One year ago I was on a mission trip in Nashville with my youth group. At this point I had already spent my entire summer fervently praying about the World Race. Near the end of my junior year of high school, the Race became a constant guest in my mind. I had always loved the idea of traveling and serving, and the Race was the perfect combination. Because of this I wanted to make sure that it was God’s Will and not my own. Thus, I prayed constantly all summer.
One year ago today, it was Wednesday night while on the mission trip in Nashville. We were having our normal worship, singing “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake. Now, this was the first time I had heard this song, and I was singing along, but I was just singing words. I wasn’t comprehending what I was singing. I started crying out of nowhere, and I cry a lot during worship so it wasn’t necessarily a surprise, but because I was crying to words that I didn’t truly understand, I knew God was trying to tell me something more. So I went to the bathroom to listen. By this point I am sobbing and all I hear is “Go”. It was the clearest I have ever heard God speak to me. Immediately, I knew that He was talking about the World Race. I said “Okay” and I immediately felt this overwhelming sense of peace.
After I recovered a bit, I rejoined my group, and later that night I approached the staff running the mission trip. They were the first people I told that I was even considering the gap year. They prayed over me, and I continued to feel God’s encouragement. The next night, we were worshiping, and I was crying again. This time, however, I was actually listening to what I was singing, and I just became so overcome with joy about who our amazing Father is. After this session, we separated into our youth groups to go a little deeper with an activity. Our leaders also wanted to talk to each of us individually. I was so enveloped in God’s peace and love, I was so overcome with joy that I couldn’t sit on the concrete like everyone else. So, I got up and started dancing. Here I am, in the middle of a dark parking lot spinning in circles and crying, dancing to no music. I know I looked crazy and that I scared some people, but I just couldn’t contain the joy I felt.
We returned home on Friday, and Saturday at dinner, I decided to tell my parents. I was nervous because I had absolutely no idea how they would react. I should have known better. I didn’t really know how to say it, so I just blurted it out. They were a little stunned for a second, probably because of the abruptness, but then they were extremely supportive and encouraging. Of course there were tears, especially from my mom. Of course they were a little nervous about the idea of sending their little girl overseas for nine months to places they wouldn’t be able to reach in just a couple of hours, but their support and joy at me following God’s calling outweighed their fears, and still do.
That Sunday, August 1, I went to summer camp for two weeks. Everyone there that I talked to about the World Race was so supportive and encouraging. I just couldn’t wait to go, but it wasn’t until October that I actually applied. By this point I was still praying fervently. I told my brother as well as my youth pastor and his wife, asking that they would pray for me as well. After doing a ton of reading and praying about the Race, I finally applied on October 11. I was prepared to have to wait a week or so, but less than forty-eight hours later, I got a call from Georgia saying that I was accepted. I was overjoyed. I could finally tell everyone what God has been doing in my life. When I finally made the announcement, I received nothing but support.
Over the next couple months, I would do little to actually raise the funds I needed. Yes, I told people what I was doing. Yes, I sent out support letters. Yes, I sold shirts. The rest was all God. I didn’t go out of my way to meet with people and ask them to give me money. I didn’t feel comfortable with that. Instead I leaned into God, trusting that He would provide everything that I would need to to follow Him. And boy did He provide. I got donation after donation, both from people I know and love and from people I have never met. Even though I was expecting to get the funds, I was still so in awe of God. My last attempt to raise funds ended up being a lot earlier than I expected. Sunday, May 15, I went up on stage during my church service to announce to my congregation that I would be serving the Kingdom for nine months overseas. I told my church I only needed $4,000, expecting that I would be able to get a decent chunk of that quickly. What I didn’t expect was that one of the church members, actually the dad of one of my students, would go up to my pastor after service and tell him that they were going to donate all $4,000 to me. I cried so much when I discovered this, and I am crying again just typing it. God is so good always. A few months earlier a girl I had never met before reached out to me and offered to donate all of her World Race gear to me, and I was finally able to get it at the beginning of June.
Near the end of June, I had the opportunity to fly out to Colorado and meet twelve of my squadmates. We spent 4 days in a lovely cabin in the mountains. Everyone that I met was so uplifting. Even in such a short time, I was able to see a family forming. I left Colorado feeling so encouraged and excited for what’s to come in August.
Today, July 28, 2022, marks one year since I accepted God’s invitation for the World Race. God has done so much in that year. I have received nothing but support and encouragement from everyone that I have talked to. If I wasn’t sure about God calling me in Nashville last year, then I definitely am now. The overwhelming peace that I felt then has continued until today. Nothing that has happened regarding the World Race is because of me and what I have done, but because of God and what He has done. I can’t believe that one year ago this journey was just beginning, and now I am leaving in a month. This isn’t a dream anymore. I am actually leaving to serve God’s Kingdom.
I want to thank all of you who have supported me so far. It is so much more appreciated than you will ever know. Thank you for listening to the voice of God. I love you all so much, and I pray that you will be able to see God move as much as I have.
With love and blessings,
Ali Goolsby
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Philippians 4:4–7 comes to mind as I read this – thinking of your dancing, your joy, your prayerful consideration, and ultimately your peace: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
His peace truly surpasses all understanding! Ilove you Ali…..thanks for making me cry!
Ali,
Its almost here! How did you add our team to your page? For some reason, I can’t see how to do that. Thanks.