To my squadmates, teammates, and fellow Racers,
I have a few things on my heart I want to share with you. I know you’re excited about going to 11 countries. I know you’re excited about doing new things and having amazing experiences while you’re out on the field, but there are a few things I don’t want you or me to forget.
Don’t forget why you’re going. Don’t forget that you are going to love others relentlessly and be the change you want to see. Now, does that mean we are going to change the world while on the field? Probably not, but it shouldn’t stop you from trying to start the change you want you see and pave the way for those that will come after you, or keep pursuing and watering the seeds that others have planted before you.
Now, if you are one of those people who think this is going to be a vacation that you serve people on, I want you to completely forget why you even singed up. This trip is not about you, nor is it about the potentially awesome places you will get to go to. This trip is about bringing glory to Christ. So any preconceived notion that this is going to be a vacation that you do what you want on and on which serving people is an afterthought needs to be thrown in the trash.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t take days off and do adventurous things, but I am saying that the free time that we get to do those adventures should be the afterthought, and serving Christ by serving others should be on the forefront of our minds.
Spreading Christ and loving those around us with everything we have while giving Christ all the glory is what this trip is about.
We are the Church so we need to act like it.
This trip costs $18,100 and I’m sure we all know that by now. But what we don’t think or at least talk about very often is the fact that this money could have helped and changed so many lives, but yet we are the ones it’s going towards. So LET’S NOT WASTE IT.
With all of that being said, I really hope that if you weren’t already taking this seriously, that you are now. Please don’t be one of the reasons people don’t want to believe in Christ.
Here are a few verses that relate to what I’m talking about: Romans 12:10, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 5:41, Mark 10:45, John 15:13, 1st John 4:7-8
As read this again, I know it may sound a little harsh which isn’t my intention, but this is something that needs to be said so we don’t forget it. I love you all and if you need prayer, email me!
I’ll leave you with this quote from Gandhi. I’m not 100% sure he said this, but it doesn’t change the fact that a LOT a people relate to this:
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” – Gandhi
