Dear Friends, Family, Supporters, Teammates, WR Staff and Random Blog Stalkers,
My time with World Race is going to come to a close shortly. I want to start by saying that there is nothing “wrong” and that this wasn’t a decision I took lightly. The truth is that I have come to believe that God is calling me home, now. In all honesty I have thought this was the case for a while now but it’s not what I wanted, so I have been fighting it and asking for more confirmation. And although it’s not the answer that I was hoping for, it is the right answer for me. This may well be the hardest decision I have ever made. Knowing that either choice will hurt people that are close to me. Knowing that no matter which way I go, I will miss out on some great stuff and I will miss out on time with people that I love. But in the end it comes down to seeking His best for my life. I told Him that I wanted His best for my life and that I would choose it if He would make it clear. And God has made it clear though dreams, words from different people, and in my own heart. I don’t know why His best is for me to be home now instead of in two months. Its hard to give up something that you know is good for an unknown reason. Its hard to walk away from some of the most amazing people I have even met and an organization that is helping us all grow into the men and women of God that we were created to be. But I am not willing to give up God’s best for anything. And He has made if clear to me, even in my stubbornness and wanting to stay on the race that His best is in Bend.
I want to be very clear that there isn’t some secret reason that I am not sharing or that I am holding back from telling you all the full story. That isn’t true, if there was ill will between me and The World Race or anyone on this squad I wouldn’t hesitate to bring it to the light. Those of you that know me well, know that I am not shy about such things. My time on the Race has been incredible. I have been pushed, pulled and molded by God, my teammates, coaches, and the people in every country I have had the privilege to visit. For as long as God has allowed me to be here, it has been an incredible experience filled with amazing people seeking God and inspiring me to do the same.
Thanks to all of you for your support, friendship, prayer, words of encouragement and understanding. I would like to assure you that all of the support that has come into my account has been used. And although that was not the deciding factor in me going home it was another clue and I would not ask for more support knowing that God is calling me back to Bend. I hope that you all can see my heart in this and know that it was always my desire to fulfill my commitment. But I must first follow my commitment to God and where the Lord is leading. It is my desire to be completely open about my decision and about my time on the race, so I invite you all to ask questions about this whole thing. And to be praying for me and my squad as we transition through this time. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers, this is not the end of anything. The relationships that have been built here will continue to grow as we all move forward on the paths that God has set before us.
Andy Ross
