Following a week away at college, I decided to withdraw because I honestly didn’t know what I desired for my future. I felt God tugging at my heart to take a step back, and genuinely view where I was and what He had in store for me. Over the past year, I have grown not only a healthier relationship with myself but a strong and passionate connection with Jesus Christ. Before determining that college was not my next step, my relationship with Christ was set on auto pilate. My personal life became the center of my existence; Jesus was there, but only when I needed Him. Over this past year, however, I felt God forge a shift in my faith. I faced measures of worry and anxiety due to the fact that I didn’t know where I was going and what I was doing. During this time, God opened my eyes and revealed my desperate need for him. He gave me these doubts and fears not only to display, but prove that He was beside me all along. I am grateful to God for this past year and the emotional struggle that was placed with it; for it gave me a new sense of the power God holds and the bountiful love he has for me.
Traveling has been high on my bucket list for many years. I delight in the idea of the ability to view God’s magnificent creation and diverse cultures around the World. This past summer, as I was contemplating future travel possibilities, I was struck by a realization; Why am I vacationing to foreign cultures, when I could be spreading the Gospel and Jesus’ love for the nations? I believe it was God working and moving in my heart that led me to the decision for missions and eventually the World Race. I quickly grew a love for the organization and began months of prayer and meditation.
The mission field was an aspect of the church that I always admired but never saw myself as being a part of. God has not only given me a calling to spread His word but an opportunity to follow His command. This will be a new and intimidating adventure, but one that I will accept with open arms.
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the father in My name He may give you” John 15:16
