Danielle Portfleet is my special guest this month. Danielle joined my team at Gordon Food Service as an intern several years ago, and we knew even then that she was a remarkable young woman. Her news this week that she’s leaving us to embark on this incredible journey touched my heart. I hope it will touch yours too.
Have you ever thought there was more to life than the 9-to-5 workdays? Have you ever felt stifled by the comfort and routine, the status quo of the “American dream”? Have you ever heard of men and women suffering around the world and wanted to DO something about it, only to be paralyzed by the fear of “what if” and the thought that one person can’t possibly make enough of a difference in this dangerous, ever-changing world?
I have. And I decided to take a leap of faith to start tackling these questions head on. In October, I will be leaving for the World Race, an eleven-month Christian mission trip to eleven countries around the world. Through the World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with local churches and ministries to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restorative hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations. I will be leaving my family, my friends, my job, and the comforts of my American dream in order to serve “the least of these” and to reach an understanding that it is not about me; it’s about the Kingdom.
God has called me out of my comfort zone. In my short twenty-five years, I have come to realize that God has given every individual the power to make a difference. For me, it looks like leaving the country for a year to walk alongside the lost and broken-hearted in order to share the love of Jesus around the world. What does it look like for you?
Renowned social anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Can you write? A hand-written note can be the encouragement someone needs to keep moving forward. Can you cook? A homemade meal can lift the spirits of a family in need. It may look like tutoring a student struggling with self-esteem, coaching a little league team so young kids have a mentor they can depend on, knitting gloves and hats for homeless people exposed to harsh, winter conditions. God has given each of us unique gifts in order to serve and love one another. Let’s not waste them.
The challenge is simply this: How are you using the gifts God has given you to serve and show others God’s love?
To read more about Danielle’s journey and how God is working through her team, visit her World Race blog at danielleportfleet.theworldrace.org. And please pray for Danielle as she embarks on this incredible life journey, may she be fulfilled, safe, and touch the lives of many.
Have you touched anyone lately?