I have been awake for about 4 hours today and there have been some
incredible things already happening. I started out with Sunday
service, of course, which was amazing. The sermon was on betrayal
specifically related to Psalm 3 and Davids life. This is something
that has been laying heavily on my heart for years. Betrayal of
friends and boyfriends is something that I somehow just can't seem to
let go and forget about. The saying of 'the past is the past' or
'forgive and forget' are not easily come by with me. That was until
today.. when my eyes were opened. Pastor gave multiple examples of
where betrayal could lead and one specifically stuck out to me. He had
said that eventually betrayal will lead to blessings or bitterness. If
I continue to hold these grudges in my heart i will not move forward to
see the great things to come in my life. I was also reminded yet again
that the Lord will always be there for me and I need to turn all my
emotions and sufferings over to him. Stated in Psalm 3:3 it is written
that He is a shield all around me and His glory lifts up my head to
Him. Pastor had told us that our heads can not be lifted by God until
we first BOW DOWN to him. Incredible.
Then I came home, checked my account and boom there it was an
outstanding generous donation. About a week ago I blogged about my
feelings towards fund raising and the lack of support I have been
feeling. Thank you to the many that commented, your advise was taken
and it worked wonders on me. My prayers were different, my outlook was
different and in just this week alone $620 was placed in my account..
(Thank you again, you know who you are =)
I'm sitting at my breakfast counter eating some leftover chinese
from last night (yum) and ahead of me is a plaque that has been sitting
in my kitchen for probably 6 months. I love what it says but never had
the few words mean something to me as it did in that moment. It reads,
"Faith is not believing that God can, it is knowing that God will." Is
it not just mind boggling sometimes how God chooses to work in us
through simple words, songs, experiences?? I am constantly blown away
by His voice in us.
Fortune cookie time.... "Your eyes will be opened to a world full of beauty, charm, and adventure."
Enough said. Can I get an Amen?!
Love you guys. I hope that everyone has the ability to just open
their eyes and take in and appreciate the smallest of things that God
does for us everyday!!
Hey everyone!! So the exact route has been revealed to me!! This just made my day!! I would really love for all of my readers and supporters to start praying for me and my team, as some of this countries are in a pretty hot spot. I am so excited to start traveling the world, spead the Word of God and share experiences with amazing people! <3
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is an island nation in the middle of the
Caribbean. With a population around nine million, it's a country with
more affluence than its neighboring country, Haiti. After the
earthquake on January 12 in Haiti, the D.R. quickly became home to
thousands of refugees searching for food, shelter, and comfort. This
month, you'll serve at orphanages, refugee camps, and more.
Haiti
Haiti was hit with a life-altering earthquake on January 12, 2010.
While the nation was left in shambles, it's far from struck down and
destroyed. Haiti is experiencing a spiritual revival right now.
Communities are turning to pastors for leadership and the Church is
becoming the driving force behind Haiti's rebirth. This month you'll
help with relief efforts, establish connections, teach, provide for
immediate needs, and more. Come prepared to work - come ready to be
rocked...
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people. Though
strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a
strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an
inspirational way. Here you'll teach English, lead sports camps, live
life with the gypsies, and more.
Turkey
A primarily Muslim nation, the country of Turkey is also the least
evangelized nation on earth. One of the birthplaces of the Church, it
is now a nation closed to the Gospel and home of persecuted
Christians. This month, you're going to take some risks in sharing
your faith. And while we would love to share with you what you will be
doing, we can't for safety reasons. Just know - you're not going to
forget this experience.
Mozambique
This is one of the most beautiful countries in the continent of Africa.
This is a favorite location of the World Race for a variety of reasons
(the people, beautiful landscape, ministry partnerships, and more).
Although the stronghold of poverty grips this nation, Mozambique is
seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery. Due to this extreme
poverty - or perhaps in spite of it - the church is growing, as well.
This month on the Race, you will be teaching, preaching, practicing
"true religion" with widows and orphans, and more. You may also
probably have one of your most memorable travel "days" here. You'll
find out what we mean soon enough.
Malawi
Known as "the warm heart of Africa," Malawi is definitely a place
that you visit to ignite yourself with the fire of God. This country
has a beautiful landscape and an even more beautiful culture and
population.
This month, you'll be helping plant churches,
raising up leaders, and infecting the people with the love of God.
Chances are you won't want to leave.
Pioneer Africa
Twice during your World Race experience, your team will take a month to
ATL (ask the Lord) for a new mission field. He may lead you someplace
in the middle of a buzzing city or somewhere that can't even be found
on a map. Either way, it's a time of listening to the Lord's voice and
following him with true abandon. Uncover more of your inheritance...
Thailand
With nearly two million people estimated to be stuck inside of
prostitution in Thailand, it has become one of the most popular places
for sex tourism. Change lives in the city and rock worlds in the
countryside. Thailand's sure to capture your heart.
Cambodia
28 years ago, Cambodia experienced one of the most gruesome genocides
known to man where over one third of the country's population was
slaughtered. Still in recovery from their past, the people of Cambodia
are thirsty for hope.
China
Host of the 2008 Summer Olympics and home to 1.3 billion people, China
is known for its grandness, not just in land mass and population. While
the Han Chinese comprise the largest people group, there are over fifty
minority groups, including the Uighurs, a people without a country. Due
to the legacy of Mao's Cultural Revolution, Communism is not just a
political system, it is almost the state religion. Speaking of which,
depending on where you are, you may meet Buddhists, Muslims, and
Taoists; there are even churches - government approved and regulated.
The exact size of the underground church is unknown (hence the name),
but what it is known is that it is large and still growing, thriving
even in the midst of persecution. While there, you'll have to pay
homage to the Great Wall, and bring light and hope to a people in
darkness and depression. How you'll do that exactly - you'll find out
once you get there. ;)
Philippines
This Asian island nation, once a Spanish colony and an American
protectorate, is a country in tension, trying to cross the threshold
between the third and first world. It offers a variety of landscapes -
beaches, mountains, volcanic lakes - and languages, with Tagalog as the
national tongue. The Catholic Church is a substantial piece of the
religious pie, however, Islam is growing in the island of Mindinao. The
Filipino people and culture love music and dance and community. While
there, you may find yourself living with and giving hope to the
destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the growing number of
Christ-followers to rise up.
I'm not sure how everyone's fund raising and support is going, and I hope you know I am thinking of ALL of you and wishing nothing but the very BEST for you all during this time, I just wish I could say the same for myself.
Today I received a discouraging letter from a relative. First let me begin by saying that this lady is my great aunt (my grandma's sister) and someone who I have always considered to be my grandmother for years of reasons. She is someone who I adore and look up to. She has been a devout Catholic her whole life and I would say her faith is amazing. She lost her husband early on and has proven a great amount of strength for years after becoming a widow. Those are just a few reasons why I just love and adore her. While my family and I still lived in New York we did everything for her, and I mean everything..
Her letter today had said that shes sorry that she cant support something she doesn't believe in and she just can't seem to understand why I would want to do something like this. She said that she would be praying for me daily, but only for the hope that I will change my mind or that something will occur so that I won't be able to go on this trip. I was crushed. Cried right then and there. I'm under a lot of stress right now, especially because I am worrying so much about getting the money to go so I really need all the support I can get.. not negativity. This isn't the first time I received a negative response but this one really hit my heart the most.
A few days ago I was reading my Bible and right before I closed it I said.."Lord find me some words of wisdom to live by right now, something to open my eyes and put me at ease". This is what I came across.
And
we know that in all things GOD works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
I was beside myself. Those were the truest of words that spoke directly towards me!!
I guess what I ended my day thinking is this... God has a plan for my life. He has shut just about every door and with held every possible opportunity for a year knowing that I was going to keep growing in my faith and that I am supposed to be a part of The World Race. As much as I worry and stress.. get discouraged or down by others.. I need to keep my faith. I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I don't need to have everyones support and approval because GOD is taking me to a place in my heart I could never have dreamed possible. HE will make sure that I go on this trip and HE will take care of me every step of the way. I am not going to earn my place in Heaven by pleasing people, but by living my life the way God has intended me to.
To anyone who is feeling as discouraged as I am.. hold your head up high. God has selected YOU to do something so incredibly amazing with your life. Keep the faith.
Hello! I hope this letter finds you well. I am so thankful and excited for this
opportunity to share what has been going on in my life lately. God has been using me and teaching me in many
ways, some in which I never expected. After months of praying and being patient to see where my next step in
life would be, I have been called toward missions. I was really excited when I found out about
an opportunity to join AIM (Adventures In Missions) with the World Race. I applied and now I have been accepted! This is an 11-month tour in which I will be
given the opportunity to spread the gospel in 11 different countries. How amazing is that?? My launch date is July
1, 2010.
My greatest desire is to learn to share the gospel with
people my own age. I've discovered that
I have a real heart for youth and a love for those desiring to grow in
Christ. Through my church I have joined
a women's group and have taken on the role to be a co-leader in a high school
girls group. Since then my life has been
amazing and I can really feel the Lord warming and working in my heart. I love the work I am doing here but I long to
minister in a place where people are aching with hunger for the gospel. During this trip, I will be disciplined and
trained in various areas of ministry and missions. I will be blessed with the opportunity to
minister to people who need to hear of salvation through Jesus.
I
thank God for this opportunity that is before me and trust He will meet my
needs. Ultimately,
my prayer is that He will do that through you. I would be honored if you
could partner financially
and prayerfully with me in this ministry. I am specifically asking for
five people who will commit
to pray for me each day until I return. Also, I must raise $14,300 for
the year that
goes directly to AIM. This will cover all my expenses while on the
field. There are also additional costs
such as vaccinations, air-fair for my launch site, travel supplies (sleeping
bag, tent, packing materials) ect. My
goal is to raise $1,000 more than needed to full fill these needs.
There are multiple ways you can contribute to this ministry. If writing a check, please make checks
payable to Adventures In Missions and print my full name (Jessica Dudkowski) on
the memo line. Send check to Adventures
In Missions PO Box 534470 Atlanta, GA 30353-4470. Another way is through online giving. Log on to www.theworldrace.org and under the
JULY2010 race team find me, click on the support me tab (far right) and select
the payment method which best suits you. You can even give an anonymous donation! I was told that $20 feeds me for a week so any amount helps!!
Please send all donations by May
15, 2010. Thank you and God bless!
Adventures
In Missions is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) (3)
nonprofit
organization.
Donors will receive receipts for their gifts with the understanding that the
disbursement
of those gifts lies completely at the discretion of Adventures In Missions and
that
the gifts
are non-refundable and non-transferable, per IRS regulations. Gifts may be tax
deductible;
please consult a tax advisor.
I am very excited
to see how God will use me and see what He will teach me through this
experience. I hope not only to be a
blessing to those I serve, but also to you. My desire is to go as your representative of Jesus Christ. I hope you will prayerfully consider being
part of my ministry. Thank you so much!
In Him,
Jessica Dudkowski *Contact
me anytime at (704) 989-9335
I love thee to the depth and
breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling
out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive
for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn
from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my
childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed
to lose
With my lost saints, --- I
love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!
--- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better
after death.
This has forever been one of my favorite poems. It has such different meanings to me. I have always known I want to have this read aloud at my wedding, at my loved ones funerals, and also something I would read aloud to God when my time comes to go back home. I think it is so beautifully written. Hope you enjoy!!
I am so excited to be a part of this amazing adventure!! July can really not come soon enough!!
I want to go ahead and thank every a head of time for supporting me and
for all the future ones who do as well!! Everything you do is
appreciated beyond words. I hope to make each and everyone of my
friends and family members proud as I am a representative for them all
around the world. I pray that I will touch as many lives as I can in
the short amount of time I will be in each country.
This truly is an adventure of a lifetime and I am so excited to share it with my amazing racers.
