In a way, I left for the race ungracefully, burning bridges in a sense, out of anxiety, insecurity and fear; the lies I was believing were intense. The devil had a foothold of fear over me-
Then the Creator God called me on a glorious and heartbreaking journey.
No longer does Satan have that foothold of fear. The Lord’s process was to call me out of everything familiar, away from every physical, spiritual and emotional comfort I had collected over the course of my life. As I burned bridges and came back to ashes, in a sense, I have watched the Lord bring FRESH life. Newness. Beauty from those ashes.
I am experiencing a depth of joy and a freedom I never knew possible before my world race journey began;
I am able to adapt to the changes of life around me, changes that paralyzed me before.
I now have a capacity for grace I couldn’t approach before my journey on the world race.
I have a greater capacity of understanding and awe of biblical grace, the grace that God gives us.
I have a deeper understanding of hospitality and community, depths that go far and wide, that cover every inch of the world.
I have been transformed from the inside. My Lord and Savior continues to set me free. I am walking in more thankfulness and joy than ever before in my life; I will never go back to what was.
To be honest, I would not recommend the world race as I experienced it to anyone. It was the hardest thing I have said “yes” to in my life so far.
BUT GOD used it.
He worked, He moved, He brought healing, miracles and redemption in an intensity I had only ever read about in the Scriptures.
God is the hero in my story, not me. Despite me He is victorious. He will always have the victory, in every story. If you dont know of the victory I am talking about, open God’s Book and read; its written on every page. Or call me, I can testify to His love and power.
The brokenness I experienced on the world race was… beautiful. I am craving more because I came that much closer to understanding just fragments of the depths of God’s love for me and this world.
What did I learn from the world race?
Fear God and turn away from evil (Proverbs 3:7)
then take heart, He has overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Thank you, each of you for supporting me- He answered your prayers; God’s good work and purposes were carried out, to the praise of His glorious grace (Ephesians 1:6)
I believe this is not the last time God will call me out to the mission field.
I love you. So thankful for you, for the wisdom and zeal you have, and the love for our sweet and awesome God and His Word.
so much beauty came out from the brokenness.. what a redemptive God we have. I totally relate. Again, I love you.
Lauren, you are an incredible example of what God has in store for every one of His creation! Our limited minds cannot conceive of what God has planned. By His grace, power and love you are His servant and therefore, oh, so powerful. Love you tons and always have you lifted in prayer. Merry Christmas
Lauren,
What a beautiful story of brokenness and redemption. Thank you for sharing your story with vulnerability and honesty. It is such a joy to hear and see how God is working in your life and your response in obedience to experience the joy, grace and love of God. “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6
It has been a privilege to be a part of your journey and we will continue to lift you up in prayer. Love you so very much! Merry Christmas to you and family!
So proud of you, friend! And so blessed to witness God’s work in you and through you as he continues to be faithful to the work HE started. Thank you for vulnerably sharing what God taught you this year through your experiences abroad. I’m continually encouraged by your faith working itself out in love. Love you!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful testimony of your journey, Lauren.
The World Race is certainly a huge accomplishment. I have so much respect for you. Thank you for your dedication, even in the difficult roles.
I am overjoyed to see you walking in such freedom!
Love you, my friend.
Hi
you’re awesome. thanks for sharing