Have you ever found yourself participating, completely voluntarily, in something you and those who know you would have never imagined? Maybe something that’s outside your comfort zone, or something you had little interest in earlier in your life? Have you had one of those moments when you suddenly realize the person you were X years ago would have NEVER put yourself in the situation you’re in now?
Friends and family, I have an announcement to make. I’m headed on a mission trip to South America for 11 months, with 30 amazing people I hardly know. Yeah go ahead and chuckle, it surprised me too!
It’s called the World Race, and is typically an 11 month mission trip to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 11 countries throughout the world. Adventures in Missions (AIM) is the mastermind organization behind it all, and sends teams on multiple World Race routes every year. Typically, teams work with contacts already established in each destination country, serving in any capacity that will further the ongoing ministry work there.
However, the route my team and I will embark upon in August has been named the “South American Expedition,” because it’s a brand new route strictly throughout South America. AIM is making efforts to expand its ministry base there, and is sending the Expedition team as a pioneering group in a step toward that goal. We’ll be touching 12 countries, working to establish new contacts for future World Race teams, and serving alongside the contacts AIM already has. We’ll share the Gospel of Jesus Christ along the way with anyone who will receive us, and live in close community with our 30-member team. We anticipate God to reveal Himself in mighty ways as we depend on Him for provision, direction, and words to speak.
Along the way, we’ll see some of South America’s iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu, the Amazon River, Patagonia, and Iguaçu Falls. It’s a trip that offers unrivaled purpose with raw adventure; I can’t envision a more fulfilling experience this side of heaven. I’m stoked for the opportunity to focus my mind and abilities on serving my Creator and knowing Him better.
If you had told me 10 years ago I’d be preparing for the World Race and writing a blog about it today, I’d have smiled but in my mind suggested for you to seek counseling. I’m grateful God has moved me beyond who I was and given me a passion to serve Him. Will you please pray for His guidance for our team as we set out on this journey for His Kingdom?
I’ll be updating this blog throughout our trip, so check back here for what we’re doing and how God is working.
You can meet my team and learn more about our South American Expedition here:https://www.worldrace.org/?tab=participants&group=16W08EX
And learn more about the World Race and Adventures in Missions here:https://www.adventures.org/
Because He lives,
-Neal
