Six years ago, God told me I would go on the World Race. His voice was gentle and full of peace. I had hope and a deep sense of assurance; unexplainable assurance that I would go someday.
For a very long time I was unable to talk about the World Race. I felt so fragile, not excited. It was a vulnerable, raw place that I wanted to protect and hide. It felt, for so long like a beautiful secret promise I had with my Savior. I didn’t want to expose my heart, I wanted to grip onto this incredible intimacy I had with Him, grip on so tightly that no one could come near.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys the field” Matthew 13:44
When I first heard about the World Race (and learned it was not part of the tv show, the amazing race lol) I knew I was going to do it. This was six years ago in college, I saw a picture of a girl with a huge backpack on, she had the biggest smile, she was wearing a big colorful headband and looked to be in the middle of nowhere. My soul danced, I was sure that no matter what I was going to take the same picture one day.
During summer camp God reminded me. I was in awe of His beauty in creation and once again completely at peace as I thought about my future. He reminded me that one day He would ask me to go, and I knew I would say “yes”. As I looked at the mountains in front of me, I wondered what His beauty looked like out of this country. I was sure to see it someday.
I asked the Lord if it was time to go on the World Race after college graduation, He said not yet. Somehow, in my pride and lack of patience, I doubted God would send me. My first couple months out of college were awful. I forgot God’s promises to me. I was sick, jobless with a college degree and believing I had already completed the best work I would for His Kingdom.
“But God, being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved” Ephesians 2:4-5
In that season of doubt and confusion and sadness He asked me if I was ready to go. Annoyed, I said “no” and listed off all the reasons why I am not qualified for missions work. I saw so clearly my sin and short-comings and faults. So, so clearly that I would not let Him use me for missions work.
Over the next year I received an abundance of grace like never before. Through friends and co-workers, family and even strangers, I was encouraged, loved, built up and cherished. The Lord poured these blessings on me while I got to watch Him love the people around me, fulfill promises and draw me closer to Himself.
Then He told me to go on the World Race.
Oh how I cried. Things were so good in my life- I loved my amazing, glamorous job, I had just bought a car, I liked my church, my relationships were good, I was enjoying my apartment and my roommates, I was making plans…. But all these things were just a shadow of the goodness He wanted to show me.
Now, I am packed and ready to begin my 11-month journey of watching my God continue to fulfill promises.
This weekend, my friends surprised me with a going away party. They did such an amazing, job- I was SO surprised! They draped the whole space with pictures and words of encouragement. There was so much love and hugs and laughter. What a beautiful continuation of lavish grace as I received what I didn’t deserve. It was such a beautiful send-off, I was encouraged and prayed over.
That night will be one of my sweetest memories to hold onto.
Friday is when training camp begins at the Adventures in Missions headquarters in Georgia. We will be training for life on the Race by hiking, camping, growing in community and worshiping God. Training Camp lasts ten days, then we are off to our first stop: Chicago!
I would love prayers for the people on my Squad, there is 17 of us who will travel, serve and train together. Prayers that they would all have healthy and safe travels, and easily find delight in the Lord as we begin this journey together.
I am so thankful for the excitement I get to experience. I would love prayers that I would use these last couple days well and that I would keep my eyes focused on Jesus as my nervousness and doubt creep in.
I am behind on the fundraising goal I must have before this Friday, would you pray that I would be confident in asking for support and have the courage to invite others into this calling?
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement, let me know how I can be praying.
