This crazy adventure I’m headed on is officially ONE MONTH away. I can not believe it. I’m so excited for all that God has for me in this season, and I can’t wait to share it with you. So before all the fun starts, let me fill you in on why this trip is even happening. 

People have asked me why I'm going, and honestly, the answer didn't happen overnight.

I often tell people that God gave me a heart for missions long before I understood what missions really were. I spent part of my childhood living in Kenya while my family served there, and although I was young, those years left an imprint on my heart that only God could have orchestrated. Looking back now, I can see that He was planting seeds long before I ever recognized them. He was showing me what it looks like to surrender no matter what and how to love His people well. At such a young age, I was able to see and experience things that some people never will. I got to see what the Body of Christ truly looks looks like. From supporters on the home front, strangers from another country who became best friends, Christians who invited us into their churches and homes, and everyone in between, little Aubrey got a glimpse of what the Kingdom is truly like. I thank God often for those experiences, but even more for allowing me to remember them and continue to be shaped by them a decade later. 

As I grew older, that interest in missions never really went away. It wasn't always at the forefront of my mind, but it was always there. I could never fully explain what this dream was like, and I still can’t, but a life of missions has always been the goal. When opportunities arose to serve locally, or even to take a trip to Guatemala, I took them. Then, a few years ago, some friends introduced me to the World Race Gap Year. At first it was just an enticing opportunity, but over time it became something much deeper. The more I prayed, sought the Lord, and studied Scripture, the more convinced I became that this wasn't just an interesting option—it was His invitation to obedience, and He confirmed it for me time after time. 

Throughout this process, God has been using Revelation 7:9-10 specifically to encourage me and redirect my focus. This passage is so special and brings us straight into the throne room of Heaven where John sees "a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”  Wow. What a God we serve and what a picture that is. What a privilege it will be to be a part of that multitude! This picture reminds me that missions isn't about travel, adventure, or even service. It's about God gathering people from every corner of the earth and receiving the worship He deserves.

Meditating on this verse and God’s story of redemption throughout Scripture changed a lot of the questions I had been asking. Instead of asking, Would I enjoy doing this? or Is this the right path? I found myself asking, If God is opening this door, why wouldn't I walk through it? If God is inviting me to help make this happen, who am I to say no?

That doesn't mean I have everything figured out. I know there will be challenges. I'll be far from home, immersed in cultures I've never experienced, and stretched in ways I can't even imagine. But I also know that this is where God is calling me and He will prepare me as I follow where He leads.

So this August, I'm saying yes.

Not because I think I have something extraordinary to offer, but because I serve an extraordinary God who delights in using ordinary people. I'm going because the Gospel has changed my life, and everyone needs to hear that same Good News. I'm going because Jesus is worthy of being worshiped by every nation, tribe, and tongue. I'm going because I believe obedience to Him is always worth it.

I have no idea what God has planned for these next nine months, but I know the One who is leading me and that's enough.

Thank you for following along on this journey. Whether you're praying, giving, reading these updates, or simply cheering me on, I'm so grateful you're here. I can't wait to share the ways God moves in the months ahead.

For every nation, tribe, and tongue, 

Aubrey June :)

Fundraising Updates:

I am 60% funded!! Praise the Lord! And thank you to all who have been so generous in supporting me! There’s still some work to do before the deadline in February, so it would mean the world to me if you could take some time to pray and ask the Lord if He is leading you to partner with me, or maybe if there is someone you know that is looking for a way to invest in the Kingdom! Keep an eye out for a cool fundraising opportunity I’ve got coming soon that I hope will really make you feel part of the squad :) 

Prayer Requests:

• There’s a lot of moving pieces flying around this month, and so life’s a little crazy! Pray for smooth sailing and all the pieces to fall in the right spot. 

• Fully Funded!

• Sweet time with family and friends before I leave

• My spirit to be ready and receptive for all that is to come