Hello World! As some of you may or may not know, I completed my World Race Journey on June 23rd and moved back home to Atlanta, Georgia. While on my race, God planted a desire to build a community/dream center in my childhood neighborhood. Not knowing where to start, I decided that my plans for life immediately after the race were going to drive for Uber/lyft. Drive for Uber?!? Why?!?
I felt like Uber/Lyft would have provided me with the flexibility to build relationships within my neighborhood and also allow me to meet strangers that I could encourage and share truth with. However after being home, I kept experiencing roadblocks when it came to finding a car for my future employment/ministry. You know, you kinda need a car for uber.
During this time I felt like God was telling me to fast and pray about my future and other areas of my life. I decided to do a 3-day liquid only fast. On day 2 of my fast (July 11th), I received a text about potentially Alumni Squad Leading for the World Race…in August 2017. I told them that was “SO soon, but I guess you can give them my phone number.”
Over the next few days, God started working on my heart and I became willing to Squad Lead (SQL) in August. However a week went by and I heard nothing. I reached out to the person who reached out to me and he told me that they had found someone else, “but to keep my ears open at PSL (Project SearchLight).”
PSL is basically a reunion with your World Race Squad. You worship together and talk about how reentry is going.
So on July 24th I went to PSL with hopes of Squad Leading in September. My mom told me that when God decides to move, he moves fast. That’s exactly what happen at PSL.
Monday, July 24th: I told my Squad Mentor how transitioning was going and that I was finally willing to Squad Lead. Mind you while I was on the world race she approached me about Gap Year SQLing after the race and I gracefully told her “Not for me…right now.” However on July 24th, I found myself in her living room telling her that I was willing to Squad Lead. She said that we would talk.
Tuesday, July 25th: I woke up to an email from her telling me to submit my application to Squad Lead in August. (Which meant that I would leave the country in 1 week.) So I submitted my application that afternoon.
Wednesday, July 26th: In the evening I had an interview with Bill, the World Race Director, and less than an hour later I was officially accepted to Squad Lead for August 2017 Route 3 (X-Squad).
Thursday, July 27th: I went back home to Atlanta to pack for the next 5 months and for 1 last home cooked meal with my mom for the foreseeable future.
Friday July 28th: I was dropped back off at the AIM base (Gainesville, Ga) to begin SQL training.
Friday, July 28th- August 2: SQL Training in Gainesville, Ga)
Thursday August 3rd: I went to Atlanta for Launch and spent the next few days meeting X-Squad for the first time.
August 7th: Left the USA for Serbia.
So Hello from Serbia!
As an Alumni Squad Leader (ASQL) I will spend the next 5 months in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia co-leading with 2 other Alumni Racers. We have the privilege of discipling, mentoring, and teaching 41 racers.
I have to tell y’all these racers are awesome!
How Can You Help Me?
As an ASQL, I need to fundraise $6,500. You all graciously helped me reach my fundraising goal last year, so I am reaching out to you again. Please join me in prayer and consider donating.
If you would like to donate please click the “Donate” button at the top of my blog site (DavanteJones.theworldrace.org) and donate.
I would like to reach my first fundraising goal of $2,000 by September 20th, 2017.
So please join me in prayer and share this blog post on your Facebook page and refer friends and family to DavanteJones.theworldrace.org.
