How’s this going to work? What does 11 countries in 11 months… bringing the gospel… sharing God’s love… actually look like? These are all catch phrases surrounding The World Race because we are trying to encapsulate the vision in a bite size nugget that you will take the time to read! I’m willing to bet that since you’re already here you’ll hear me out as I more elaborately describe the mission!
I will share the basics but know that a lot of the details are unknown to even me! This is about recognizing who I am and who God is in the equation and straightening things out… putting things back in perspective. An all-powerful LOVING God created each of us, He delighted in us and He wants our attention. He has actually mapped out a plan for our lives and as we focus on Him, He will lead us. Our job – to follow! I know this all sounds a bit vague if you’ve never experienced God’s guidance and direction in your life but I promise… SOOOO true! The World Race definitely isn’t everyone’s call BUT everyone does have a specific purpose to fulfill and I promise it’s better than anything you could dream up on your own. Currently the plan for me is The World Race and while I’m called to go, others will be called to get involved in other capacities.
The World Race is about total dependence, stepping out and simply following God’s lead. As a team, we know we’ve been called to “go” and let God lead from there. The July 2 Team consists of over 50 people and will be divided into groups of 6-8 people who will then travel together for the 11 months. All groups will travel to each country as a team and then separate to different ministry sites around the country. We have “The Route” which is the list of countries we will travel to and nothing else!
Romania – Ukraine – India – Nepal – Rwanda – Kenya – Uganda –
Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam – Philippines
We will travel to each country, staying one month at a time. Upon arrival we will discover the region of that country we will be traveling to and who our ministry partner will be for the month. A Ministry Partner is an organization that has joined with The World Race; dozens of these exist around the world. Ministry may include working with orphanages, schools, churches, human trafficking projects, construction, farming or one of the many other practical areas we can show God’s love in. No matter what the task is, our main job will be to reflect Christ and His message of salvation on an individual level with everyone we come in contact with. We will set up camp from there, which could mean anything from pitching our tent in a rural jungle village to squeezing into a building in their city. Life will be different each month as we immerse ourselves in their cultures and live the way they do. We are trusting that God will lead us to the people He is calling us to reach! At the close of our time in each country our entire July 2 Team will reunite to debrief, worship together and get refreshed before preparing for our next destination.
As I’m sure you’re wondering, part of “How does this work?” includes “Who pays for this?” Each world racer will need $15,500 to cover the cost of travel, housing, food and administrative items, living on $10 a day. Not bad for living expenses for 11 months including travel to 11 countries, nonetheless, a large amount of money to raise. From the time a racer is accepted to a team their ministry begins by sharing the story and raising support. For me this is really an act of obedience, raising support is part of the World Race task. Funding a racer is a practical way to get involved in what God’s doing! Support can be raised gradually throughout the race but certain deadlines must be met along the way since the money is actively supporting the racers needs. Many friends, family and total strangers will get on board with the vision and choose to give one-time donations or monthly pledges. Here is where I need your help! If God is leading you to partner here… than do it! J No but seriously, I know God has already mapped out each involvement from those who are to go on the race to those who will seriously bathe the nations in prayer and those who will fund it.
In order to go I will need $3500 in my support account by May 7th this is my first deadline!!! So… if you are going to become a financial partner just click on the “support me” link on the left of my blog to donate now! If you would prefer to mail a check let me know and I will get you a support card to include in the envelope! Here are all the deadlines I will need to meet financially:
$3,500 – Due 5/7/2011
$6,500 – Due 6/17/2011
$11,000 – Due 10/1/2011
$15,500 – Total Due 1/1/2012 (End of 6 months on the field) –
FUNDS MUST BE PLEDGED – this means that for the final deadline monthly pledges to be fulfilled through 6/1/12 will count toward this amount!
As a World Racer, I will be on the frontline to the ministry and will have the responsibility of sharing everything God is doing with YOU! Newsletters will go out to all of my supporters and the blog will serve as our main source for communication. I will blog weekly from now throughout the race with pictures and stories whenever internet connection is available (should be in most countries). With that said, SUBSCRIBE so that you can watch the story unfold by clicking the “subscribe” link to the left of the blog.
My hope is that the World Race will impact you as much as it has me and that changing the world around us will actually change us! I know God will transform lives in unimaginable ways and I’m thrilled to be a part of the molding process! I want to present all the information I can so YOU can get involved and be a part of this story! The more you know the more effective you can be!
Here are just a few ways you can get involved:
-Pray:
-July 2 Team: preparation spiritually, physically and financially
-The Route: Pray for each nation and each person that will be placed in our path. Salvation; Life Change
-The Race: provision; protection; guidance; wisdom
-Give: a one-time or monthly donation
-Share: share the story; spread the word
A HUGE “Thank you” to everyone who has been so encouraging and supportive so far! In my weaker moments, when this all seems so BIG, it makes a world of difference to have all of you standing behind me!
