A lot of people leave on the World Race hoping to sample 11 different ministries around the world and be called back to one of them permanently. Sometimes this happens, but sometimes God calls you around the world to bring you back where you started. He takes you on a journey of working with 11 ministries, and asks you to do what you were doing before you left.
For our Featured Racer, Rebekah Clark, of the January 2012 C Squad, the latter is true. Rebekah studied Elementary Education at Elmhurst College in the Chicago suburbs. During college she planned on becoming a teacher after graduation, but when the time came Rebekah didn’t feel equipped or competent. She became a nanny for a year instead and then came on the World Race.
Throughout this year on the Race, God has been instilling a new confidence in Rebekah. He’s been showing her that he can use her in ways she never imagined.
One of these ways has been leadership. “Being a team leader was not something I had ever imagined for my Race. I kind of prided myself on being a really great follower, and when they asked me to lead I thought they were crazy.”
But lead she has! Rebekah has learned so much this year about her own leadership potential when she leans on God for her strength.
He’s also been reigniting her passion for teaching.
“I am a much more confident speaker and teacher than I was before the Race. Being thrown into situations all over the world where I need to speak or preach on short notice has taught me to trust the Lord to provide the confidence I need.”
During Month Seven in South Africa Rebekah had the opportunity to test her newfound confidence.
“We were working at a school teaching children who truly captured my heart. I was totally on board with how the Lord was using the school to change the children’s lives.
On the World Race you usually don’t get to choose your ministry, and a lot of the time it isn’t something you can see yourself doing everyday. It’s great because God stretches you to trust him in new ways, but it’s also wonderful when you get to work with a ministry you truly connect with. Teaching in the school was totally something I could see myself doing everyday. It was a good feeling.”Rebekah isn’t sure what she’s doing after the Race yet.
“I’m focusing on being present everyday that I have left here, but I’m praying about what God has next. I’m asking him if he wants me to go back to nannying, to teach, or to do some other kind of ministry. I know God has a plan for me, and now I’m ready to trust and follow his lead.”
Before signing off, Rebekah, now a seasoned World Race veteran, offered some advice for future Racers.
“Document your World Race. It’s a year of so much change and growth that you’re going to want to remember your thoughts and feelings about the process. Keep a detailed journal, and take lots of pictures, especially of the places you live.
Be present. It’s great to think about home and talk about all the delicious things you’ll eat when you have a choice, but don’t forget you’re on the trip of a lifetime! Soak it in. Be present in your ministries and in the relationships you’re forming.
Ask the Lord what he is doing in each country, and that will help you relate to the culture and see his people the way he sees them.”
Live life for a day with Rebekah and her squad mates! Check out this video of their time in South Africa from Abby Steverson.
