Right off the bat our team was challenged to create a name for ourselves that well represents our purpose and vision for OUR World Race. We came up with "Seed Sowers" based on the following verse and commentary:
"The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and plated in the sea,' and it would obey you." Luke 17:6
"A mustard seed is small, but it is alive and growing. Like a tiny seed, a small amount of
genuine faith in God will take root and grow. Almost invisible at first, it will begin to spread, first underground and then visibly. Although each change will be gradual and imperceptible, soon this faith will have produced major results that will uproot and destroy competing loyalties. We don't need more faith; a tiny seed of faith is enough, if it is alive and growing." Verse commentary from the New Revised Standard Version published by World Bible Publishers, Inc. Introductions
I am so proud to introduce you to my team! Everyone has generously written a few words to descirbe themselves, but there is SO MUCH MORE to these individuals I can't wait for you to see as you watch this next year play out for us. BAHHH. Exciting times!
Cody O’Donnell (Team leader)
I’m 23 years old and have been attending the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, working towards a degree in Agriculture. My hobbies include hunting, rodeos, and anything adventurous. I came from a Christian family; however, I was a sheep in darkness for awhile. After a time I found light and direction back to the Truth. I’m hoping that this trip to 11 countries in 11 months will help me grow closer to Christ.
Rachel Balson
I just graduated from North Greenville University in South Carolina with a BS degree in Outdoor Leadership. I enjoy reading, trail running, skiing, and doing anything where I can be active. I grew up going to church and accepted Christ as a young child. In high school, through some key people guiding me, I really began to make my relationship with Christ my own. I’ve been overseas to Haiti and Honduras on missions trips. I’m excited to pack my life into a backpack for 11 months to be able to experience the different cultures and spread the love of Christ where we will be living. I have been given the role of Logistics Coordinator for the squad, along with one other guy. This means we’ll be working together to plan anything to do with travel, lodging, and transportation for the 50 of us on the squad.
Emily Lane
I’m from Southwest Ohio and am a graduate of Miami University of Ohio. My major was music and I love everything about music. I am 21 years old and grew up in a Presbyterian church but it took me a long time to “get it”. In high school and college I was very passionate about doing everything right. I got involved with Campus Crusade and realized that I didn’t have to be perfect, all I had to do was accept Christ as my Savior. The guys on my team are excited because I don’t eat meat so I’m giving all mine to them. I like Indian food and Funfetti cake (it is love and happiness and sunshine and sparkles to me!).
Becca Diederich
Born and raised in the Midwest, I graduated in May 2010 from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a degree in Marketing. After just under one year in my professional career I am refocusing my priorities, and ready to put my faith into action in a new lifestyle and with new cultures on the World Race. I love love love new experiences and anything that pushes me outside my comfort zone. I have been empowered as the team’s Financial Manager which means I have to make sure we stay on point with our budget and properly document our spending.
Val Youmans
I’m originally from Georgia and graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2004 with a double major in Marketing and Management. I’m now 27 years old. Since graduation I’ve been living in Florida and spent the last three and a half years working for NASCAR. I grew up in a traditional Southern Baptist family and became a Christian at a young age; however, I walked away from that lifestyle through college and the years after. Thanks to the love and grace of Christ I came back to Christian family, found a new church home, and am so excited to bring the same redemption story to people around the world.
Josh Garrison
I'm 22 and was born and raised in the great state of Texas. I recently graduated with a Business degree from Texas A&M University and now am really excited to set out on this incredible journey around the world. God called me to be His at a young age and has been faithfully molding me ever since. His patience and steadfast love continue to amaze me. I have been incredibly blessed in my life in having the chance to see the world and God has given me a huge passion for overseas missions. I honestly can't wait to live in genuine community that everyday seeks the will of God and spreads the kingdom the way Jesus modeled.
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