My Hero!

Before we left for our race around the world, our squad had a weeklong training camp in Georgia. Adventures in Missions staff planned different challenges to prepare us for what lay ahead. One particular afternoon we were given the task of trying to buy food for our dinner at a simulated third-world market place. It was noisy and crowded, people pushing in from all sides, trucks even rolled through honking their horn every ten minutes or so. I’ve come to find that this simulation was pretty accurate. Before we entered we were warned that staff members in character would beg, try to mug us, and raise prices to cheat us at the food stands. Almost right away I was approached by someone pretending to be a beggar. It surprised me how uncomfortable it made me even though I knew he was just acting. He came inches from my face asking again and again for money and food. I tried to get away but his character was not supposed to leave me alone unless a man told him to. I felt helpless and miserable. I needed a hero.
Fortunately Hunter was there.

My squadmate Hunter came to the rescue and told the “beggar” to back off. At this point, I didn’t even know Hunter. He was just one of fifty in a big group of people I’d only just met. I figured he saw me the same way, and that made it mean all the more that he noticed me in my time of need and that he stepped in to do what I couldn’t do for myself.

My hero! Photo cred to the one and only Hunter Keith Young

Now almost a year later, I have the great privilege of being on a team with this standup guy. And after two months of doing life with him, I’ve come to find that my first impression of Hunter was a perfect snapshot of who he is. Hunter (or “Keith” as I like to call him when we’re being weird and referring to each other by middle name) has saved me from more than one real life creeper. Once in Botswana when a strange guy wouldn’t leave me alone Hunter came and stood between me and the guy and stared him down until he backed off.

As quick as he is to jump in and defend us girls on the team in uncomfortable situations, he’s even quicker to love on the locals, start conversations with strangers, and make new friends when all is well. Hunter makes people feel loved and safe to be themselves, and his constant laughter makes us all feel like comedians. Hunter is a hero, an encourager, a relational discipler, an artist with his camera, a friend, and a brother.

Also, he’s kind of hilarious. Photo cred to Lara Beth Crawford

Right now this brother of mine needs our help. He is the only one left on our team who isn’t fully funded. Right now he’s taking each step on borrowed time, hoping that the rest of the money to pay for this missions trip will somehow come in, sooner rather than later. He wants to attend the Center for Global Action this fall to be further discipled and trained in full time Christian service but unfortunately will not be able to start classes until his World Race costs are fully paid off. If you are able and interested in being used to bless this guy who had been such a blessing, please visit his blog and consider making a donation.
www.hunteryoung.theworldrace.org

Be a hero for my hero! Where would I be without him? I spent the first 8 months of the Race on an all girls team and I know how it feels to be nearly defenseless in a man’s world. I can’t repay Hunter for the peace of mind it is to have him around, but even more than that, I can’t thank him enough for the inspiration and encouragement he is. If you can, please follow his example and be there for someone who needs you.