The Start of a Journey

It is crazy to think that in less than three months I will be on the other side of the world.

While I am ready to explore what God has in store for me there, that does not mean this trip comes without any fear. Fear was probably the biggest factor in my decision process. Part of me longed so much to go spread the gospel while getting to see if my passion for missions would last beyond a week long missions trip, but at the same time I fought with the fear of not being good enough to go and spread the gospel and lead people to Christ. So I prayed a ton! The answer was not as fast as I or especially my parents may have hoped😂.

Everyone kept asking what I was doing in the fall and where I was going to college. With each question I was asked about the future, I was reminded to pray. To pray for wisdom and guidance. The journey from beginning to even consider taking a gap year to picking one of the hundred of YWAM (Youth With a Mission) schools I could attend took around a year.

Finally, I decided that I would not let fear hold me back from God's calling. His answer was not as direct as I expected. Over the last few months, through various conversations, Bible verses, and sermons I felt God telling me I was supposed to go. The recurring lesson I encounter was to take God at His word. Not to just say I believe His promises but to live a life that displays that belief. So I decided to do just that. I would challenge myself to live like someone who truly believes that every promise in the Bible is true and active in my life. Now at first this may sound like a given. Isn't that how all Christians live? While the answer to that should be a simple "yes," upon further inspection you may find otherwise.

How often do we think we are not good enough to share the gospel, or more generally, not good enough for any tasks. Well the Bible says in Philippians 4:13, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengths me." Therefore, if we are living as people who truly believe the Bible, there is nothing we cannot do with God. After learning this and reading many more verses about God's strength and promises I decided that despite any fears I may have with God I am fully equipped for this trip. So I finally applied and I got my pre-approval of acceptance!!!  Now the long process of visas, airfare, and forms begins.

I would greatly appreciate if you all could keep me in your prayers as I am going through the application process.