The World Race
My Story
Providing door to door basic medical care through villages in Mozambique, bringing a smile to children in Jamaica through school supplies, embracing the power of a communal and simplistic lifestyle in the mountains of Nicaragua; through Christ, these experiences are the founding blocks which have made me who I am today. They guide my actions, decisions and faith throughout every day circumstances and now, they guide my future decisions regarding my occupation and career.
I graduated in December 2013 and have been a registered nurse working at a trauma surgical unit in Scott & White hospital for a year now. Life outside of work has been filled with many adventures and experiences, travels and friendships. Though inspiring and desired on the outside, inside nothing in my life added up to the fulfillment that bringing hope in the children of Jamaica or milk to malnourished infants in Mozambique brought. This past holiday season, true Matthew 25 ministry craved to be on the forefront of my hands as it has been in the past, but this time for much longer. In response to that a prayer was spoken and door open giving me the possibility to embark on an 11 month long mission trip through Adventures in Missions called the World Race.
The World Race: September 2015 Route 3
The World Race is an 11-month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries around the world. Adventures in missions, founder of the World Race, focus on challenging their participants and staff to abandon the American dream and pursue God’s dream for their lives. Through adventure, travel, ministry, community, and self- discovery, participants develop broken hearts that propel their hands to act for God’s kingdom around the globe. On the World Race, my team and I will live the Gospel, serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities, plant churches, build homes, aid in disaster relief, work in orphanages, minister to women and children who are trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and filling any other need we find along the way. I also plan to connect with clinics and discover medical needs in each country. In response to finding these needs I hope to make a connection where I can continue my ministry after the World Race.
My World Race Route consist of the following; Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Countries and ministries are subject to change as unavoidable circumstances may arise. Any changes will be made known on my blog at that time.
The TEAM
Not everyone has the chance to give everything up, carry all you own on your back for a year, grow in insight, and serve in means intangible while having a full time job, family, payments or commitments. I realize the weight and honor regarding this opportunity and while grasping it, desire to bring along side anyone interested in joining hands and becoming a team through this experience.
Unlike other mission trips I have taken in the past, the World Race differs by it’s commitment, extent and financial needs. The team that I need built in order for this ministry to be optimal must be well rounded with leadership, prayer and committed support; be it financial, spiritual or relational. My teammates will be able to stay up to date with field stories and prayer requests posted on my blog at least once a week and along with a monthly newsletter via email if you become a financial supporter. I want to make this a life changing experience and perspective rattling opportunity for more than just myself, which is why I come to you now in hopes of you joining my team.
(Further information about how to become apart of my team, follow and support me throughout my ministry is stated on the back of this page.)
The Needs
As stated earlier, the financial commitment with doing the World Race is not to be taken lightly. But compared to the purpose of this trip, the hope and aid and Light that will be brought to the communities and revealed to us all, I see it as unworthy of any concern. Though money has been saved to give me a head start in funds, communal support is still needed as cost of the trip does not include equipment, insurance, and immunization’s. Divided among the 325 days I will be in ministry this adds up to needing a daily support of $50. This includes lodging, airfare, and food.
Would you like to support one of my mission days? Maybe even become an annual monthly donor? Well, to make matters more interesting and personal I will be selling the days of my trip for $50 a piece. You can pick any day from September 2015-July 2016, do a one time donation or commit to donate an annual amount per month. Either way your name or organization will be written on my support calendar and receive a personal email with a short story about events that have occurred on your day along with my ever grateful thanks for your support.
How to Become a Financial Teammate
If becoming a financial teammate in this journey with me is on your heart, I thank you and look forward to bringing you along over the next year and more. I have enclosed a response card to make the process as easy as possible. Please make checks payable to Adventures In Missions. Please return the response card with your donation to Adventures In Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470. The response card will provide AIM with the information necessary to send you a receipt for your donation. If you would prefer to make your donation online, you may do so by visiting my blog site at: benjaminbaecker.theworldrace.org. Just click the “Support Me” link in the upper right side of the page and complete your donation as instructed.
(If you would like a short update for the day/days you sponsor please email me your desired date at which you would prefer to support along with a current email address)
Wanna Chat?
Of course! Let’s plan a time! I would love to meet you, have a drink over some good ol fashion Texas chatter, and invite you in on more of what is changing in my life with regard to the World Race. My blog, which has a Contact tab enabling you to email me, is the easiest way to contact me. I also leave you with a small postcard for you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers while I prepare to go around the world. If at any time during my absence you feel the need to contact me or send an email, please do so! Remember we are a team and more than just financial support I will need encouragement and communal accountability and contact throughout this coming year.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Baecker
Your forever nomad 🙂
