It's a known principle that one life has the power to change many.
Mother Teresa changed millions for the better.
You are changing my life by investing in me, so that I might in turn invest in a young orphan in Bolivia, or a girl trapped in prostitution in Cambodia.
Perhaps THIS, right here, is your calling to save them from your living room.

The World Race's Story ~

The World Race is in it's sixth year as ministry of Adventures in Missions (AIM). An inter-denominational Christian organization, AIM has been providing short and long term mission opportunities since 1989. Their goal is to see lives radically transformed by God – both the lives of their missionaries and the people those missionaries have stepped out to reach. The World Race is a journey. It challenges young adults to step away from the status-quo, to leave behind their comfortable lifestyles in order to help communities around the world. 

To learn more about The World Race – www.theworldrace.org

 

My Story ~

God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. -Pastor Zachary Kintner

My name is Jenna Kehrli. I am by no means qualified to go out and reach the nations. I have never been on a mission trip. I am not the most eloquent or biblically knowledgeable person. But for the past year, I have felt that God has been leading me here. I believe He has called me, tapped me on the shoulder, if you will, and said – you have more in you; more to give, more to be, more to do. And so, here I am. A 26 year old girl from Orlando, FL leaving her great apartment in LA, CA, her career as an Assistant Director, her friends and family to embark on The World Race. Praying for the courage to go, and the money to come; for the wisdom to hear, the words to speak, and the heart to love. I have faith that God will equip me and thank you for allowing Him to do so through you!  

 
To learn more about me or for updates from the field, please visit my blog –http://jennakehrli.theworldrace.org
 
 
What We Do on the Race ~
 
The World Race squads partner with existing missions in each country that we visit. Each squad is comprised of 55-65 young adults (ages 21-35). Once we reach our destination country, the squad will break into teams of approximately 7 people each and be dispersed throughout said country. I'll be on the July 2011 race visiting: PeruBoliviaEcuadorEastern EuropeSouth Africa, MozambiqueSwazilandThailandCambodia, and Vietnam. Depending on the country, we could find ourselves doing anything from helping the sick, finding orphans homes, and caring for the homeless, to teaching English, speaking to local communities about God, building schools, homes, and churches, and even fighting human trafficking. 

 
Interesting Facts: 
– Each squad will serve with approximately 50-60 missions around the world
– 100 new mission contacts requesting to host our teams are added each month 
– In 2010, The World Race sent out 7 squads, who assisted 420 ministries 
– In 2011, our teams are projected to reach 840 ministries 

 
 
About the Countries ~  
 
The South American countries of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador are countries abundant in natural beauty and poor indigenous peoples. Peru's political past, full of guerilla violence and corrupt leadership, have left the country in a state of recovery. Meanwhile, Bolivia is one of the most indigenous countries in South America, and more than half of Ecuador's population is sitting at or below the poverty line. These are countries in desperate need of orphan ministry, evangelistic outreach, church plants, and school building. 
 
For the last half century, much of Eastern Europe was communist which has left many of them behind economically. Here Racers will be reaching out to orphans, teaching English, and running sports camps. 
 
South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland are all African countries that struggle with a high rate of AIDS/ HIV and much of their populations live in extreme poverty. Swaziland, in particular, has one of the world's highest HIV/ AIDS infection rate (26.1% of all adults and over 50% of young adults in their 20s). As a result, it is  estimated that the country of Swaziland may not even exist by the year 2050. It is so important that we endeavor to help the sick in any way we can, through education, medical help, and prayers. Orphans, widows, and the homeless are all priorities in these countries, as well as church building. 
 
Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are all Buddhist, Asian countries that struggle with human trafficking. Approximately 600,000 people in Thailand live with HIV/ AIDS and it is estimated that nearly 2 million people are forced into prostitution. This country has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. The main focus here is to help deliver these orphans and young women from human trafficking. Spreading God's love, as well as teaching English and other useful skills will be crucial. 
 

 

Raising the Funds ~ 

$15,500 is the price tag associated with such an endeavor. While it may seem like a lot of money, when you break it down – that comes out to approximately $22 to live on per day. This money provides meals, lodging, air, land, and sea travel for the duration of the 11 months, as well as the 9 day training camp in May. 

$2,000 has already been graciously donated by friends and family, $2,500 donated through an awesome Silent Auction Fundraiser, and $3,000 I have donated personally. The remaining funds ($7,000) hopefully will be attained through the various other Fundraising endeavors and/or through your generous donations!
         Fundraiser # 1: Scentsy
         Fundraiser # 2: Avon
         Fundraiser # 3: Yard Sale/ Craigslist
         Fundraiser # 4: Buying/ Selling a Home

(for more details, check out these fundraisers 
on the blog – http://jennakehrli.theworldrace.org 
or the Facebook fan page – http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-World-Race-Jenna-Kehrli/102439133167919 )


Tax Exempt Donation ~ 

If you would like a tax receipt for your donation, you will need to donate through the blog – Support Me! tab on the left hand side. Your donation will be made directly to AIM (either by credit card/ website or check/ mail) and they will send you a receipt by mail. 
 
Adventures In Missions is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donors will receive receipts for their gifts with the understanding that the disbursement of those gifts lies completely at the discretion of Adventures In Missions and that the gifts are non refundable and non transferable, per IRS regulations. Gifts may be tax deductable; please consult a tax advisor.
 
 

Other Ways You Can Help ~ 

Check out the other Fundraisers (above) and spread the word!! 
Together we can make a difference!