I Need a Man (or 20) - Explore Archived World Race Alumni Blogs

I'm a proud, somewhat strong woman. On the race I've macheted a jungle, dug a pond, tilled a field and moved bricks. Back in Boston I've gone places by myself and been able to talk to anyone I want–young or old, male or female.

On the race these aren't always possible. On the race it's unsafe for me to walk anywhere by myself and some places we've been it's been unsafe to walk without a male escort. In some cultures I can only speak to women–it would be inappropriate to approach a man. And now in this little Romanian village where they are extremely traditional (there are legit horse-drawn carts they "drive" down the street!), I cannot do manual labor.

I have been extremely fortunate to have two awesome men on both my teams. I have always felt safe with them and trusted their ability to get the work done. This month we are paired with another team so we have two more men which is incredible. However our numbers are now 10 women and 4 men. And a lot of the ministry sites here are manual labor and they all want men. Looking at the schedule they have for us you would think our teams had 10 men and 4 women. But we don't.

One day me and two other women showed up at a site ready to help build the church. The contact told us we couldn't do the work because we were women and our clothes were too nice (we were wearing our work clothes) so instead we would help his wife clean. It was actually super great and I loved getting to know her but the church building sat unworked on for a full day because there were no men to help him.

I'm not writing this blog to talk down about these cultures. They are seeking after God and trying to live lives pleasing to Him. And I like the thought that the men in my life should honor me by making sure I'm safe and comfortable. I'm writing this blog as a plea to American men. WE NEED YOU! The World Race needs you and ministries in the US need you. Our squad has 39 women and 11 men. Does that seem crazy to anyone else? We are taught again and again growing up that men are the leaders, that men should be the spiritual leaders. So where are you? It seems as though the only ministry men outnumber the women is the pastorate. But what about mission trip leading, Bible Study or Sunday school teaching? Where are the men there?

(I know this is a very general statement–that there are men who are stepping up to be involved. If you're reading this and you have a peace that you are involved, then this blog/going on The World Race isn't for you. But if you're reading this and trying to make excuses as to why this isn't for you–that means it probably is and you should click here. If you're reading this and have this panic it is for you and are praying right now for it not to be you then it probably is and you should click here. If you're reading this and feel the urge to step up, then you guessed it–click here.)

We have two teams that are all women. They travel alone, do ministry alone. The World Race puts their safety first and their job would be much easier if we had more men.

We need men. We need you.

But I know I'm a woman and I can't tell you what it's like to be a man on the race but my squadmates can! These 11 men are incredible and God has used them in great ways to show me His love and commitment. So below are links to their blogs–read 1, read 11. And pray, what can you be doing to further the kingdom of God? The answer may be this incredible, scary, life changing trip called The World Race. (also I know any of them would love to answer any questions so don't be afraid to email them!)

NATHAN DICKENS–SQUAD LEADER