Recently, I’ve spent a LOT of time asking myself "What the heck am I doing signing up for a year long Missions trip?!?!" "Am I even a good enough Christian to try and go do this stuff???" So, I've been trying to answer that and also answer whatever questions people might want to ask me before they consider donating some of their hard earned money so that I can go around the world on this trip. So, Q&A time. 3,2,1… GO!
Q1. Dave, I know you’re a good dude, but you don’t always look or act like a perfect Christian. What Gives?
A1: That's true. I'm not perfect by any means and I am the first to admit it. I don't read the Bible as often as I should. I would much rather be in the mountains than sitting in church. And, I am definitely not the "look at me, I'm such a good Christian" type. One of my favorite sayings is that “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” I feel like that will be an accurate statement as I go through this trip. I’ve never claimed to be a perfect Christian and I never will. I’m an average dude, at best. I drink beer sometimes, I make mistakes, but I am 100% transparent about that and at least I am working on it… and doing a MUCH better job than I had been before I started trying to get back to Christ. I’ve never been afraid of a challenge, and this is no different.
(My best analogy: I don’t look like a straight A student either, but I’m trying on that one too. Although, hopefully I’m closer to being a good Christian than I am to being a 4.0 student…)
Q2. Well, you travel a lot already. Besides, why should I pay money for YOU to travel?!?!
A2: Because this one is different. This is no vacation. The money that you send to support me goes directly to making our world a better place by reaching out to others, lending a hand where it is needed most, and helping to spread the love of God. If I had enough money to cover this trip on my own, I would. But I don’t have $15,000 in disposable income, so I am asking for support in whatever amount you can manage. Anything helps. And I am determined to go on this trip even if I have to pay for it on my own. If you ca help spread this to someone else who might want to be a part of this and donate to a good cause, then that works just as well.
Q3. Ok. Maybe. But what exactly will you be doing?
A3: The World Race is an 11 month Christian missions trip in which we build churches and schools, work with orphans, hold Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) for kids, visit hospitals, help communities in any way that we are needed, teach English, run sports camps, conduct ministry, hold church services in remote areas, and talk to people about God's plan. We have a specific focus in each geographic area. In Southeast Asia, we will be working to save women and children from human sex trafficking. We will reach out to them and teach them that although they may be broken, God still loves them and has a plan for them. In Africa, we will work with orphans, bringing aid, clothing, water, outreach, hope, and bible schools. In Eastern Europe, we will work with Gypsies and people with disabilities. In The Mideast (Turkey, India, Nepal). we will be reaching out, washing the feet of lepers, creating shelters, and working against things such as prostitution, human trafficking, and religious persecution. One thing is for sure, it's going to be quite the journey, and we are going to do a LOT of good.
Q4. What made you decide to do this?
A4: 1) I was looking for a way to bring God back into my life. 2) I was born with a heart for helping people. 3) I was seeking a sense of purpose. 4) I love to travel and want to see the world in a whole different way. I found myself looking for answers to who I am and what I want out of life… and stumbled across this video: http://youtu.be/PPOZNkXIjKc There are some things that you see and know instantly that it’s the next path for you. This is it.
Additional bonus answer: I’m not ready to move on to that suit and tie lifestyle just yet. So, I’m gonna travel the world, do some good, and learn a LOT about myself. I know the life experiences, friendships, and chance to serve will create a lasting change in my life and will make me a much better person, more prepared to go on into the next chapter… and will also help me to be less selfish and more insightful into the needs of others along the way.
Q5. How much are YOU putting into this?
A5: I am covering flight to and from training, medical insurance, cost of all the gear I need to buy, AND whatever amount of money that I am unable to raise. I know that no amount of money can be put on the amount of good work, life changing experiences, and spreading of the love of God that my team will be able to accomplish. So, I will take out a loan to go on this trip if I need to.
Q6. OK. I think that your heart is in the right place and you are going to do great things. I’d love to support you, but I don’t have much $$$.
A6: Anything is better than nothing, and I think that really wanting to help is more important than the amount you give anyways.
Q7. Okay, but would you support ME if I were doing something like this?
A7: Absolutely. For those of you who don’t know me, I have supported countless charities and run in numerous marathons and endurance events to raise money and awareness for great causes. I helped fund my sister’s own missions trip with monthly donations LONG before I ever even considered being a missionary. I’ve helped children with cancer, homeless children, veterans, and countless other things. When I see a good cause, I try to send whatever I can manage to help.
Q8. Well, in that case, where can I donate?
A8: Here: https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Dave%20Smith and THANK YOU!!!
Q9. Ok. I donated. Will you keep me informed with pictures, videos, and stories of what you are doing?
A9: Heck yeah! Enter your email address here and standby for the adventure of a lifetime: http://davesmith.theworldrace.org/?isFunction=alerts
