Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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There’s a resistance I usually feel when I first get on the field — an unknown my flesh rejects. My initial impulse is to run back to my normal. To hide in my perceived earthly securities.

But my God is too good to leave me in the ankle-deep. Despite the waters’ overpowering appearance, He says, “come out here with me”, and the voice that calls out is all too familiar. It is the voice my heart longs to hear, and I have no choice but to follow.

Deeper & Deeper.

I’ve been in Indonesia for about 3 weeks so far. That’s about 6% of my entire journey, yet already this has been a whirlwind adventure. I never know what tomorrow will hold, but already I’ve been undone by the beauty of this place, the beauty of these people and the beauty of my Lord.

I can tell you numerous stories of the people I’ve met, the waterfalls I’ve climbed, the kindness that’s been shown to me, the doors that have been opened, the bizarre foods I’ve eaten, and the opportunities I’ve had to share truth with people who have never heard it before.

But it’s all a subplot.

In fact I’ve been hesitant to write a blog so far, because even though I’ve already had countless experiences worth documenting, there’s been this feeling that highlighting any single one of them misses the point.

There’s a bigger story going on, and all the experiences serve the same purpose: letting me into my Father’s heart. And whether I am surfing in Bali or have food poisoning in India, my strongest desire and most consistent prayer is to know it more.

All the while His response to me remains, “deeper still”.

I want to share with you some snapshots of my time so far, but please know that it all goes back to His love because it’s the only thing worth any of it to me.

  1. Camping—My entire squad got to camp next to a waterfall for two nights in the beautiful mountains of Indonesia during our country and culture orientation. This time was filled with lots of fun, learning and bonding.

  2. My team got to go to a gathering of around 1,000 Muslims and were treated as the guests of honor. We were also given the opportunity to share that we were followers of Jesus to everyone there

  3. We got to meet of the top Islamic leader in the area, Abba Aos.

  4. All of the guys on my team trying out the hats we were given to wear to the mosque.

  5. Through the Lord’s provision we were given five nights of free lodging so we could attend a 3-day IRIS Conference with Heidi Baker that happened to be going on in Jakarta while we were there. Here we are getting to meet with two of the speakers backstage. I believe this conference will prove to be monumental for the rest of our journey.

  6. We stayed at a Muslim boarding school called Jagat ‘Arsi for the rest of our time in Jakarta. We were invited there as part of a cultural immersion program. We had the opportunity to teach English classes, explain American culture, and learn about Islam and Indonesian culture through many meaningful conversations with faculty and students. We were shown unbelievable hospitality and kindness while staying with them and developed many amazing friendships.

     

  7. One of the events we had while at Jagat ‘Arsi was a talent show where my team performed All of Me by John Legend (an Indonesian favorite). This is us after the performance..needless to say it went pretty well.

  8. Jagat ‘Arsi fed us close to 5 meals a day including a lot of the Indonesian desert called Martabak. I am convinced I’ll never eat anything remotely as delicious again.

  9. One night we went to an Islam & Cultural gathering where we got to listen to Islamic music and even got to play a little worship music ourselves for our Muslim friends.

  1. We got to go to the top of a mountain outside Jakarta where many people paraglide off of.

  2. This is the mosque on campus where we were able to observe the 5 daily Islamic prayers being performed.

 

Songs I’ve been listening to:

  1. Never Going Back by United Pursuit

  2. You Are My One Thing by Hannah McClure

  3. King of My Heart by Sarah McMillan

  4. Simple Gospel by United Pursuit

  5. More by Josh Rene

  6. Good Good Father by Housefire

 

**Fundraising Update**

I have received $14,923 of the $17,562 I need to be fully funded!! Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey! I can’t even begin to describe how much it has meant to me!

Blessings,

Drew