WELCOME TO MY WORLD RACE BLOG
I’m a blogger now! Never saw that one coming—seeing as my spelling and grammar are rarely up to par. I ask that you all would please give me grace in this area for the next year and a half.
First of all, let me introduce myself—my name is Rebekka Gebhart. I’m 22 years young and I’m from a very small town called Fairland, Oklahoma.
I am a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a great granddaughter, a niece, an aunt, a cousin, a friend, a mentee, and a MISSIONARY.
I have had a personal relationship with God for most of my life, but I would say it wasn’t until this past fall, when I went to Kenya, Africa, that I let God have every aspect of my life. He broke through countless walls and strongholds and brought me into His glorious light. I learned how to truly accept God’s love for myself and how to live in His Truth. Having had this revelation of His great love for me, I have found the true meaning of loving others like Christ. He has since put an uncontrollable desire on my heart to serve Him in any way He calls me to.
This leads me to the whole reason behind this blog… I have said yes to another huge adventure God has placed before me. What is this huge adventure? A little something referred to as the World Race!
What is the World Race?
“It 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. It births partnerships with ministries around the world. We’re calling you out of your comfort zone and giving you exposure to what God is doing in the world before you commit to the American dream. Because it’s not about you, it’s about the Kingdom.”
11 countries in 11 months! How awesome is that?!
I am so excited to take hold of my Father’s hand and set out on this adventure with Him and to give up 11 months of comforts to be His hands and feet.
I will face many challenges all throughout the World Race, but as I prepare for my departure, one of my greatest challenges is my financial support. Like most other missions organizations, World Race participants are required to fundraise financial support. In order to leave fully funded in January, I need to raise $14,243. This money will cover all of my field expenses for the 11 months of the trip. As I take this large step of faith in trusting the Lord, I ask that you would prayerfully consider joining me financially. I also ask that you send all the prayers possible not only for me, but the for the lives I will be reaching and for my team.
When and where will I be going?
I will be leaving January 2015, on a route God has laid on my heart. This route (Route 1) includes:
El Salvador
El Salvador is the third largest economy in the region after Costa Rica and Panama and the smallest country (in land mass) in the Americas. A coup d’etat in 1979 led to civil war from 1980-1992 in this country. Oscar Romero, a Catholic bishop well-known known for supporting liberation theology, advocating for social justice in El Salvador, and protesting the government’s persecution of the church was assassinated in 1980 while conducting mass. Much of the country’s revenue comes from remittances. In a land whose name translates to “The Savior”, you’ll be the signs that point to the one true Savior – not a better political system or economy – Jesus Christ.
Guatemala
A country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the volcanoes help yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to initiate your World Race experience. Outside of its aesthetic appeal, Guatemala needs God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala hunger for the kingdom of God to pervade their lives. You’ll have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and reach out to the people on the fringes of society through hard work, relationships, and maybe even a miracle or two.
Honduras
“Hondo” comes from the Spanish word for depth and there’s lots of depth to Honduras. It’s home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather’s as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There’s a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they’re loved.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It’s a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you’ll have the opportunity to bring God’s love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a hot spot for surfing and just enjoying “pura vida” – literally, “pure life”, it’s a concept of a “chill,” relaxed, laidback way of life. The beautiful beaches that line both coasts are the perfect setting. Among the Central American countries, Costa Rica (“Rich Coast”) lives up to its name. While the natural beauty attracts lots of tourists, there are still large pockets of poverty and family brokenness. Because of its relative affluence, Costa Rica also draws in immigrants from neighboring countries, like Nicaragua, who don’t fare much better than they did before. You might help feed their physical and spiritual hunger – and discover other creative ways to give new meaning to the concept of “pura vida.”
Panama
Much of Panama’s revenue comes from the eponymous canal, expected to be wider by 2015. The double-edge of the canal is the spike in drug-trafficking. Panama also houses the largest rainforest outside the Amazon but suffers from crime in its urban slums. In these relatively well-off Central American countries, you’ll find creative ways to bring more life and light to the people.
Colombia
From the Andes Mountains to the Caribbean coastline to the Amazon rainforest, Colombia is one of the world’s most ecologically diverse countries. Also ethnically diverse, Colombia is home to many unreached tribes, a large student population that’s becoming more and more distant from the gospel, and thousands of children living in the streets who need love and hope. In spite of its reputation for political upheaval, Colombia is a place where missions efforts are growing. Amazing stories of transformation like the revival at the prison in Medellin are happening, and you can come help write more!
Ecuador
Named after the Spanish word for equator, this country is packed full of natural beauty. From the Amazon river to glaciers atop Andes volcanoes, this country is sure to enthrall you, and it’s people too. As diverse as it’s landscapes, the indigenous and Incan influences give this country a unique culture. Although the country is about 95% Catholic, there are still indigenous shamanistic practices that are integrated in their faith. With more than half of the population sitting at or below the poverty line, Ecuador is a country waiting for God’s Kingdom to come.
Peru
The cradle of Inca civilization (think: Macchu Picchu) and one of the “Andean states”, Peru is full of epic wonder; yet she is barely acquainted with her Creator. Though many natives still practice traditional religions, God is up to something in this country. The Peruvian church thirsts for truth and authentic spiritual breakthrough. Its political past has been riddled with guerilla violence and corrupt leadership, from which the indigenous poor and urban affluent are recovering. Whether you rough it in the jungle or live in the city; you won’t forget Peru.
Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s also one of the most indigenous countries in South America; the current president is the first indigenous people group member in office. And with all of that variety comes a lot of opportunity. Bolivia is in need of orphan ministry, evangelistic outreach, church plants, and more. You might find yourself working in the heart of the rainforest or on the streets of a city market. Regardless, be prepared for a fantastic experience.
Chile
Because Chile stretches the length of South America, it is home to an impressively varied climate, from the world’s largest desert in the north to Patagonia in the south. It is a country rich in history, culture and the arts. But Chile still struggles with traditionalism. Attempts for long-term growth in the church has resulted in more formal religion that is often without the spiritual gifts or true revival. You could be the visual representation of the changing work of Christ in you.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me! You can also subscribe to my blog if you scroll up the page, on the left hand side there is a box, enter your email and then click the button that says subscribe. Thanks in advance for the support and I will be posting more on future fundraisers and how you can help.
Love,
Rebekka
