"Why?" "What are you doing?" "Are you sure?" "What about your job, your car, your family and your friends?" "How are you going to fundraise all that money!?" "How can I help?" "A lot of questions, right?" I’m going to give my best shot at answering these for you.
Why?: After a month of prayer and deliberation with some close counsel, I decided to fill out the application for The World Race. I’ve always had a heart for missions and not just stopping there but wanting to tell others about my faith. After a missions trip I took in 2003, I realized that I loved being able to display Christ’s love to others by serving them. It opens the door and allows you to speak with someone on a deeper level about Christ. I’m excited to do that for 11 months and in so many different ways. This leads me to the next question…
What are you doing?: We: my squad and I, aren’t told what we’ll be doing each day. We are given a list of countries that, hopefully, we will be visiting. It’s a pretty accurate list of countries depending on where we are needed and where it’s safe for us to travel. That’s all we’re told. BUT…we do have the luxury of seeing the steps of current and previous racers to know what we might be doing.
Here’s what I know: We will be serving others and sharing the Love of Christ to others. That’s our main focus. How we do that is where we change it up.
Here’s what I’ve seen other racers doing: Homeless ministries, putting on summer camps, teaching English, helping sex-trafficking victims to start a new lifestyle with the help of organizations in the countries, helping out in orphanages, street ministry, going door to door or hut to hut sharing the Gospel, construction, putting on a service for a town/village and mostly being ready to be used in any way the Lord leads us.
Am I sure? : I’m fully committed to this trip and I’m fully committed to listening to God’s will.
What about your job, car, family and friends?: I’m going to quit my job to go on this trip. I’m giving my job a very advanced date of departure to leave relationship, in good standing. I’ve been a part of my job for 7 years and they have become my family so it’s a very bittersweet departure. My car? I’m selling it! Anyone want a dependable Ford Focus?!? Seriously though, I’m selling it to help with funds. Family & friends!? Wow! It’s going to be hard! Real hard, (Have you seen my nephew? He’s the cutest) I’m going to miss everyone. I’ve began to get my feet wet in Skyping, video messaging and have set up email groups to have good communication during the trip. As Scott, my step dad, has pointed out, its 11 months, not forever. It’s going to be hard I’m going to miss crucial moments but I’ve realized that I’m going to come back impacted so I can impact the world around me here at home too.
How am I going to fundraise all that money?: I’m setting up two concerts with some amazing friends that are willing to play, one hopefully including a dinner as well. I’m selling t-shirts and bracelets. I’ve sent out two letters asking for partners to partner with me on this trip. I’m still in need of having 54 people committed to giving $20 per month until December 2013. That’s $220 for the year. Having the monthly donors is where most of the funding will come from.
How can I help?: I would love to have you partner with me and donate towards the trip. To accomplish this goal, I am in need of 52 people who can commit to giving $20 per month for a year. That’s $5 per week or $10 per a bi-monthly pay check; equivalent to $220 for the whole year. Will you be willing to partner with me on this year of spreading the hope and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ? Perhaps you would consider skipping a fast food meal each week? Or maybe a cup or two of coffee a week? I need to be fully funded by the end of December 2013 with $15,500. If I am not able to raise sufficient funds by that time I will be sent home, and miss out on half of this journey.
In advance, Thank you for all the prayers and support!!!
Until next time…Peace and the Love of Christ be with you.
