My sophomore year I went on my first mission trip to North Carolina. I had grown up in a Christian household but I was never “big” on Jesus. During this trip I encountered the true Jesus through those around me and through service. I learned a hard truth on that trip. That I am fully known and fully loved by him. I found myself through him and I saw the person he created me to be. Despite my many failings as a person, Jesus looks at me as a masterpiece. He wants me to become the best version of myself and together he and I work towards that person each day. When I saw the joy others got that we were serving and the joy that it gave me, I knew nothing would ever top it. I had never felt so fulfilled and full of purpose in my life. I found my calling for ministry and spreading the love of God. 

Coronavirus has challenged my relationship with Jesus. But through these challenges came healing. I also spent the last year working at target full time and going to full time, online school, at Normandale Community College. These activities  left me feeling stuck and empty. I was struggling with my relationship with Jesus, specifically being the face and hands of Jesus to everyone I encountered; I was left feeling so uncertain of where God is leading on my path. I was desperate for more. 

Then I came across World Race. It was perfect. The world race gap year is a nine month mission trip across three different countries serving and loving on the Lords people. My team and I will be living out of backpacks, sleeping in tents, and traveling to make the name of Jesus known. We will spend three months in Guatemala, Cambodia, and Eswatini. We will do this through lots of evangelism, as well as community development and outreach, children's ministry, sports ministry, leader ship training, and much more. As Always, Gods timing worked out perfectly.

I know God has the most incredible plan for my squad members and I. I am so excited to go on this adventure and I hope you will come with me.

His always,

Liz Sawvel