"You never saw him, yet you love Him. You still don't see Him, yet you trust Him – with laughter and singing." – 1 Peter 1:8
No his name is not Yared Joder. It's actually Jared Yoder and I want you to meet him.
Jared is on the World Race with myself and E squad. A fun fact about him is that he's actually the youngest one of the 50 of us! I'm older than him by only 1 week though. So the both of us are really the youngest ones on the squad. I always refer to him as my twin for many reasons. First off, because we are close in our age and birthdays. Second, because we are very alike. Joder enjoys movies I enjoy, nerdy freaking things I nerd out on, knows computers insanely, and has just the biggest and funnest personality. I really believe that he keeps this squad energized. It's not just because he's the youngest but because he has a heart for helping others.
You see, I could call what he does 'servanthood' but it's not that. Serving has the ideology behind it (sometimes) where it's your obligation to do a task because you signed up for it. Whether that signing up means your regular job, volunteering, or doing something crazy like the World Race. What Jared does is 'help.' Helping is the complete abandonment of putting others before yourself. And Jared helps without a second thought of how it would hinder him. Every time the entire squad meets up, he will help with their electronic needs which takes a long time. But he doesn't mind. I am so thankful for a man like him who is going on this journey with me.
When I was trying to reach my $7,500 deadline and I was still in need of 3K, Jared helped me. I was at the lowest of lows believing that I wasn't ever going to go on this trip. But Jared came and helped with what he could. Even though he barely reached the deadline himself. With his sacrifice it began a domino effect of finances coming in for my account. I always thank God for that sacrifice. I ask if you can make that same sacrifice for Jared. Don't think twice, just pray and do. Give what you can to my friend who has given his all to others around him and to God. Pray and support him. Meet Jared!
CLICK HERE to see Jared's blog, videos, pictures, and insane journey!
