This January 2019 I will embark on an amazing opportunity that God has placed upon me. It is an 11-month mission trip to 11 countries all over the world! This trip is through Adventures in Mission called The World Race. In every country, we will be partnering with local churches and communities where we will work in orphanages, teach English, aid women and children who have been victims of human trafficking and bring hope and God’s love to those along the way. There is a generation of radicals whose dream is to see a changed world. It’s a generation that’s dissatisfied with the status quo and is actively rising to the challenge of seeing the world transformed through tangible expressions of God’s love. I am happy to announce that I am part of that generation. I hope you follow along and see how God will use me on this trip!
MY RACE ROUTE
I am 25 years old and live in San Antonio, TX for school and work. I work full time for a Transplant Center and go to school part-time (for now). After graduation, I plan to apply to PA School and work within the realm of transplant once again. For all who know me already, you know I have dedicated myself in the health industry as much and as closely as I possibly have been able to, and the only reason for that is that I LOVE helping people in need.
Actually, the first time I can recall this desire to help people was during the annual road trip my parents, aunts and uncles along with my cousins would make to Guanajuato, MX from Los Angeles, CA. One year it was two families in a small van, I promise that wasn’t our parents’ favorite trip. There was a specific moment that opened my eyes, heart and mind. I can pinpoint the moment that I felt God plant that seed into my heart that would forever change how I see people and how I see the world. That moment was when my mother turned around and said, “Take off your jackets and throw them out the window, then take off your shoes and do the same. Your dad and I will get you some more once we get back to Los Angeles!” I still feel the rollercoaster of emotions within me. It was a feeling of joy and sadness with a shot of adrenaline! But most of all it was a moment that felt right. I looked forward to it every year.
I initially planned to travel to Thailand (specifically October 2018) for a month to partner with a local church or temple to help the people of Thailand in whatever way they were in need of help. I then prayed and prayed for about two months and asked God to please help me bring together a group of people that were willing to go with me so that I wouldn’t have to go alone. He answered my prayers and placed the World Race right in front of my eyes and at my fingertips. I searched for local mission trips and voila!
I am going on the World Race! I will spending 11 months with Adventures in Missions, travelling to 11 different countries doing ministry all over the world. Each month will be a new culture, people, challenge, and opportunity to discover the love of God. One of the unique things about the World Race is that it’s not only a mission trip but also an intensive discipleship program designed to launch my generation into our specific kingdom calling. I am a part of a generation whose hearts beat to see a changed world. I want to see lives changed in nations all over the world. I’m excited to see what God will do in and through me on this trip and I am inviting you to be a part of my team!
Prayer: Before doing anything, like throwing this letter away or sending me a million dollars, pray about it! Pray for guidance that God will open up doors for you to serve Him, whether it be for me and my trip, or my team. Pray for me as I go through the process of preparing spiritually, financially and mentally. Pray for the spirits of me and my future team, that God will prepare us to serve Him well and to give us endurance to run the race ahead of us. Pray for those we will come into contact with.
Finance: I will face many challenges all throughout the World Race, but as I prepare for my departure, one of my greatest challenges is my financial support. Like most other missions organizations, World Race participants are required to fundraise financial support. In order to leave fully funded on the World Race , I need to raise around $18,200 not including two round trip tickets and equipment. This money will cover all of my field expenses for the 11 months of the trip. If God is leading you to help out financially there are a few ways you can give (Adventures in Missions is a 501c3 nonprofit, and all donations are tax refundable).
- Donate with a Check by mail, payable to Adventures in Missions. Please include my full name, Marilyn Villagomez, in the memo line. Send checks to: Adventures in Missions, P.O. Box 742570, Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
- Donate Online with credit or debit card. Visit www.marilynvillagomez.theworldrace.orgto get started!
As I take this large step of faith in trusting the Lord, would you prayerfully consider joining me at $100 monthly or some other amount?
Visit www.marilynvillagomez.theworldrace.org to follow my journey! I’ll be posting about my life and what God is doing up until I leave, and I’ll be updating with my experiences while on the field. If you want to know more about this crazy trip and why I am doing it I’d love to chat with you! Send me a message, an email, text, or phone call! Email: [email protected] Cell: 830-237-5081
Thank you so much for reading and being willing to join me on this journey, I am so excited to see what God has in store!
With all my love,
Marilyn Villagomez
