Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

| by archiveworldraceblogs

      As most of you know I spent the last year of my life leading a team of 26 people around the globe on a trip called the World Race. We served in refugee camps in Peru, worked in orphanages in Bolivia, India, Mozambique, Cambodia, fed orphans in Swaziland, and evangelized and encouraged churches in Malawi, Botswana, Southern Africa and Thailand. Our teams also worked closely with the underground churches in communist Vietnam.

     It’s because of your prayers and financial support that we were able to live out “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19, 20). You helped us bring light to dark places and HIS hope to those that needed it the most! Not only did we make a spiritual impact in the lives of thousands around the world, but we were able to meet some physical needs as well. Here are a few things that your financial support provided:
 

1.    Beds, food, and improved living conditions for orphans worldwide.
2.    New tarp roofs for people in a Peruvian refugee camp.
3.    Building supplies for the construction of an orphanage in Mozambique.
4.    A brand new church in Thailand.
5.    Upkeep on churches in South Africa, Mozambique, and Thailand.
6.    Food and supplies for hundreds of families in need around the globe.

Thank you!

     These are only a FEW of the many ways your money impacted God’s Kingdom, and your prayers gave us the strength and protection to do this work. I am convinced your prayers for protection kept us safe while armed men robbed us at gunpoint in Johannesburg, South Africa.

     Now folks, this is just a part of what the World Race is all about. Not only do we impact thousands of people around the world, but our lives as participants are also radically changed. For those of you who know me personally, you know this to be true in my life. Two short years ago I was a successful sports anchor in Arkansas. However, once I found the World Race online and started reading the blogs, my desires began to change. Next thing you know I found myself applying for this trip and telling my mom I wanted to quit my job. But as it would turn out, I wouldn’t have to quit – I got fired. That opened the door to the World Race. Now my life is HIS life.

     Which brings me to my future plans. In mid-January I’m moving to Port Huron, Michigan with my fiance Ericka Bennett. Five others from my team, Matt, Kim, Caroline, Gretchen and Andi, will also be joining us. We’ll be working under the supervision of World Race director Michael Hindes. Michael is a pastor who answered God’s call to turn over his church and give his full-time attention to the World Race.

     My specific role will continue to evolve as I get settled into Michigan, but my main job will be to travel and fundraise for the World Race. The program was started back in 2006 with 23 participants. In 2007, nearly 100 joined the race. Last year we sent out 110, and in 2009 that number is expected to double. The goal for 2011 is to send ONE THOUSAND world racers into the nations. Here’s the deal folks, as this program grows we need money to pay a staff that can work from the states to help our missionaries in the field. But, this is so much more than just fundraising. While speaking at churches around the nation, I’ll get the opportunity to bring awareness to the World Race, recruit participants, share my vision and passion for the program, and let people see in person how the race has changed my life.
 
     This process has transformed me in ways the traditional church experience never did. I’m convinced there are thousands of people like me who are looking for a REAL relationship with a loving God who really does speak to them. I want people to know the Lord as a relational heavenly Father and not some rules-based God. I’m all about the freedom and grace we have in Jesus – and learning how to live in a way that brings life and a life-giving God to others! I promise you, the Lord is turning the hearts of World Race participants to HIM. (Malachi 4:6) And it is such a beautiful thing to see. He’s doing mighty things! I mean, all you have to do is look at my life – I’m a miracle of God. (Psalm 40:1-3) He took a completely rebellious and crazy hellion and turned me into a man of integrity who is all about God’s glory and goodness being preached EVERYWHERE.

     Now, the only way I can keep doing HIS work is by asking for your support. Ericka and I are getting married April 18th. So in supporting me, you will be supporting her too. Ericka’s call is to orphan advocacy and orphan care. Although our ministries are different, God has called us to work alongside each other in advancing the Kingdom. We would love for you folks to invest in our lives. To do so just click on the Support Me link. Since this is a lifelong journey for us, we’re hoping you’ll consider giving monthly. It’s an easy process that you can set up online through the aforementioned link. Obviously in these hard economic times we aren’t picky. Even $10 or $20 a month would be a blessing. If you feel God is calling you to just give a one-time gift – we are happy to accept. If you have any questions or want to contact me, please do so through my blog or just give me a call at 501-772-7413.

    
I do hope you will keep Ericka and I in your prayers as we begin our life and ministry together. We are thankful you’re in our lives and pray God’s peace be upon all of you.