Race Alum and Squad Leader Wesley Vickers gives 11 tips to making the most of every moment on the field. But the truth is, these same tips are relevant for everyday life.
When planning to leave on the World Race, many future Racers envision 11 months of nonstop ministry. And while times of manual labor, VBS, anti-trafficking ministry, construction, and hospital visits absolutely do happen, there are two other words to sum up ministry on The World Race: down time.
You will spend a good amount of time sitting, waiting, and wishing you were somewhere else doing something else. I was as guilty as anyone during my first World Race and now I see it on a daily basis as a Squad Leader.
So how do we take all of this “down time” and make the most of it?
1. Shift your expectations
During training camp you’ll probably hear the phrase “let go of your expectations” 100 times. Expectations are completely natural. But when we dwell on unrealistic expectations, disappointment comes and we lose heart.
I want to propose a different kind of expectations: expect God to move, expect to experience His love in new ways daily, expect Papa to bring beautiful life-long relationships, expect divine appointments, expect to be challenged by your brothers and sisters, expect to receive prophecies for your teammates, expect people to come to know Him, expect to see people healed, expect financial provision.
But don’t stop here. Make sure you go after these expectations rather than sitting around and waiting for God to show up. If you want to build relationships, you have to put in the time and effort. If you want to see people healed, you have to pray bold prayers. God wants to use you, but you have to be willing.
2. Turn off the WiFi
I’ve never heard a racer say, “That month where I spent every day on WiFi, was the best.” Finish reading this blog, put down your phone, and see what greatness the Lord wants to share with you today.
3. Stop going to Starbucks
This isn’t about the coffee. It’s about home. Every Starbucks around the world looks, feels, smells, and tastes exactly like home. I’m not saying stop going entirely; I’m merely suggesting you stop going for the wrong reasons. Are you going there because you genuinely enjoy a Starbucks coffee or are you going there because it’s a sweet reminder of the comforts of home?
This doesn’t stop at Starbucks. Think of the other commodities that bring you comfort. Remember that very first blog post in which you mentioned you’d be leaving all of the comforts of home for 11 months?
It’s time to live it.
4. Quit worrying about what everyone else is doing
Whether you are in the bush or on the beach – neither is better than the other. Stop looking at what you’re not doing and what you don’t have – learn to be content with the month ahead because it is what God has for you.
5. Invest in the locals
At Christmas, our ministry host in Malaysia, who has been going through a difficult time, poured out his heart to our team. “If you weren’t here with us this would have been our loneliest Christmas in 15 years. God has you here for a reason.”
We all broke. He was truly touched by the presence of Christ in us. But it didn’t happen with occasional hellos and superficial conversation. It happened with hours upon hours of dinners, car rides, teatimes, church services, etc.
Don’t be so caught up in your personal journey that you forsake those around you. You are Christ with skin on and somebody needs you today.
6. Dive into your team
For those who have been hurt by your church, family, or friends in the past, it’s time to forgive and move on. World Race community is real and there is no better place to walk into the fullness of Christ. Get vulnerable, learn to trust, buy into feedback; it’s life changing. When you don’t buy in, you’re either saying you’re not good enough or your teammates aren’t good enough.
Start believing the truth, then walk in it.
7. Pray
During month two of my first World Race, my team went out on a prayer walk in a poor village in El Salvador. We arrived and immediately started walking, my squad leader stopped us and said, “Let’s listen to where Holy Spirit wants to lead us.” As a team we listened for direction, and what happened next was amazing.
As we walked throughout the village, people were physically and spiritually healed. Some came to know Christ. I saw the blind see, the lame walk, and many restored through Jesus Christ.
Take the time to sit and listen to your Father. It’ll be the wisest step you’ll ever take.
8. Learn
With all of the free time you have, learn something new. The World Race presents you with an array of opportunities. Learn to play an instrument, learn to cook, learn photography or film. Learn to draw, learn a language, or at least how to communicate in a foreign country.
9. Experience
You get to spend a month in 11 different countries. Explore the sights, eat the incredible food, lay aside the tourist/missionary mentality and simply be one with the people. Every day really is an adventure on the Race; make the most of it.
*Photo by @_As_the_World
10. Read
One of the best ways I’ve discovered to get alone time is by opening the Bible or a book. You’re being productive, getting rejuvenated, learning something, and likely growing in knowledge and intimacy with Christ. Why would you not take some time to better your walk?
11. Work out
With all of the carbs coming your way, you’ll want to do this one for sure. But don’t just do it alone, grab a teammate and have some fun with it. In Japan I went on some of the best, early morning hikes with some of my squadmates. This month during Manistry I’ve started to rally up the dudes at night. We all take off our shirts (men, you understand), get pumped, get sweaty and get jacked. It’s been an absolute blast and kept me motivated.
Working out is spiritually, emotionally, and physically rewarding. Who doesn’t want to live a healthy lifestyle and create some fun memories while doing so?
This year is everything that you make it. Each moment presents an opportunity to grow or stay complacent; an opportunity to love or to hurt.
The choice is yours.
*First Photo by Georgia Lyn Dewey.
How will you make the most of every moment? How about serving God in 11 countries in 11 months? Click here to find out more.
