On the World Race, you never know the impact you have on individuals. You think you may know, but so many things go “unseen.” In reality, everything you do is seen. This may come as a shocker, but as a true follower, you stick out. Plus, not looking like the natives, is also a good hint that you aren’t from there. And when you aren’t from there, people tend to flock to you to try and figure out as much information as possible about you, including if you are married and have any children. Um, hello…I’m 24 and am on the World Race by myself. Nope, no husband or children…don’t intend on that for quite a while.
The reason why I say this, is because I can recall certain things being told to me about how I have helped people in the past 8 months. But overall it doesn’t seem like huge impact. It doesn’t seem like you are doing a whole lot. RACERS: But, just because you can’t see what you are doing, doesn’t mean you aren’t doing anything. In Romania, I was teaching English to a group of 10 male individuals. Each one of them brought something new to class and had something different about them.
If you recall in one of my most recent blogs, I talked about a man named Valentin. He’s probably around 50 years old and had shared his testimony with me. Well, yesterday I got an email from a missionary named Dorothy that was originally from Valentin. The words couldn’t have come at a better time:
“I miss you both. I miss Rachel’s sensitivity and kindness and I miss Kathryn’s optimism (high spirits) and cheerfulness. The character qualities you both have manage to delight and lift up (refresh) the heart of a man no matter how down or depressed he might be. People who know you are very lucky and those who don’t know you yet: ‘I’m sorry for them!’ My wish is that you will finish your trip around the world without any unpleasant incidents and that you will be loved and admired as you were in Romania.
I’m really sorry that I can’t yet write correctly by myself in English so I will rely on Dorothy’s help this time. Because I didn’t want to bother her too much I wrote both of you this same letter. In the future I will really try to write alone.
I miss you and I wish with all my heart that the Lord will take care of you and give you much
happiness in this world, not only in the one to come.”
Valentin – 01.04.2012 (April 1, 2012)
It’s people like these that make you miss the country. It’s people like these that you will always remember and know that you, as a Christian, have encouraged them to press deeper into the path that they have been called to.
Despite obstacle, know that you have a huge impact. You may think you are only influencing the present world around you, but in reality you are influencing everyone you come in contact with. I know my blogs are having impact on the “outside” world, aka people back home. I am writing these blogs to encourage YOU. And if there are words that encourage you, please respond back as I also need encouragement. My ministry and what God has called me to is not only these countries, but everyone I have contact with. Isn’t that what as Christians we are commanded to do?
Matthew 28:18-20
“Then Jesus came to them and said ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
So, all nations…not just those on the Race.
