Before we get started, I have something to tell all of you:
I’m going on an adventure you guys! And not just ANY adventure, but one that God has called me to. Let me tell you a little bit about this thing called the “World Race.”
If the World Race were a movie, these are some of the words you might hear in the trailer:
Adventure.
Action.
Danger.
Love.
First off, the World Race is an 11-month mission trip. That might seem like a long time, but considering I just lived in Japan for 3 years (which felt like only 3 months), that’s not really so long after all. The ADVENTURE part of it comes in when I tell you where I’m going: Asia (hmm, didn’t see that one coming did you?). More specifically, I will be traveling to eleven different countries within Asia, all in those eleven months. Yes, you read that right. I will be going to 11 countries in 11 months, a different country for every month. In World Race terms, this is known as “11n11.” As of right now, this is my route!
What exactly will I be doing in these countries? That’s where the ACTION comes in. Each country will be different, but my mission will look something like this:
I will be:
Serving those in poverty.
Loving orphans, widows, prostitutes, and the oppressed.
Working in a farmer’s field or building a house.
Giving smiles and conversation.
Teaching English and life skills.
Proclaiming the love and gospel of Jesus Christ.
Building up churches and supporting ministries.
Shining light into the world.
By this point, you’re probably thinking, “Man, this sounds awesome! So where’s the DANGER in all of this?”
First of all, I mentioned I’m traveling around the world, right? Traveling in itself is always a danger, but it’s one that I’ve grown accustomed to. However, look at that country list. While I am excited to be visiting these countries, I am aware of the dangers present in each one, and I know some of them aren’t the safest places in the world. I also know some of them don’t accept Christian missionaries very kindly, and that could be dangerous as well.
Secondly, this won’t be luxurious, pampered, tour-group style of traveling. While I will be traveling in a team of seven people, we will be living a very basic kind of lifestyle. I’m talking about tents, sleeping bags, cold bucket showers, and living out of a backpack for eleven months. This is not going to be easy!!
So why am I doing this? The only reason I can give you: LOVE. God loved us first, and He loved us so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to live with us and die for us, so that we can be with HIM. God started the idea of loving on those who are hurting. He even loves those who don’t really care if He loves them or not. I may be just one small person and I may not be able to do a lot of great things, but I can give love. And through that small love, I believe God will give His own great love, hope, and peace.
So, as you see, that’s why…
