CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE

Hey friends! 

I am SO EXCITED to be writing to update you on month one of the World Race! I couldn’t possibly cover all that has happened so far, but I will share just a small glimpse of what the Lord has been teaching me lately. I pray that this serves as an encouragement to all, please contact me personally if you’d like to chat more, I’ll do my best to respond with the limited free time I have! 

Month one of the Race has been spent in Gainesville, Georgia at training camp. Since arriving, the Lord has completely changed my view of Him, others, and myself. Physically, I have left behind warm showers, a real roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, my own schedule, a washing machine, and other things I now consider luxuries. Spiritually, I have chosen to leave behind pride, my own ideas of who I am and who God is, my experiences, and my emotions to serve the Lord more fully each day. This abandonment process has been deeply fulfilling! 

The Lord drove this lesson home a couple of weeks ago when my squadmates and I hiked up a mountain near our training camp with our gear and camped overnight at the top. One of our squadmates broke his heel when we first arrived at training camp, so we created a “stretcher” with a tarp, paracord, and some scrap lumber to carry him up with us. (You can read my squadmate Ethan Johnston’s blog for a more in-depth look at the hike!) As we took shifts carrying him up the mountain, I was reminded of Jesus carrying His cross. He abandoned everything to serve the Father and to save you and I. Everything. In the darkest hour, after He was whipped, beaten, and mocked, as God turned His face from His Son, Jesus chose to serve the Father and give His final breath for us (Mark 15:21-39). This is the truth that compels me to take up my own cross, deny myself, and follow Jesus wherever He leads me (Matthew 16:24-26). It is the most challenging, wonderful thing in this world. 

This passage has been heavily on my heart this week, so I’ll end with Joshua 24:14-15:

“‘Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’”

Each day, we get the opportunity to choose whom we will serve. Will you choose to serve money? Passions? Lust? Victim mentality? Jealousy? Greed? Works? Anger? Bitterness? Addiction? Accomplishments? Or, will you choose to serve the One who gave everything so that you could know Him personally? The One whose thoughts for you are greater than all the grains of sand on the earth (Psalm 139:18)? The One who treasures the most wretched parts of you? The One who pursues you endlessly and holds every tear you shed?

Serving the world leads only to bondage and destruction. Serving and being in relationship with Jesus leads to life and life abundantly. Choose this day whom you will serve. 

Thank you all for loving and supporting my team and I; the gospel is moving forth mightily! If you are curious, here are some specific ways you can be praying for us:

• As I write this post, I am in Jackson, Kentucky doing flood relief with Samaritan’s Purse. The physical and spiritual need here is great, as people have lost the little they had in mass flooding. Hopelessness is prevalent, but we have come to serve physically and to bring the Good News to a desperate situation! Please pray for open hearts to receive the hope of Jesus and for strength as we clear the damage!
• I’ve been sick for all of the 5 weeks we’ve been here, so please pray for healing in the midst of doing manual labor with lots of mold 🙂
• My squad will be heading to Nicaragua in the second week of October, so please be praying for open doors and protection for our team as we go out of the country for the first time!
• Above all, pray for the good news of the gospel to advance wherever we are! I’m praying for all of you as you build the Kingdom wherever God has you currently! 

Please let me know how I can be praying for each of you, I miss you all! 

Much love, 

Baylee