Q: What is the World Race all about?
A: Gospel Community
The first thing that I learned in El Salvador concerning the World Race (WR) was how to genuinely REPENT. I have humbly repented for “being wrong” and “assuming the worst” about pretty much everything on the World Race, including: WR teammates, WR squad leaders, WR authorities, WR purpose, WR vision, WR Training Camp, and WR Launch in January 2012. WR Training Camp ended in October and I spent many days wasting precious time worrying, doubting, complaining, assuming, accusing, questioning, slandering, and disagreeing with what I thought the “World Race community lifestyle” would entail. I didn’t know what a Mission Trip was supposed to be like; I didn’t know what the WR was supposed to be like; I didn’t know what my life would look like as a World Racer.
It only took a day in El Salvador to realize my need for: repentance.
It only took a month in Honduras to realize that BEAUTY is: Loving God’s people.
It only took a JEsus–Squad to bring: healing, hope, & joy to my heart as we serve & worship the Head, which is Christ, alongside the Body, which are His children.
At WR Training Camp, there were…
Some things I didn’t understand
Some things that I didn’t agree with
Some things I had never experienced
Some things I had never believed could happen
Some things I had never encountered before
Some things I had never learned before
Some things I had never considered before
Some things I had never seen or heard or asked before…
And, I repeat, that I humbly REPENT!
Let me cheerfully tell you…
That this World Race is ALL ABOUT JESUS CHRIST.
That this World Race is LED BY CHRIST-FOLLWING-AUTHORITIES.
That this World Race is THE BRIDE OF CHRIST SERVING THE LOST.
That this World Race is MAKING DISCIPLES IN EVERY NATION.
Before E-squad launched in January 2012, I spent almost 8 weeks with my Pastor discussing dreams, visions, strengths, weaknesses, fears and concerns for the Year; we also focused the final counseling sessions on studying “Gospel Community” and “The Bride of Christ.” The Question became…
What will my walk look like if I am able to walk in Gospel Community with the Bride of Christ in 2012? What kinds of fruit will my life produce if I am able to live in Grace, Faith, and Love in 2012? What Glory do you want from my life Lord?
I have come to realize that the World Race authorities have created an environment for God to work in these very things in my journey on the World Race. At Training Camp I discovered that World Racers use different terms, words, phrases, or sayings for many of the SAME things, ideas, and meanings for Living in Christian Community. For example…
WR uses words like: The American Church uses words like:
“Preference” “Bless, Serve, First choice, Consider”
“Feedback” “Fellowship, Advise, Accountability ”
“Honor” “Respect, Submit to, Admire, Worth”
“Called to greatness” “Purpose, Sanctify, Refine”
“Identity” “Christian, Disciple, Saved”
“Daughter of the King” “Inheritance, Bride, Child of God”
“Prophetic gifting” “Preach, Word, Truth, Vision, Spirit”
“Speak life” “Edify, Encourage, Build up, Enlighten”
“Words have weight” “Prayer, Authority, Power, Transform”
“People need to hear your story” “Testify, Witness, Evangelism, Gospel”
And…
God uses words like:
(Acts20:35) It is more blessed it is to give… (Phil2:3) In humility consider others…
(Prov24:26) An honest answer is like a kiss… (Prov27:17) As iron sharpens iron…
(Mt22:38) Greatest two commandments… (1Cor13:13) Greatest of these is Love…
(Rom12:10) Honor one another above yourselves… (Lk 9:48) The least is greatest…
(1Thes4:7) Called to live a Holy life… (1Peter1:16) Be Holy, for “I am Holy”…
(John17:17) Called to be sanctified by Truth… (Lev20:7) Consecrate yourselves…
(2Corinth5:20) We are Christ’s ambassadors… (Gal6:15) the New Creation counts…
(Gal3:26) Sons of God… (1John5:2) Born of God… (Col3) My life is hidden in Christ…
(Heb10:24) Spur on others in Love & Deeds… (Prov18:21) Tongue has power of…
(1Jn5:10-11) Testimony of Eternity in heart… (1Cor2) Spirit testifies of Truth…
(Romans 1:16) Not ashamed of Gospel… (Eph6:19) Proclaim the Gospel as I should…
and on
and on
and on…
with the Sword…
God has changed me. God is moving mightily in my heart regarding my love for & need for the Bride of Christ, my love for & need for (WR) Authority, my love for & need for Grace for peoples/cultures that are different than my own. God is using the WR to teach me about living in this kind of Grace-giving, Gospel Community with His Beloved. JOHN 17, in Grace I now LOVE loving the Bride of Christ.
