The World Race and Hannah J. Vitkus:
A Journey from What I Want to What God Wants
My name is Hannah J. Vitkus. A year ago, if asked what I would be
doing in a year, I would promptly and without hesitance reply–law
school. Now, 1 year after my undergraduate degree from Belmont
University, a successful small business and multiple volunteer
positions within various Nashville non-profits, I am on the verge of
being a missionary for eleven months of 2010. It has been a
challenging year, but I enjoy challenges. I also enjoy my independent
life in Nashville–but it seems as though God wants something else for
my life.
The World Race or TWR (theworldrace.org) was conceived in 2006 by Seth
Barnes, the founder of Adventures in Missions or AIM (adventures.org.)
Mr. Barnes and I are in contact as I occassionally volunteer with AIM’s
marketing team.
Fundamentally, TWR is centered on outreach to a medley of people
groups in 11 countries for a total of 11 months. Through a strict
application process, a select few are chosen to love, serve, and work
with locals and ministry contacts. Tasks and responsibilities
encompass working with local churches, constructing buildings and
wells, caring for orphans, and loving prostitutes–but this list does
not end here. Each day with TWR is a new opportunity to ‘be Jesus’ to
the people around us.
Where
On January 3rd, 2010, I will be on a flight to Auckland, New Zealand.
After a week of training with approximately 120 other racers, my team
of 5 other ladies and I will be assigned to a New Zealand contact who
will then tell us his or her need and it is our ‘job’ to fill that
need any way possible. I am excited to see how and where God will use
my team of 6 very different women for His kingdom and glory. While I
am the youngest by a few years, it is evident that I am a valuable
part of our future ministry.
After we leave New Zealand, Australia is next on the list, followed by
Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Kenya, Uganda, tbd in Africa, Romania,
Ukraine, and tbd in eastern Europe. All in all, I will be outside of
the States for just under 11 months. I will leave January 3rd and my
estimate return is a few days before Thanksgiving.
Why
Why am I going? Why am I leaving the life, friends, family, job,
church, countless opportunities, dreams, goals, and plans that I love?
That is a good question. At times, I honestly do not know, but then I
feel a tug at my heart, a whisper about loving the
lovedless–something I try to do daily with Nashville’s poor and
homeless. I could easily stay–life is good, fun, and enjoyable–but
God knows me better than myself and there is a restlessness in me that
cannot be quenched. I cannot simply enjoy my daily Stateside life
without thoughts about caring for an African orphan or showing girls
sold into the sex trade of Thailand that they are worth more than they
will ever know.
When
I fly out first to New Zealand in January and I will return to the
States by Thanksgiving, 2010. Just under 11 months–which entails me
living on $8 a day, out of my backpack and tent, 11 countries, 5
teammates, 4 continents, and countless opportunities to ‘be Jesus’ to
everyone we meet.
How
Adventures in Missions and The World Race are non-profits. I am
fundraising a total of $13,800 for just under a year’s worth of
international ministry. All of this goes to my travel, training, and
day-to-day expenses. All donations are tax-deductible and donating is
quite simple–go to my blog, hannahvitkus.theworldrace.org, and press
the tab on the left, “Support Me!” and I will be on my way, thanks to
you!
