I have been meaning to write this blog since before I left for my race. However I did not feel it was the right time. I believe now is the right time, as I will be heading out onto the field for a second time. This time I will be leading a expedition team for four months, through most of Asia. So I have decided to finally write and post a blog about why I would choose this organization/ mission specifically.
There are many missions out there which I could join. Some for shorter stays, and more within the realm of realistic. However I chose THIS mission for a number of reasons.
1. Because this mission isn’t trying to fulfill A church’s mission. But Rather THE Church’s commission.
I Understand that this is a bold statement to make. However throughout my race Adventures In Missions (AIM) is one of the only groups out there who’s agenda it is to support what God is already doing in communities around the world, often through locals. This is regardless of religion, denomination, location, or language. This is what has allowed me to also obtain a wide range of experiences in different ministries.
2. In the case of expedition it is to also find, start, or plant, and build up locals where there may be no identifiable work going on.
In Matthew 28:19 when Jesus sent his disciples out, he said “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,“
There are many Nations, people groups, and area’s that have not heard the Gospel. (Or “good news” if put plainly). We have therefore been equipped by God to go and fulfill this great CO-MISSION, with him in the drivers seat. We had so many incredible opportunities during my last 11 months to go do this, and to see Luke 10 become a reality right before us. It all begins by going out, and blessing people with an encounter with God. To see and create deliverance from all things, and to come to the Father.
3. God is in the driver seat. Let me start this point by sayingAIM is not perfect. However they do have an expectation for us to follow Holy Spirit and this is their greatest strength. This is what allows God to move in radical ways in both Remote area’s and capital cities. To be allowed the freedom to Follow God and what he is doing in, and through us. This has been where we have seen the greatest measure of fruit, and very often where my crazy wild stories come from. This is how we ended up staying in remote parts of Western Mongolia, where Jesus was appearing to shepherds, healing the sick, and changing hearts. People that had previously been bride-nappers were finding themselves instead surrendering their very lives to Jesus, and becoming the persecuted, rather than the persecutor. This is the community that for one short month we were apart of, learning from, and encouraging. All by the prompting of Holy Spirit.
God is doing something incredible in all places, and all hearts. We need only be willing to allow God to work through us to see that great work. To fully surrender to God is to become fully alive. See Matthew 16:25 for more details. Furthermore read Isaiah 6:8. All God needs is a willing heart.
You need not know everything, but you need to know this; God loves his children, he wants them back, and there isn’t anything he hasn’t already done to make that possible. He loves his children so much that he came down in such a fierce love that he took the only thing that could inhibit that bond, that could separate him from his children, and he bore the consequence of it all. JUST SO WE COULD HAVE THE CHOICE TO BE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM, instead of sin. WOW. What a beautiful thing he has done.
That is why I consider the freedom of Christ the greatest strength of AIM. Sure they have faults, but it would be crazy for me to think that I could find a perfect church, group, or organization. especially considering Jesus’s group of disciples had liars, thieves, and tax collectors. Nor was anyone qualified when Jesus first called them. But they were all willing to Journey with him, and that’s what made them world changers.
4.Because there is fruit.
Matthew 7:17 is pretty clear about this one. If a tree has good fruit, that means the source is good. i.e good fruit= good soil, lots of water, and placed where there is sunlight. The fruit comes naturally from there. Likewise we should always try to place ourselves where we can bear GOOD fruit, and always ensure we are rooted in Christ, the good and perfect source. Which will be a place where we are challenged to thrive, and grow. A place with good water, soil, and sun. What better place than with Jesus?
Throughout this year, I have had the privilege of working with and getting to do things such as;
A.) supporting existing church and humanitarian efforts in all 11 countries.
B.) working with refugee, and refugee relief, and refugee programing.
C.) rebuilding projects, such as disaster relief from landslides in Western Mongolia.
D.) Community projects such as repairing wells, hockey rinks etc.
E.) Feeding, clothing and giving medical care to refugee’s and the homeless through various locally led programs.
F.) Resourcing Refugee led schools in nations where refugee’s are not allowed to work, and their children are not allowed in school.
These are just a few notes, and examples of what my race looked like. There were many other challenges that occurred such as church planting, disciple making, finding contacts and hosts to work with in the future, and having people come to Christ. Point is, communities look different because of what God did through us and countless locals.
5. Because God Called me to this mission. My fifth and final reason is a simple one. It is an act of Obedience to God. Many things had to fall into place for me to be able to do the race the first time. over $24,000 Canadian had to be fund raised, car payments covered, plus other various personal expenses.
God put a calling on my life to serve the nations, and that season of life is not over yet. This is why I am going back out again. God still has more refining he wants to do in me, in the way of journeying with him in a radical way. As you read this I would like to ask you, and challenge you to prayerfully consider partnering with me, and God in the next part of this journey! I still have a great need for funds for the journey ahead.
would you consider being a monthly donor? Even a pledge of $20 a month makes a huge difference! Did you know that $20 feeds a racer for FOUR days!
If you cannot pledge a monthly donation, a one time donation can make a HUGE difference. $10 houses a racer for 1-2 days! $15 gets us a cell phone plan for up to 3 weeks! All funds make a difference and are an incredible investment in the kingdom of God, and helps improve lives around the world!
Thank you so much for partnering with me on this journey, through your prayers, thoughts, donations, and likes on Facebook! I wouldn’t of been able to get this far in my journey if it wasn’t for people deciding to RADICALLY partner with me. Take care and may God greatly bless you with incredible Joy.
