There’s a conventional way to do life. You go to school, graduate, get a corporate job, move up the corporate ladder, and retire with a 401k. Maybe you’ll get married and create mini versions of yourself and your partner on the way. This is comfortable because you always know what’s coming. You hardly spend long periods of your life with an uncertain future. That’s why when my senior year started, there was a constant anxiety in my heart. Because for the first time my future was uncertain.
Jesus was whispering. And whenever Jesus is involved, things tend to not be so conventional and comfortable.
I came into this year with a simple prayer, “Jesus where do you want me?” This was prayed as I walked to class, during my quiet time, fell asleep, and had any time to myself. This was prayed as the anxiety began to creep in and capture my brain and heart during class and moments of extreme stress.
I can’t remember going a day this past semester without hearing the question, “what are you doing after graduation?”
My response was always, “your guess is as good as mine buddy. It all depends on when and where Jesus opens doors.”
So Jesus began closing doors. I found myself half-heartedly applying for corporate jobs, secretly knowing that wasn’t where I was meant end up right away. Jesus was whispering, but I didn’t want to listen. I wanted comfortable and secure.
About a year and a half ago, I heard about this thing called the World Race. The idea was planted, but never grew until this summer when I began to think about the future. That’s when the idea of doing the Word Race post-graduation began to sprout. But again, this was uncomfortable. This was uncertain. No way.
Then, all of a sudden, it felt like the World Race began popping up in places of my life it shouldn’t have. It would randomly come up in conversations, I would meet a former racer in line at Target, or meet someone who had a family member on the race. Jesus was whispering.
One day this semester, I decided to apply JUST to see what would happen. This was me knocking on a door to see if it would be opened (Matthew 7:7-8). After an interview, I got a call informing me that I was selected to participate in the August 2018 Route 3 World Race.
After many closed doors, Jesus had opened one.
But it was uncomfortable. It was uncertain. It was insecure. What would recruiters think about this decision when I was applying for jobs afterwards? Would I forget everything I’ve learned in college? Does this mean I’ll have to go a year of my life without connection to the World? Without keeping up with current events? Without seeing friends and family? Hot showers and working toilets? A bed?
Does this mean I’ll have to give up everything that’s comfortable about my life?
Was this Jesus asking me to give a year of my life entirely to Him?
Jesus was whispering. And now I couldn’t ignore it. After lots of prayer and discussion, I have made the decision to participate in the World Race in August 2018. Woah. (I’ll be honest. Even typing that feels insane!)
I am so ready give everything up for a year and give all of me to Jesus. I’m ready for Him to break my heart and shatter everything I know. I’m ready to give every day, every minute, every second to Jesus. I am so ready to go on the World Race. And I would love for you to join me on this journey.
What is the World Race?
The World Race is an 11 month mission trip to 11 different countries. In each country I will serve in a different ministry. This could include volunteering in an orphanage, working with rescued human trafficking victims, helping local businesses, or planting churches. In their own words,
“The World Race is a stretching journey to serve “the least of these” while amongst real and raw community. This unique mission trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about you; it’s about the Kingdom.”
For more and info and some super cool videos, check out the official website at https://www.worldrace.org.
Why are you going on the World Race?
I believe Jesus has called me to the World Race after graduation. And if He’s calling me, you best believe I am going to follow. He has given me the opportunity to get an education for the past four years and equip myself with knowledge. I will be going on the World Race to seek ways to apply this knowledge. I look forward to discovering areas of need in the world and plan on using these discoveries to propel my career after returning from the Race.
I am so excited to spend every day building his kingdom and serving others in His name. I can’t wait to unconditionally love others and dedicate every day to Jesus.
Wait… who are you?
Hi! I’m so glad you found me! Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Hannah. I am currently a senior at Baylor University double majoring in Entrepreneurship and International Business. I have always had a deep love for travel and service. I find that I feel most fulfilled when I am in a position of serving someone else (which is why I am so pumped for a year of service) and am super passionate about understanding different cultures (so much so that I dedicated half of my degree to it!).
How can I get involved?
First and most importantly, please pray. I am beginning the process of becoming stronger mentally, physically and spiritually. I know I’m going to be stretched. Please pray for wisdom and spiritual strength. Jesus knows what I will need, please pray this will be revealed.
Second, you can help financially. This trip will cost about $18,100. Which is a lot! But with Jesus, definitely possible. Any donation you can give is greatly appreciated. Something as small as $5 is so helpful. I know everyone is in different places financially so please do not feel pressured to give. Everyone is welcome to follow along with me on this journey. Give if you are able and if you feel called to do so.
Funds will go towards three aspects of the trip:
Program Field Expenses (39%) – This category includes the direct costs associated with each trip. This includes food, lodging, insurance, visas, communications, supplies, training camp, and debriefs.
Program Mobilization Expenses (49%) – this category includes direct costs associated with travel. This includes all long distance travel by air, bus, train, or boat and local transportation such as taxis, bus, metros, gas for host vehicles, etc.
Program Management Expenses (12%) – This category includes all costs associated with managing World Race staff and the cost of host development trips.
Find out how to give below!
Finally, follow along! I will be updating this blog every so often leading up to the day I leave and twice a week while on the race. On this page, you can find an orange button on the left that says “Subscribe for Updates” This will make sure you get a little notification that lets you know when I post something new on here! You can follow me on Instagram at hannahnn_!
Thank you so much for supporting me and going on this journey with me. I’m excited to see where it leads and what Jesus will do through it! Be sure to keep an eye on this blog and don’t be afraid to reach out!
Ways to Give
You can give directly on this site! There is an orange “Donate!” button towards the top under the main header button. This is by far the easiest way to give. On this page, you can make the decision to give as a one-time giving offer, monthly, or quarterly.
Check/Money Order: must be made payable to Adventures in Missions (the parent company of the WR) with Hannah Neel in the memo line.
Mail it to: Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA
30374-2570
Please mail only one check per envelope, as checks are processed mechanically.
EFT (Dynapay) – Go to adventures.org/dynapay to fill out an online form for a monthly Electronic Funds Transfer from a checking account. No transaction fee will be charged for donations made through EFT.
Bitcoin – just kidding. I’ll definitely accept Bitcoin as a separate gift though any day 🙂
A million and a half FAQ questions are listed below so if you want to find out how this works and if your donation is tax-deductible, keep reading!
Thank you so much for supporting me and going on this journey with me. I’m excited to see where it leads and what Jesus will do through it! Be sure to keep an eye on this blog
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Upon the close of each calendar year, Adventures sends donors an annual statement confirming tax deductibility in the U.S. Deductibility varies for other countries outside the U.S. and therefore it is the responsibility of any international donor to consult with their tax advisor as to the deductibility of their donation. Adventures is not incorporated in any other country other than the U.S. Checks made out directly to the participant (Hannah Neel) or non-financial gifts to the participant are not tax-deductible.
Is my donation refundable or transferrable?
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the IRS regulations require that all tax-deductible contributions must be irrevocable and that any such organization must demonstrate full discretion and control of the donations. Donations can not be refunded or transferred after they are made. These regulations for Adventures in Missions are stated fully on their website at: adventures.org/policies
Will I receive acknowledgement for my gift?
If your chosen giving method is through the postal mail, you will receive an acknowledgement via standard U.S. mail approximately two weeks after your gift is received. For gifts online via credit/debit card or eCheck, you will receive an electronic acknowledgement as soon as your donation is made.
Is there a maximum amount for online donations?
The maximum amount for credit card donations is $5,000. There is no limit on the amount for a bank draft donation.
My company offers matching gifts – how do these get processed?
Adventures is happy to verify gifts and complete any paperwork required by matching gift companies. Please be aware that they have no control over eligibility regulations and cannot guarantee that any gift will be matched or the date the matching gift will be received.
What does it mean that participants or staff “raise support” or that they are performing deputized fundraising?
Participants and staff members appeal to their family, friends, and communities on behalf of Adventures to provide the necessary resources for fulfilling their work, trip, or project with Adventures in Missions. Gifts are given directly to the organization, allowing them to be tax-deductible.
Is the Adventures website secure?
Yes, they use Rapid SSL and your information is encrypted.
Will they share your personal information?
No, they do not share your personal information with any other organizations. Their website and database are secure sites. They take care to protect your privacy.
More questions? Need assistance?
Contact Donor Relations are 800-881-2461 or [email protected]
