“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo
It’s time for my quarter life crisis, or at least that’s how one friend described my decision to go on the World Race. I’m not sure I fully disagree with her. I’ve spent the majority of my twenties working and going to school. It’s been an interesting ride, both challenging and rewarding as I’ve slowly grown into the man I am today. But now things are changing, college is complete, my career path is at a crossroads, and my soul is ready for something fresh. In writing this, I am challenged to not be too abstract in the way I describe my decision to go on the World Race. A deeply rooted reason is that I simply want to travel the world for a year. However, there is also this sense of needing renewed, particularly spiritually. I’ve been following Jesus for almost two decades and I’ve found myself desiring something more. There is this idea that when you travel you are faced with the truest form of yourself, strip away all the facades and you are left with a very real and sometimes unflattering version of yourself. Add in the idea of listening, following, and sharing about Jesus and you have the makings of something significant.
The root of my decision for the World Race comes from a very honest and determined part of my heart. As Mark Twain notes “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do”, in twenty years I want to look back on this season as a pivotal point in my walk with Jesus where I chose to intentionally pursue Him for a season. At its root that’s why I’m doing the race. That’s also why I’m so excited by it, it’s the opportunity to truly seek God for a year in a way that forces me to rely on Him. I can’t think of a better way to spend 11 months. 2020, you are certainly going to be a year to remember!
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.
Psalm 37:23
For those of you that don’t know, the World Race is a mission trip to 11 countries in 11 months. I am doing a particular route called Unscripted that focuses on listening and responding to God’s voice in doing ministry. From January until November 2020 I will be traveling to:
Bolivia
Chile
Argentina
Spain
Montenegro
Macedonia
Greece
Ethiopa
Kenya
India
Nepal
You can find more information on my route at https://www.worldrace.org/routes/january2020-unscripted/
I am not doing any fundraising for this trip, but I am looking for some people to partner with me as prayer supporters. If you feel led to do this please let me know! Also, feel free to subscribe to my blog at https://davidbarnett.theworldrace.org!
