice is above all others. I love Him and am crazy about Him, and I choose to be obedient to what He has commanded me to do. I was so worried about what the world would think of me, but I learned that the world will always be in opposition to the will of the Lord and the desires of Christ. I don’t want to be accepted because Jesus wasn’t always accepted. I want to do the will of Christ and share Him with others. Its up to them whether they receive or reject Him.
Secondly, I feared I wasn’t good enough to go on a mission trip overseas, but then I realized that what I will be doing overseas, I am already doing now. Everyday as Christians we are called to live missionally and make disciples. The Word and Christ’s love is not just for us, but for everyone. It is not reserved for mission trips only or for those in ministry. My mission field includes my town, my school, my work, and my family. We are always in a mission field.
I am answering God’s call for my life. I’m going to India, Malaysia, and Zambia. I will be spending three months in each of these countries. I leave in October of this year and will be taking a year off of school. I’m not following the norm, but I am following God. If you would like to be a part of this journey with me, I could definitely use prayer for me, my team and the people we come in contact with. In addition, if you would like to support me financially, you can give on my blog website. Any amount is greatly appreciated and desirable. Or, if you just want to learn more about this trip, just message me on Facebook or give me a call! I would love to discuss it with you!
This is me and this is the Lord’s plans for me!
