At first I thought I wanted to go on the World Race to add a little more adventure to my life. I thought it’d be a great way to be challenged and continue on my journey of self-discovery. From what I had learned about the program, I knew I would be living in intentional community and have countless opportunities to receive feedback about my positive and not-so-positive qualities. My goal at the end of this trip was to return home as a better version of myself, a version ready to move forward into the areas of family and career that I hope to experience someday.
With all these inwardly-focused goals, I seemed to forget about the true heart of the World Race. My eyes got stuck on me and in turn I was blinded from seeing the Spirit whose presence is at the center of this mission.
At training camp I was reminded of the Heart of the Race. I went through a market-place simulation in which I encountered beggars, cripples, prostitutes, widows, orphans, and many others in desperate circumstances. Like so many other aspects of the week, we were not forewarned about this simulation, so I had no time to prepare my heart and mind before being thrown into the market. Suddenly I was overcome with sorrow for the reality of what I will be encountering for the next eleven months. My sorrow extended to the shame I felt for having thought so little of anyone or anything other than myself that week.
Tears streamed down my face for the destitution I saw. My heart broke with the knowledge that one month of my time is not nearly enough to offer a permanent solution to the poverty and disease that infiltrates so many societies around the world.
It was only when my vision was blurred by tears that I clearly saw the One who is at the heart of this Race.
Now, more than ever, my heart breaks with compassion for the lost Jesus is calling home. I long to be a servant for Christ through the World Race. I know I am meant to do this and I have faith that the Lord will provide a way for me to remain on this Race for the entire eleven months.
If you are moved by the lost in this world, if you have compassion for the beggars and cripples, and if you are searching for a way to obediently respond to God’s command to feed his sheep, I would ask you to consider financially supporting my Race. Not all of us are called to go beyond the borders as a missionary, but I can assure you that I am. Please help me with the funds I need to answer this call.
“Arise for it is your task; and we are with you. Be strong and do it!” -Amos 10:4
Donate now at https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Deborah%20Bitzer
