“While walking the streets of Sumbawanga, I couldn’t help but count my blessings. Each time I counted my blessings, I came to two conclusions: 1) I cannot count to infinity. 2) Although the amazing people of Tanzania do not have as many possessions or as many opportunities as myself, we are both blessed in the only thing that matters: Jesus is our savior and loves each and every one of us. He is all that matters.”
At 21 years old, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I had the urge to “go”, but didn’t really know what that meant. However, the words above were an attempt to comprehend what I had experienced my first time overseas on my first mission trip.
My eyes were opened. What was left of my bubble of a worldview was popped that month. God was clearly doing things around the world, and there was no question that I needed to be part of it.
So I went on the World Race, an 11 month journey where I served in 11 countries. I found myself filled with awe on more occasions than I can recall. The majesty of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The simple beauty of rice fields in Cambodia. When it comes to creation, God shows off, and I had a front row seat.
The things above faded when I got to stand in awe of God’s love for us. I got to experience the Father’s heart while being friends with a child in India. I often think back to a woman I met in Nepal:
“The doorway wasn’t any more than five feet tall, and the ceiling in the house wasn’t much higher. Once my eyes adjusted to the dark, dirt covered room, I recognized the woman that lived there. My team and I had met her at a church service on Saturday. With a frail-looking posture and the look of exhaustion on her face, the woman asked the ladies on my team to pray for her.
As we left and continued the rest of the way down the mountain, I reflected on the Faith that this woman is displaying simply by living her life. As I nearly slipped and fell several times on the steep trail, it occurred to me that this woman walks the same path to church every week. The journey to church would take at least an hour, likely more.
Even though I haven’t witnessed her struggles in their entirety, I have seen enough to know that the God she is worshiping, the God we are worshiping, is worth knowing.
Worth knowing when we are comfortable and worth knowing when we are uncomfortable. Worth knowing when we are healthy and worth knowing when the end seems near. Worth knowing when we are surrounded by a solid Christian community and worth knowing when we stand alone.”
Sure, there were a lot of awe filled moments on the World Race, but I couldn’t ignore the brokenness I was experiencing around me and inside of me. Everywhere we served, we met people living in the heartbreaking reality of poverty. We listened to their stories and, honestly, it was hard for me to understand.
I realized I was pretty broken, too. There’s nowhere to hide when you’re taken out of your comfort zone and when you live in community, others are pretty quick to point out your blind spots. There were times I felt inadequate, such as a time when I broke my arm in Moldova. As I faced this brokenness, I was ready for a revelation:
“His presence is still my only source of joy, He continues to guide me each day, and He is faithful to His promises as always. And even though this week has left me broken, I’ll never be shaken.”
These experiences, the moments of wonder and the ones filled with pain, helped me realize and step deeper into my identity. I learned what it means to be a son of God and also learned that I am a runner.
Since returning from the World Race, I have had the opportunity to step into a full time role with Adventures. I get to play an active role in the experience hundreds of missionaries have in Africa by connecting them with the incredible ministries we serve with. I get to take all of my experiences and now invest in others as we serve in this part of the world. It’s my prayer that they, too, are blessed with an opportunity to love, serve, and grow during their time in Africa.
Nearly 5 years to the date since my first trip to Africa, I will be traved there for the sixth time. I led over 20 people through their first African experience and visit some of the incredible people we serve with throughout the region. I am constantly humbled by these opportunities and grateful for this journey. Thank you to those of you who have walked with me.
I see this missions journey as a long term thing. Each season will look different and each season will come with different needs. My current need is for people to come alongside me with financial support of this ministry. Specifically, I am in need of about $1,877 by the end of September. My ask is that you would pray about supporting the ministry we are doing at Adventures in Missions. I would love an opportunity to share more about our ministry if you want to learn more. Please email me at [email protected].
When you are ready to give, you can make a gift online by clicking the “Donate!” button at the top left side of this page or by clicking here.
