Hello,
I’ve been given a life-altering opportunity that doesn’t present itself to most; that opportunity is called, “The World Race.” Before I get into the specifics of what that is, I’d like to share a memory with you.
Recently, I spent hours pondering this question, “What are the biggest events in my life, good or bad, that have affected how I look at life and see the world?” I came up with a pretty good list. At the top, one positive life event stood out above the rest:
In 2006, when I was 14 years old, I went out of the country for the first time. The trip was to the Dominican Republic. For the first time in my 14 years of existence, I witnessed extreme poverty that I didn’t know existed. My world grew so much in those seven short days because, despite their poverty, the Christians there were still joyful. I realized then that joy does not lie in material possessions. God has given me so much in comparison to those brothers and sisters, and I cannot live life harboring all of it to myself. When I came home, it became my mission to use the things God has given me to serve others.
Since then, my world and mission have grown even bigger because it’s now I realize that God gives all His gifts (of which Jesus Christ is the foremost) for the express purpose of His praise, honor, power, and glory. He wants every tribe, nation, and tongue to live a fulfilled and abundant life that we can only have through Jesus Christ. Yet, people are dying everyday without hearing the name of Jesus.
That being said, God desires to draw every person closer to Himself. I believe He is doing that in a few different ways with this upcoming trip.
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The first is by drawing in those in the countries I will be visiting through the message we give them.
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Secondly, He is drawing me further outside my comfort zone so I will learn to rely on Him in everything I do.
I will have the chance to help build houses, teach English, feed kids, help people farm, do construction, VBS, evangelism outreach, build relationships with orphans, pray for the sick at a hospital, as well as witness God perform miracles as I step out in obedience.
The trip I’m looking to go on is in August! My fundraising goal is $18,600 and includes travel, food, and lodging for 11 months. As validation that I should go on the trip in August, I’ve asked God to provide the funds by May 11th (that’s before any of the payments for the August trip are due). If the funds aren’t raised in full, including promises for monthly donations, I’ll take that as direction to go on a Race in 2019.
The thought of asking people to help provide $18,600 is extremely humbling. But God reminded me recently of James 1, “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position…Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows.” I took three main points from this passage:
(1) Every good and perfect gift I have, like the chance to go on the Race, is from God
(2) Every good and perfect gift you have is from God such as the time, talents, and/or treasures you would use to further His kingdom
(3) Because of this, I can ask with confidence because He is the provider. He loves to give good gifts, and I can rejoice in the humility (the low position) that it produces in me.
Therefore, I’m lowering myself before you to ask this: Will you prayerfully consider using your time, talents, and/or treasures that God has blessed you with to partner with me in the work of the Gospel? I cannot do this on my own! I need God’s power through the body of Christ to support me.
Here’s a list of ways you could possibly partner with me:
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Give
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You can give financially online at http://robames.theworldrace.org/, by sending a check (made out to “Adventures in Missions”), or by giving me cash, and I will send a check for the amount of cash to the agency.
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You can give by purchasing items I need for the race (rucksack, trail shoes, packing squares, tent, etc.) that can be accessed on my Amazon wishlist. Please contact me if you choose an item on this list as I will need to remove it from the list.
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You can give by donating items for my garage sale. For example: clothes you haven’t worn in months, spring cleaning items you would donate to Goodwill or use as hand-me-downs, etc.
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You can give by purchasing some of my material possessions, as I will be selling most of them in preparation for the trip.
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Pray
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Pray God would do a work in the hearts of all those involved in the trip by drawing them closer to Himself and mold them into the image of His Son.
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Pray He would supernaturally multiply the generous gifts given by joyful givers.
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Pray for the hearts of those hearing the Gospel, potentially for the first time, to be softened and willing to receive it.
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Pray specifically for all those going on the Race to keep in step with the Spirit’s leading, to fan into flame His gift, and to have wisdom and courage.
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Pray for Adventures in Missions as they mobilize thousands for the sake of the Gospel. For wisdom in their decision-making as they lead the trips.
As funds start to come in, I will have a Google Sheets document that I will be updating regularly. If you would like to be able to access that sheet to keep up with donations, please let me know. I will also be sending out regular updates. If you have any questions or would like any more information, feel free to contact me at 814-806-4106, email: [email protected], or Facebook Message (Robert Ames). Additionally, I have a blog I will be posting to before and while I’m on the Race: http://robames.theworldrace.org/.
The countries I’ll visit on the Race are Chile, Peru, Colombia, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic
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.
Thank you for your support. It means more to me than you can imagine!
Sincerely,
Robbie Ames
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before Him endured the cross scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of God.
