Who says the World Race has to end at Month 11?
Yes, maybe Seth Barnes did.
But I say, why stop there when you can keep going?
My 11 months around the world doing missions with different teams of random people has been fabulous and challenging, but what about the idea of extending the race for just a tad bit and be on a team of 2 person – myself & God, and throwing in a lot of ATL (Ask the Lord, World Race lingo – definition: praying and getting impressions and confirmations while moving forward in faith on something) mixed in there?
Even early on in the race, I had this same thought of continuing the race for another month after the finish line- maybe to China. I didn't know how it was to happen or what I was to do, but this thought got stronger as the race wore on, and it became a burning desire that I prayed for and felt in using everything in my power to plan for with due diligence. And I am happy to report that by God's goodness some plans have been made to accommodate my very own Month 12 adventure! Because our God is that good and He's going to indulge me in this.
So, my dearest friends, faithful readers, and lovely supporters,
(drum roll please)…
I want to unveil my plans for Month 12 to you,
Month 12 Part 1:
I will travel to Iris Ministries in Pemba Mozambique and spend a few days there soaking in the strong presence of the Spirit. Having heard numerous faith and healing stories by Heidi and Rolland Baker in the last 10 years, having heard them speak at conferences, having had so many of my friends do short term mission trips with Iris Ministry, I feel like I've been an admirer of Heidi and Rolland from afar and it's time to get closer. I needed to go see their ministry in person, I know something is burning strong there (much like Bethel church in Redding), and I need to see it with my own eyes. It's hard to explain but I think I'll know it when I get there. Oh, and some awesome G Squad friends I met back in Malaysia are attending Iris Ministries' Harvest School there too that I will get to see them again.
"Heidi Baker, known worldwide for her healing miracles, spends a third of every year on the charismatic speaking circuit, where people routinely fall to the floor in unconscious bliss or shake and laugh uncontrollably. They come, enthralled, to hear of Baker's miracles in places like Chiure.
In recent years, she says, 100 percent of the deaf in the Chiure area have been healed through prayer. Not only that, she claims, scores have risen from the dead, food has been multiplied, the crippled and blind have been restored, and the gospel has spread like fire. Baker's church association now numbers 10,000 congregations, maybe more."
– Christianity Today
Month 12 Part 2:
You know how you need lots of time to unravel and process after a big trip like the World Race? Sometimes the best place to do this is not at home, because you will be bombarded with questions by friends and family who mean well but may come on strong right away. I got an invitation from my old coworkers who are with Intervarsity staff in France working with Muslim culture to come see them and do some mental unwinding there. So unwind I will do, they are great listeners and mentors.
Month 12 Part 3:
This is the part where some spontaneous fun will ensue while I'm in France- perhaps a little visit to Paris. I'll be traveling with a German girlfriend I met in Vietnam whom I haven't seen since 2009 and together we will make our own adventure, hoping for some divine appointments and God-conversations while we explore and discover new sights and sounds.
Month 12 Part 4:
Finally, on the third week of August, I will return to the US and join my L Squadmates, coaches, and squadleaders at AIM's home base of Gainsville Georgia for some serious celebration time and for Project Search Light.
Then, I will return home to the San Francisco Bay area. (Hi Ma.)
So there you have it, pray for me for this Month 12 of my journey and I hope to see you all soon.
*If you would like to hear more about any of my world race experience, or have a giving heart toward any of the ministries or countries I've written about – please DO write me at [email protected].
I would like to hear from YOU.
