For my first post, I would like to try to answer some basic questions that many people seem to have about the World Race.
What exactly is the World Race?
The World Race is a program run through the missions organization Adventures in Missions. Adventures, which starting in 1989, is an interdenominational ministry that focuses on discipleship. They emphasize prayer and relationships in our work amongst the poor. If you want to know more about them, you can check out their website adventures.org.
In itself, the World Race is an 11 month mission trip to 11 different countries. These countries vary from route to route, but generally go to various cultures across the globe. The goal of every Race is to be led by the Spirit of God and serve “the least of these.”
The first World Race began in 2006. Since then it have been sending out hundreds of young adults every year to minister to people all over the world. Participants (called Racers) are between the ages of 21-35 and undergo an intensive application and interview process. This process ensures that each racer is spiritually and emotionally prepared to undergo the long journey.
Do you know the countries that you will be going to?
I actually do. I will begin with three months in Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras), then I will spend five months in Southeast Asia (Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand), and finally finish up with three months in Africa (Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe).
What exactly do you do on the World Race?
Good question… I’ve gotten this one a lot. The quick answer is whatever God has for me (which is pretty much a code word for “I honestly have no idea!”).
The reality is, no no knows what they are going to be doing from month to month. I guess you could say that is part of the adventure! When a group of Racers arrive at a country, they make contact with a current missionary permanently located in the country and assist with the ministry needs that they need during that particular month. As you imagine, this can be pretty vague. Some things they say I may do on the Race include:
- Build a house
- Teach English
- Care for the Orphans
- Dig holes
- Encourage pastor and missionaries
- Preach and pray door to door
- Feed the hungry
- Heal the sick
- Share the Gospel with an remote indigenous tribe
- Visit people in prison
- Yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit
So yeah, from week to week I don’t know exactly what I’ll be doing. But I know that in everything I do, it will be to further the Kingdom of God and bring Him all the glory.
Are you going by yourself?
Absolutely not. Just as Paul had a group of people that he went on missionary journeys with in the book of Acts, I too will have a group with me. I will be leaving in September 2015 traveling on a squad of about 50 other Racer. From there, we will be broken up into teams of 5-10 in order to do ministry and live in community with each other. So no, I will not be alone. We will also have leadership throughout the trip. They take great care in ensuring our safety during the trip. I also hope to have the support of many people back home praying for me all along the way.
Will you really be living out of a backpack for 11 months?
Yes. As crazy as it sounds, there isn’t much room for luxury when you are trying to do ministry in countries with the average annual salary is less than that of the new iPhone. There will be times when I am without electricity, WiFi, and even running water. I might even spend a month living in a tent. But I confident that no matter the living circumstances, God will provide. I am willing to give up the convenience of modern technology if it will bring more people to know Him.
Why are you doing this? Are you nervous?
Sorry to leave you on a cliffhanger, but this is when I leave you… I plan to answer this one in more detail in a larger post. So please stay tuned! 🙂
