While on the race, I will have three main “pillars” and areas of focus; Light, Learn, and Love.
Light – John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
This means that this trip to be LIT! Just kidding (kind of). It means that I want to be a light to the world. I have been able to see recently how Jesus is able to take dark situations and circumstances, then use that darkness to make his Light shine even brighter. Funny how Jesus tends to take horrible situations and use them for His good.
It’s no surprise that there are some communities in really dark places right now. With the internet we’re able to see a lot of the corruption that is in this world today and I know that Jesus is desperately wanting to enter these places to shine, and I cannot wait to play a part in that!
Learn– discover underserved areas and the functions of underdeveloped communities
I have had the incredible opportunity to study entrepreneurship and international business with a focus on economic development and social justice. I have been able to study what makes an economy successful, what brings a country out of poverty, and how to create a conducive economic atmosphere that supports entrepreneurship. I believe with my whole heart that one of the best ways to alleviate poverty is to create an environment that promotes and supports entrepreneurship.
Here at Baylor I was taught that poverty does not only mean a poor financial situation, but how it’s also a state of mind. It’s a place where someone feels hopeless and like a burden to everyone else. Those thoughts can completely destroy a person. Nobody deserves that. Everyone deserves to know that they are worth so much more in Christ. Not only does entrepreneurship address poor economic conditions, but it affects every aspect of someone’s life and can transform a community.
This is something that I want to focus on in my career. But in order to completely understand how to address this problem, I need to experience it firsthand. On the race, I will be living in communities that are plagued with property and social injustice issues. I will be looking to learn and understand why this problem is so persistent in specific communities. I hope to walk away with a deeper understanding of how these problems continue to exist and how to help an economy overcome persistent poverty.
Love – display an unconditional love to those who have never understood it before.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.”
– Romans 12:9-16
Last semester I went to a guest lecture by an entrepreneur from South Africa who had started a schooling program that taught teens and young adults to code. It’s had an unquantifiable impact on the community and changed so many lives.
After his speech, I had the opportunity to talk to him where I told him about the World Race and if he had any advice for me. That’s when he said something that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. He explained to me that the most important thing that I can do while abroad, is love. How are people supposed to understand the unconditional love of God if they have never felt an ounce of love from another human being before? If they have never been able to understand the very concept of love before?
This hit me hard. So a big focus of mine while on the race will be displaying the unconditional love that Jesus has shown to me throughout my life.
So that is my main focus during the race; to be a light, to learn, and to love unconditionally.
However, this cannot happen without your help!
I want YOU to be a part of this experience! My first and foremost need is prayer support. I’m currently in the process of strengthening myself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Any and all prayer support is so greatly appreciated!!
Second is financial support. I need to raise about $18,000 to cover literally everything for the entire trip so if you feel called to do that you can click the cute little orange donate button at the top of the page!
For updates, you can follow the Facebook Page and/or hit “subscribe” on this blog. Thanks for taking this journey with me! I’m so excited to see how Jesus is going to change the world through this!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
