We were asked to share with you why we're going on this world mission's adventure called the World Race. I'm going around the world in 11 months, because God opened my eyes.

If you would have asked me even just a year ago if I ever thought I would do something like the World Race, my answer probably would have been no…that seems crazy! Well call me crazy because here I go. I always wanted to do mission work but I wasn't sure what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. So, I searched and prayed for a direction from God but nothing came. I didn't give up on this dream of missions; I just didn't think it was time. I thought, once I'm married I can do mission work. Once, I find a mission team to go with I can do mission work. If those seem like excuses to you, that is probably because they are. God taught me a big lesson before I applied to the World Race. He called me out on my fears. I was afraid to say something to a friend because of fear of rejection. This fear had been controlling my life for a long time. NO MORE. There is freedom in Christ and I found it once I faced my fears.

This new found freedom opened my eyes. It opened my eyes to see a world in pain, to see starving children, to see love that needed to be shared. Not just with one destination, but many nations. God opened my eyes to no longer see life through fearful eyes. I could have so easily kept my eyes closed and I would have been perfectly content, living a good life. But not the life Christ has called me to live. I have always thought I was meant to do something big with my life. Yes, I did think that was to be a superstar or fashion designer when I was young, but what little girl doesn't dream that. I have always felt a stirring in my soul to live boldly, passionately, and in big ways. I just didn't know what that feeling meant or what I was supposed to do with it. I now know it is not one certain thing that I am supposed to do. It is the choice to follow Christ not just today, but everyday of my life. That stirring has always been there, I am just now embracing it and deciding it is time to live with intention. The World Race is not the final destination. It is just the avenue I am taking to follow God's will.

How many people have the same stirring within their souls? How many will not recognize that it is Christ calling them to live boldly for Him? How many will? Sunday, in my bible class my friend Rocio told us all about how this year she chose to fall in love with Jesus. She chose to truly live passionately for Him, to worship Him in new and different ways, to praise His name daily. Now, not only is she madly in love with her Savior but people see it in her and want the same peace she has. Jesus is contagious. Why do we let our fears get the best of us? I say NO MORE. I choose you Jesus, I choose you!

Proverbs 16: 3, 9

3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. 9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Last summer I went on a mission trip called CHAOS. I think God had been preparing me for this trip for awhile. My walk with Christ was at a good place, but did I trust God with my life, with everything? This trip taught me how to do just that. To describe the trip in a few words it is a Holy Spirit led trip. We pray over the direction we go and then get in the Suv and drive, no plans, only $30 per person, and rely fully on God for the rest. This trip seemed exciting and adventurous because we are trusting fully in God to provide service opportunities, housing, food, etc.

Our adventure took us to Lavonia GA, Liberty SC, and Greenville SC. I think the trip started to make sense to me the 1^st night we went to dinner. We had spent the day cleaning a thrift store and helping Habitat for Humanity build a house. It was so cool to see God provide service opportunities, even when nothing is planned. At dinner we were writing cards to our prayer partners back in Atlanta. When we went to pay for our dinner, it was taken care of already. Excuse me? That's right; a complete stranger paid for all 5 us. I am not sure if it is because we looked so gross from a hard days work or what. I do know that it was a blessing and provision from God.

Stuff like that continued to happen the entire trip. God continued to lead us from city to city where He was calling us to serve His people. The entire town of Liberty, SC embraced us after we helped out at the ‘Liberty Idol' contest. Talk about a fun night. If I ever move to a small town, it will be there! I loved the people we met; they were so genuine and real. We met Steve, a Shepard of Fellowship Community Church, who was blown away by what we were doing (serving wherever God was leading us), he offered for us to sleep at the church building. God provides yet again.

I could go on and on about the provision God poured over us while we were on the trip, but I actually want you to read this blog. Chaos shook me up. I had never walked with Christ in this way before. Yes, I have trusted Him and committed my life to Him. But, to live in the way where you looked with eyes wide open where God wanted you to serve. Where I listened to His voice and followed His calling. I wanted more. Right when I got into the swing of things, the trip was over. But a life of Chaos is never over. Christ calls us to live boldly for Him, to look for opportunities to serve, and to pour your love onto His people. I hope I will always live in Chaos.

If you would like to read the CHAOS 2007 newsletter please click here. And remember, a life of chaos is meant for everyone!

Saturday night was an AMAZING night. We had a silent and live auction and ethnic food from China, India, Latin America, and Africa. It was full of surprises and excitement. Not only did my friends in Atlanta pour their love onto me but God showed up in a BIG way!

The hardest part about planning for this event was having no idea how many people would actually show up. We estimated anywhere from 30-100. I was so excited that my singles group from church was there to support me because they have been my family while I have been in Atlanta. Guests also included my sister, her hubby, the Hallmark cousins, and my oldest family friends the Wilkins.

The silent auction was like watching wild animals guard their prey. People staked their claim on the items they wanted and would up the price every time someone else bid on it. Watch out or you will get run over in the name of a good cause. The live auction was quite entertaining as well. Every item that was auctioned off was a big seller. We even had a phone in winner for the golf package, thank you Beau Burton. But, the funniest part of the evening was the man auction. Some guys in my singles group were brave enough to step on the auction block. The ladies could choose from the Intellectual man, the Cowboy, or the Cyclist stud! Those men were big sellers.

I could not be more thankful to my planning team, the cooks, the people who donated services, and to my friends who were there. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and love.

I did not want to set a goal on how much I hoped to raise because I had no idea what to expect. I did know that God could totally blow me away with His provision. I wasn't even prepared for the amount of provision He blessed me with. We raised around $4,600! I mean really that is insane. This is the beautiful part. I have now reached my goal of $13,800. Praise God for He is faithful! I still need to raise some additional funds to be reimbursed for additional expenses. God has provided in huge ways so I know that in His time, He will bring the rest in. Please click here if you are interested in supporting me.

This is what I find to be so beautiful. God used my core group here in Atlanta to provide the remaining amount needed. Even though the number of attendees wasn't a huge number, the hearts of every single person there were God sized. And anytime God is involved, He is going to blow you away. I praise you Lord for your blessings of friendship and financial blessings!

My Planning Team

The Where In The World Is Amy McAllister Fundraiser

This Saturday, April 26^th, I am having a fundraiser at my church to raise support for The World Race. There will be a live and silent auction, ethnic food, and fun people! Cover charge is $10. Even if you don't live in Atlanta, but are interested in some of the items, let me know and we can get you in on a phone auction. Below are a few of the HOT items that will be auctioned off…

-Week stay at a condo ON the beach in FWB, FL

-Weekend at cabin in TN Mountains

-Golf package for 4 at 2^nd best course in FL (close to condo)

-Autographed baseball from John Smoltz (Braves)

-2 Tickets to UGA vs AL Football game

-Private Ballroom dance lesson

And Many More…

Here are the details:

Time: 7-10 pm

Location: North Atlanta Church of Christ Youth Center,

5676 Roberts Dr., Atlanta, GA 30338

Entry Fee: $10

Hope to see you there...

I have been at training camp since Friday night. I feel like I have been in a whirlwind of emotion since it started. Actually, I should say before I even set foot on campus. I had a lot of fear that I didn't want to admit to before camp began. I was afraid of what camp would be like, could I handle, it, what would God begin to break in me, and would I get along with my teammates. The answers: intense, yes, lots, and yes. I have so many thoughts right now that I am still processing, so bear with me. I will give you a taste World Race training camp.

Dr. Ron Walborn has been talking to us so far. He has rocked my thoughts. God is doing big works in each of us. I feel like the lesson I need to process the most is the one on the Holy Spirit. I have not grown up seeking the Holy Spirit…but that is going to change now! "The gift of the Holy Spirit is for every believer. It is not a reward it is a gift." I know I have so much to learn when it comes to this, but I already feel God working in my heart. He is opening it up right now and preparing it. I am not sure exactly what that entails but the key word is open. I am open to the presence of God and He can do whatever He need to!

I have had some beautiful conversations with my teammates. I love hearing their stories and hearing how God is shaping them right now. This is going to be one heck of a year because there are some might warriors of God here. Plus, we are having so much fun together. Last night we played captured the flag and all the ladies had a little bit too much fun with the mud as we prepared for battle. We can laugh and cry together. This is just the beginning of community life.

There will be much more to come about training camp; after I process A LOT more of course.

This is just the beginning of the journey…

Anyone who knows me knows I love country music. I don't know what it is, maybe just the simple and honest lyrics. Yeah, I could do without all the honky tonk be donkey donking, but I still love it. God speaks to me through music. Anything from the Gilmore Girl opening song, Need To Breathe lyrics, hymns, and yes, country music. I have heard the song ‘I Saw God Today' by George Strait about 3 times today so far and I started to think about how I have seen God today. Here are a few of the beauties God has revealed…

-Checking my email and I had an encouraging note from an old friend who wants to support me on World Race

-Spoke with my friend who is a Klife minister and hearing how huge of an impact she is making in the Kingdom. Also, being reminded that the friendships that have lasted in our lives are rooted in Christ.

-The ladies at a dress shop were sooo sweet to me that I just wanted to reach out and hug them!

-I had an encouraging chat with my Mom. I might be a future Hallmark assistant for my Mom this summer. Nothing is better than a day with Mom and surrounded by Hallmark!

-Feeling God wrap His arms around me and stay Don't Worry…I will take care of you

So I leave you with the some of the lyrics my true love, George Strait, writes and ask you to think about… How have you seen God today???

I've been to church
I've read the book
I know he's here
But I don't look
Near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slowed down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

Do you live ANYWHERE near Atlanta? Do you like to eat? Do you want to support a future World Racer?

YES you say… then come on down!! Sunday, March 30^th   from 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, Fuddruckers is donating 20% of proceeds (from people there to support me) towards my mission fund. If you are interested in coming just post a comment saying you are interested and I will send you a flyer that is required to be presented at checkout.

Fuddruckers: 240 Perimeter Center Pkwy., Atlanta, GA  30346   
Phone: 770-399-6641

ALSO…mark your calendar for April 26^th. I am hosting a fundraiser that will include live and silent auctions, ethnic food, and so much more. I will give more details closer to the day.

Hope to see all you Georgia Peaches there!!