I love to learn. I enjoy reading different types of writing, and I have this itch to know more about new things. When a subject is hard to understand or when I have to think deeply about something, I thrive. I remember growing up, my dad subscribed to the National Geographic magazine, and when the new issue arrived every month, he would read it cover to cover in one sitting. Mom has probably read every Karen Kingsbury book and keeps a running tab of books that she has read. So, I’ve got good genes.
Throughout my time here at Adventures in Missions, I thought I knew what I wanted and what I didn’t want in a job. There have been sweet seasons of contentment and difficult seasons of questioning my value and my job. Throughout some of those difficult seasons, I heard God say things like, “Wait,” “Be excellent with this work,” “Stay and wait,” “I am limitless in this limited job.” All good things, but hard things.
I wanted to know. I wanted to understand. And, I still have those desires. It’s crazy to me to think that the way sin entered in the world back in the Garden was through the tempting of knowledge. Of control. The snake whispered, “Don’t you want to know what God knows? Don’t you want to see and understand all things?” And that same temptation is still very present in our world. What does my future hold? When will this happen in my life? Why would God do/allow this? When we take our eyes off the Father, we loose the opportunity for Him to show us what He is doing during those times. It’s not wrong to have questions. I have so many!! But, when those questions and the desire to cling to what you have or what you can control becomes more than your dependence on God, it become an idol, something that you value more than your intimacy with Father God.
And guess what? He is God! Of course, He knows more than you or I. And of course, there will be SO MANY things that I will never understand. And I take refuge in that. That He knows all things. That He sees all things. That He is weaving together my story for my good.
Back to the job.
Out of nowhere, my work experience started shifting with new leadership, new opportunity to grow and learn, new direction.
ENTER: My New Role
As I have said in some of my previous blogs, my job has expanded, and I now not only help steward participants in preparation for their World Race journey, but I also manage squad storytelling for three squads currently on their 11 month trip. Storytelling focuses on giving God glory with our lives and declaring that to others. I bring vision to the squads about why this is something as Christ-followers we get to do for Him and for others. I also bring encouragement and support to Racers as they go on their trip with this idea of storytelling in mind.
In January I taught to 70+ World Racers about the power of their story, and how God uses their stories to bring freedom to others. I also got the opportunity to travel to Colombia, South America, and share with more Racers about story and how they can be active in declaring God’s goodness through blogging.
Here are some of the Racers from my time with them in Colombia. During worship one morning in a park, some locals gathered and watched us as we worshipped. A few of our Racers felt lead to chat with the locals and allow God to direct conversations. Several locals received prayer. The Holy Spirit was at work! People continued coming, and we had the opportunity to share the Gospel with many.
My co-worker Beth was also in Colombia. She organized all the prep work for this squad and helped manage and execute meals for 20+ people for the first week in Colombia. Beth is a great friend and is consistent with her servant’s heart. She’s a blessing!
After returning from Colombia, I jumped head first into my new responsibilities at work, while also maintaining my old job. For a couple months, I had it in control.
There’s that word again. Control.
I envisioned what challenges I would need to overcome, I made a list of what needed to get done, I met regularly with my managers and processed with them about the new things with the squads, etc. But, even all your preparations can fail when concepts move to realities. I realized that I needed to simply take my time with this job and allow myself to grow with it. And not pretend to have it all together, when there’s actually no way to do that.
I just got back from Jamaica.
One of the World Race squads I work with was finishing up their month of ministry there, and I joined them for a time of debrief and reflection before they headed across the world to work in India. My main goal in joining this squad was to get to know them, build connection, and support them in storytelling.
Meet the women of D Squad (I’m on the right side)! They are pretty great. During my time with D Squad, I led devotionals, debriefed my Storyleaders, and had one-on-ones with loads of Racers. I wanted them to see my heart with storytelling through blogging, but God gave me so much more than that. They welcomed me with open arms and invited me into their lives. I felt included, understood, and loved by this squad.
One of my first mornings in Jamaica, a couple girls from D Squad came up to me and asked me if I wanted to join them at the beach. They were celebrating a girl’s birthday and would love for me to join them. This simply gesture reassured me and allowed me to be fully myself around this squad. God knows. And He provides.
I still like to know stuff. I’m a learner, and I know God likes that about me. But I surrender those desires to Him. That I don’t HAVE to know it all. That I don’t NEED to have all the pieces together. That all I need is His presence to fully sustain me.
JOIN ME IN PRAYER:
1. Please pray for the squads we have on the mission field. Pray for God’s Kingdom to spread like wildfire. And for all tribes and tongues to know Truth.
2. Pray for this upcoming summer season. We will be launching so many trip this summer, short term and long term. Please be praying for our staff as we prepare, teach, and train our participants.
3. I only need $40 more a month to be fully funded! Support me financially with a one donation or a monthly pledge.
How can I be praying for you?
