I’ve taken lots of road trips before, and a couple of international trips, but nothing to the scale of The World Race. I mean, I’ll be trekking the globe for almost a year! So the closer I get to September, the more I realize there’s a lot that goes into this trip. This blog entry is to allow me to make a mental inventory of my own and hopefully create a few ideas as I type, but it’s also designed to let you know what’s going through my mind, and hopefully, if you’re considering a trip like this or if you are a participant in TWR, it’ll offer some advice.
Packing: While TWR Web site has lots of good information about packing, I’m also relying on my own experience here. Even some experience that has yet to leave the confines of my imagination! I’ve been collecting an assortment of Bear Grylls & Craghoppers clothing. The fabric technology and craftsmanship is superior, and it carries a lifetime guarantee (www.craghoppers.com). My aim is to bring along very limited clothing that’s durable, easy to pack, and dries quickly. I can attest to their Solar Dry technology… I have a pair of fleece lined Bear Grylls winter pants, and after a day of slopping in snow and water at a park (maybe that was Fern Clyffe in Illinois?) they dried long before even a single sock would dry! I’m excited to test out the built-in mosquito repellent :]
Reading: I have a list of books to read before departure, and I don’t plan to bring books with me. Most of these books should prove spiritually filling, which will be appropriate for a journey of this nature. This list includes books from my hometown pastor, David Dykes, of Green Acres Baptist Church, Chan, Keller, Eggerichs, and more. However, my trusty bible will not leave my side.
Community: I have been attending The Austin Stone, a church for the city, where I’ve made lots of new friends who offer a great deal of support in my life. I Finally signed up for one of their courses a few weeks ago and have thus settled into a great group of believers that will, according to plan, break off into a Missional Community. We go to class once a week and try to gather outside of class for dinner or fun activities. This group is quickly becoming a source of spiritual fuel for me. The small group environment will also be beneficial in preparing me for the team of a half-dozen or so that I will be spending months with day after day.
Education: While I do rely on God’s Holy Word, the church, and my community to educate me spiritually, I recognize the importance in cultural training as well. To achieve this, my first step was taking a seminar last weekend called Engaging Islam. This two-day crash course taught in the heart of Austin at Hill Country Bible Church across the street from the University was designed to teach Christians how to share the Gospel to Muslims effectively. Georges Houssney was the primary speaker, a man that grew up exposed to Islam, and has since traveled the world risking his life to share the Gospel and teach us how to do the same. His stories are incredible and his teachings powerful. Check out his work at www.engagingislam.org. A few years ago I traveled to Indonesia, which is 99% Muslim, and it was there that my heart was conditioned with a love for these people, but I still consider myself ignorant when it comes to their belief system, so please pray that Mr. Houssney’s teachings stay with me and that understanding will blanket my mind as I travel to other Islamic nations.
Fundraising: This is probably the most intimidating aspect of The World Race. I don’t have a stash of cash under the mattress or a Swiss bank account or a chest of rubies, nor do most of my fellow Racers. I do have a job (until July). I have several possessions that I can and will sell before departing. I have a committed heart and a developing imagination. And most importantly, I have a God that promises He will provide. But how? God isn’t going to reach His hands through the heavens and slip a check under my pillow. If He has put it upon your heart to donate some of the resources you’ve been given, please do so. Our Father himself will reward a charitable heart… Matthew 6:4 says “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” And 2 Corinthians 9:11 tells us “You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgivings to God.”
Please continue to pray for me and my team, and please do ask me any questions you may have. My contact information can be found by clicking the Contact tab to the left, or message me through this blog. Thanks!
