As some of you wait for the January 2013 routes to be released and consider applying for the September 2012 routes, let’s review some of the characteristics we’ve found make for an ideal World Racer.
Frequently we are asked, “What qualities are you looking for in World Race participants?”
Because the World Race, in the simplest terms, is a Christian mission trip, we’re looking for people who follow Jesus. In addition, we’re looking for candidates who are ready:
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For God to Show Up
We’re seeking candidates who believe that God is actively at work today. We are looking for people who not only want to do the Lord’s work, but who are willing to let the Lord work in their hearts over the year.
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To Live in Authentic Community:
On the World Race you will live and work with a team of roughly seven people, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We’re looking for candidates who are ready and willing to be honest, open and vulnerable with prospective teammates. We’re looking for people who are willing and ready to give and receive truth from each other; “as iron sharpens iron,” as it says in Proverbs.
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To Change:
During this experience, you will get to change the world; we’re looking for candidates who are ready and willing to be changed. We are firm believers that the former is impossible without the latter. Visiting 11 countries in 11 months, seeing the different cultures, not having a home, and doing it all in community is going to change you. We’re looking for candidates who are aware that our lives are a journey of transformation, becoming increasingly more like Jesus.
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To Expose and Deal with the Past:
Whether you call it “baggage”, “junk” or “past wounds and hurts”, we carry the weight of a sinful world. Their effects on your life will surface on the World Race. We’re won’t necessarily rule out candidates who carry baggage, but we are looking for people who are ready to deal with and drop their baggage. You will have the environment and tools to sort through it all safely, but nobody can force you to do it; we’re looking for candidates who are willing to try.
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To Have a Positive Attitude:
This thing isn’t always easy. Attempts at community don’t always work. Plans change. Feelings get hurt. So, we’re looking for candidates who are ready to hope against hope and believe the best for every situation, even when it gets tough.
