WHO:
1. Adventures in Missions: AIM is an interdenominational missions organization that focuses on discipleship and emphasizes prayer and relationships in their work amongst the poor.
Since established in 1989, AIM has taken over 100,000 people into the mission field, some for as short as a week and others for as long as a year or longer. In several places around the world AIM ministers year-round to "the least of these". They believe that by giving people the opportunity to hold orphans, bring hope to the hopeless, and pray for the sick, lives are transformed.
AIM seeks to disciple as Jesus did; their vision is that God would use them to raise up a generation of radically committed disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. Y-Squad: Y-Squad is the group of about 50 other young adults that I will be traveling, ministering, and living alongside for a year. Y-Squad is made up of 21-35 year olds from more than 20 different states and a few Canadian provinces.
3. My Team: At training camp (see below – under "when") our squad will be broken up into teams. Each team will consist of a group of about 7 world racers. We will travel to countries as a squad, then, once inside the country, will split into our teams and go to different ministry locations for the month.
WHAT:
1. The World Race: The World Race is a journey to 11 countries in 11 months to serve "the least of these" while amongst real and raw community. It facilitates discipleship through the process of discovering into the abundant life He promised.
Every day on the World Race looks a little different. Some days will be packed full with construction, VBS, building relationships with orphans, or praying for the sick at a hospital. Some days could be slower — shopping for groceries at the market, cooking for my team, and spending time praying for the community I walk through. Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God's kingdom work.
WHEN:
1. Training Camp: Approximately six to eight weeks before my race begins, I will join my squad, leaders, and the World Race training staff for a nine-day preparation camp to get me ready for my trip around Latin America. Cross-cultural ministry training, learning how to share my stories, and learning to live in close community and adapt to the unknown are just a few of the topics covered. Although dates and locations haven't been released yet, most training camps are held in Georgia.
2. Launch: Launch is simply my first week on the field. To help my squad and I get started on the right foot, our squad leaders, coaches, and some of the World Race staff will join us on the field. They'll help us figure out daily life in our first country and have some great teaching and worship times as well. I will be launching in January of 2014.
WHERE:
1. The Route: The route* I will be a part of is the first all-Spanish route, known as "la ruta". La ruta will begin in Puerto Rico, island hop to the Dominican Republic, and then fly to South America. Once there, our squad will stay in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. After that we will travel to Central America where we will start in Panama and work our way up the isthmus. Staying a month in each of the following countries – Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
*Route is subject to change.
WHY:
1. Why Missions? I believe that Jesus was serious when told His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). It wasn't a request or a suggestion – it was a command. As a follower (disciple) of Christ, I believe that what Jesus said over 2,000 years ago still applies to me today. Some say that I can tell others about Jesus right where I am. I agree. But, I also feel that as I grow closer to Him, I'm called further and further out my comfort zone and the American materialistic "nine-to-five-make-as-much-money-as-you-can" lifestyle. I'm urgently called to go and I'm called to serve. I'm blessed that I may bless others and God might be glorified.
2. Why "La Ruta"? While I had originally signed up for a different route, and then decided to withdraw because something didn't "feel" right, I knew that when the all-Spanish route was announced, I was supposed to be a part of it. After two-weeks in Honduras in 2010, my eyes were pried open by the living conditions and by the hope, kindness, and generosity of the people. I fell in love with the people and culture of Latin America. I also believe in relational ministry and feel that because the route is consistent in language, it broadens the opportunities for practicing relational ministry.
HOW:
1. Prayer Support: I need your prayers. I need your prayers in the morning. I need your prayers in the daytime. I need your prayers in the night. I believe that God hears our prayers and that they can and do make a difference. Something happens when the people of God pray; God meets us in the midst of our prayers – He is present.
2. Word of Mouth: I need your help in telling others about my trip. I want to be able to impact as many people as I possibly can with all the things that God is currently doing and is yet to do in my life and on this journey specifically.
Want to help send me on the world race? You can help financially by clicking on the "Support Me!" link in the upper left-hand corner.
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