About a year ago I met Simeon Rodgers for the first time.
In our World Race Fusion Facebook group, Simeon was the first to post an introduction about himself and encouraged the rest of us to follow suit. The first thing Simeon ever said to me, in a comment on my introduction, was that he was glad he would not be the oldest person on our squad. As the weeks of packing and preparing went by, we all got to know each other and personalities came through those comments and posts. I hoped Simeon and I would be friends.
Then when I posted that we had taken Dad to the hospital Simeon was the first to comment that he was praying. When I shared that Dad had passed, Simeon shared that he had lost his mother unexpectedly as well. He reached out to me through email as well and offered friendship and the comfort of someone who understands. I knew Simeon and I would be friends.
Simeon has a big heart and a deep passion for the Lord. This month in Guatemala we were finally on the same team. For eight months I watched his challenges, growth, and change from a distance. This month I was able to witness what eight months on the race will do to a man. Simeon is not content settling or accepting. When something is not at peace in his spirit he goes to God even when it’s hard. He is not afraid to challenge God and fight for deeper understanding and growth. When Simeon gets quiet, we know he is processing through and when he is finished he will have some interesting perspectives to share. Back in Thailand, I had a vision of Simeon on stage as a sought out leader in the church. This month I saw that natural leader and encourager when he proactively created a way for us to deal with frustration and pride rather than allowing our team to sit and stew.
Simeon also has a big laugh. Our team meals this month reminded me of my family, loud and full of laughter. Simeon cracks himself up and makes everyone around him smile. A good skill, as he was asked to be the photographer for all of the sponsored children. He captured the most beautiful and genuine smiles from those children.
Simeon is a vital and love part of our squad. Every month everyone at our ministry site knows Simeon (or Simone here in Guatemala) and seeks him out. He loves us and our ministry contacts so well.
Simeon is still fundraising for the Race. He has raised $13,664 of the needed $16,271. Please consider visiting his blog, SimeonRodgers.TheWorldRace.org, and making a donation to help him finish this Race without the distraction of fundraising. Simeon has been believing the promise “You will be fully funded” for months. He has never wavered in his trust in that promise.
Let’s make it happen.
