This is a letter to you, from me, and I hope you read it, especially those of you who have given me money, prayer, or counsel. If you're short on time, skip the italicized text.
There are 27 books in the New Testament, which includes the 4 Gospels, which document Jesus' life and teachings, then Acts, the story of the growth of the Church after Jesus left and the Holy Spirit came, and between Acts and the Revelation of Christ that John witnesses, there are 21 letters to various people and towns and congregations, by several people, ranging in content from the significance of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection to Paul asking his friend to bring his cloak and books he left with him next time he visits. I might even argue that there are 24 letters, because Luke addressed his Gospel and Acts to his buddy Theophilus, and Revelation addresses specific churches.
But no matter how you slice it, the New Testament is mostly letters, not textbook. That tells me that what Jesus did and who he was and what he started did not find its potency in organization and orthodoxy, but in friendships that deepened into family ties.
I don't know if I have the correct theology sometimes, and I'm not always good at articulating what I believe, but I do know that I am part of a family. And I know Jesus cares about our relationships with each other. Before he died he stayed up all night praying that we would be one just like he and his Father are one (John 17). I love reading the letters in the New Testament because they are usually written to friends that are far away, and I have friends that are far away.
Grace and peace to you:
When he was in prison, Paul wrote a letter to his friends in Philippi that is pretty much what I'd write to you:
"I thank my God whenever I remember you, always when I pray for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this: that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
"It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you all in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
Technically, the World Race launches in January. That's when I get on a plane with a backpack and go to Africa. But really, World Race began when I first told you about it, my supporters and partners. Like when my parents and I talked about it last January over pizza, and when my housemates and I all talked about our futures last semester. You have been with me "from the first day."
Through your support, I'm learning that when Jesus said to not worry about what we need, he meant it. I've been learning how much God cares for us by the way you have cared for me.
I got letters in the mail from other future World Racers that told me exactly what I needed to hear (on a bad day, for instance, a postcard came saying that I didn't need to be discouraged). I have received donations from people I never dreamed would give and from people I've never met, in amounts humblingly (I don't think that's a word) small and humblingly large. People email me, reminding me they're praying for me. This week at work, someone I had never met gave me a donation right on the spot. Yeah, I'm going on a mission trip to share God's kindness, but you are the ones teaching me what it looks like in the first place.
It is humbling to experience your generosity. I have said this in many thank you notes, but let me repeat: I am so glad that I can share this adventure with you and that you have shared your time and money with me.
To the many of you that are scattered around the world, I miss you, and I look forward to seeing you again.
To everyone, I pray that you continue to be filled with love.
Thank you.
