Hey Folks,
I’m currently in Africa and loving every moment of it. Communication has been difficult here so let me fill you in on where I’ve been for the last few months. We arrived in Swaziland at the end of January and spent a week or so going through teachings through some of the staff that have moved here and Tom Davis who originally got me into this journey. After this we drove for two days into Mozambique into a coastal city named Vilanculous. Vilanculous was absolutely amazing. We lived in our tents near a lake and did everything from living at an orphanage in the Bush, to 
preaching at crazy churches who are entrenched in Witchcraft. As far as Mozambique itself, it was definitely the poorest country we have lived in thus far. For more on the Orphanage we stayed at (which is in desperate need of attention and finances) check out our web site www.becomeless.com. It will tear your heart out. At the beginning of March we moved out of Mozambique (two day drive with eleven other people in a seven passenger vehicle… memories that will last a life time) back into Swaziland. We spent a weekend driving up to Kruger National Park where I was able to see some wild life and some friends from Salt Lake who are out here on a mission trip. It was flippin incredible to see some familiar faces though it did make me somewhat home sick. Nevertheless it was a huge blessing. The last few weeks we have been in rural Swaziland living amongst the locals while preparing for a Church Plant. The Church was officially was planted on Easter Sunday. Similar to my involvement with K2 before it was officially a Church, the Church in Swaziland was a powerful thing to be involved with. I was certainly blessed to be a part of it. Currently I am listening to a group of Zimbabwe immigrants, who just had there homes burned to the ground, pray and thank God for his provision… though they have lost pretty much everything.
It really has been incredible being here as God has used these last few months to really challenge, grow, and stretch me. Just like any other time in my life there have been some huge ups and some killer downs. There has been a lot of new life, and there has been a lot of death. A lot of light, and plenty of darkness. While there has been plenty of ministry, orphans, hammering, feeding, and preaching… I feel God is changing me more than anything. Coming onto this trip I had three major spiritual goals. I wanted to increase my faith, find my name in Christ, and I wanted to come alive. God has moved more than I could have asked or imagine in all these, and I know that he will only continue to move more.
Before the World Race started I was unsure about whether God really wanted me on this thing. Now there is no doubt in my mind that I am exactly where he wants me to be. It’s freeing. However I have only managed to raise about 80% of the support needed to finish the Race. I can’t show my appreciation enough to those who have supported me in there prayers and finances. Just thinking about how many people have poured into me over the course of my life and the course of this trip humbles me, and brings joy to my heart. However if I want to finish this thing I need around $3,000 more in support. When using my math skills from college I figure if most the people I’m sending this letter to could give $30 I would set for the rest of the Race until August when I return home. There are a few ways you can give. By going to my web site (www.danielgutman.theworldrace.org) you can donate support online. Otherwise, you can make a check out to Adventures in Missions with Daniel Gutman on the memo line and mail it to Adventures In Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470. My next deadline is mid April. If I don’t have at least $1000 raised I will not be able to go the the final leg of the trip in Central America.
I can’t thank you guys enough for how you have supported me already. Thank you for reading my blogs and encouraging me throughout the year. My community is such a blessing to me. Though I really do miss and love you guys, I know God has me right where he wants me.
Much Love,
Daniel
