Hey everyone! So I’ve decided to take a temporary break from my Race Route series until after training (mid-July), because I’ll have a better idea of my route then and be able to write about what they tell us about each country during training as well. We’ll even be given some crazy food from each country during training that I’ll be able to talk about! I’m excited to see what happens during training. I’ve heard that God moves in crazy huge ways there—it’s going to be the beginning of this wild journey I’m about to embark on and I feel a myriad of emotions as the date comes closer (seriously, they change by the hour. I’m starting to feel like I’m PMSing 24-7…so let me just say a quick “thank you” to everyone who has been graciously putting up with me over the past couple weeks, haha! ).
During this time, I want to use this blog to answer any questions you all might have regarding the Race. I recently received a marketing packet in the mail from the World Race organization, and in it there are many commonly asked questions and answers to those questions. I’ve also added some of the most commonly asked questions that I’ve received, and my personal answers to those.
[this is actually my friend Ashli, but it kind of looks like me right? haha]
What is the World Race? The World Race, a ministry of Adventures in Missions, is an 11-month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries around the world, and it’s not your typical missions experience. It’s a way for young adults to abandon a traditional life-style in exchange for an experience bigger than themselves. Through adventure, ministry, community, and self-discovery, World Racers gain hearts that move their hands to action. And the best part of the World Race is that it’s merely the beginning of a lifelong adventure. Through all the adventure, ministry, community living, and discipleship that take place during the 11 months, you’ll come to understand your true identity as a son or daughter of the living God. You’ll begin to understand your role in the kingdom of God and how to play a part in bringing real change to this world. The World Race is more than a mission trip; it’s a year of self-discovery and authentic, spiritual empowerment.
Who do you work with in each country? We partner with hundreds of local churches, ministries, and other Christian non-governmental organizations to enable long-term missionaries to extend their reach and deepen their impact.
Why is it called a “race”? Squads used to “race” to be the first to arrive at each new country. We no longer have these competitions, but we believe life is like a race, both physically and spiritually, to complete what God has prepared for us.
Is the World Race safe? The bottom line is that the world is a dangerous place. Racers have been held up at gunpoint and have gotten malaria and typhoid. We are aware of the dangers inherent in travel and well prepared for them, but we are cautious that avoiding danger would not preoccupy us from our mission, to bring His kingdom. The World Race staff continues to stay educated and informed of safety concerns and issues around the world by routinely reviewing “watch lists”. They compile regular feedback from their international contacts and have, on occasion, changed itineraries and race routes based on information from these sources. Changes are made with safety as their first priority even when these decisions are unpopular. You have signed up for adventure, so the staff cannot stop you from pushing your personal limits of safety. In the past, Racers have hopped on the back of motorcycles in busy cities, bungee jumped from high cliffs in third world countries, and engaged in other activities that may make us uneasy, but even in light of these extreme activities, we maintain a minimum level of social security. For example, there is always a mandate for Racers to travel together in groups. At the end of the day some risk is a normal part of the adventure and discipleship process.
Does the World Race have much impact since you’re only in each place for a month? The World Race creates long-term relationships with local ministries and churches in each place they serve. Our goal is to help locals serve more people with greater effectiveness.
What are some examples of some ministries you’ll be a part of? World Racers get their hands dirty in all kinds of ministry, whether it’s something familiar like children’s ministry or something completely new, such as planting churches in countries closed to the Christian message. Regardless, your ministry experience will never lack adventure while on the World Race. Some other ministries I have heard we might be a part of include talking to people at bars and helping empower women to show them another life outside of the sex industry, caring for the homeless, teaching English in schools, praying for the sick in hospices, living with gypsies, providing orphans with homes, leading worship services or putting on concerts, playing sports with locals, editing or writing portions of a contact’s newsletter—seriously, it’s basically whatever the needs of the people are. The World Race embodies the heart of “community outreach,” and it intersects whatever my passions might be with the needs of the world.
What age do you have to be to go on the World Race? The World Race is for people ages 21 through 35. If you can turn 21 at some point on the Race, you are eligible and can apply.
When was the World Race started? It was started in 2006.
How many people has the World Race sent out? As of 2011, the World Race has sent over a thousand people to the nations.
If you have any questions you'd like me to answer, leave them in the comments section or message me. I'll be posting the answer to those questions and the top questions I've personally been asked over the past couple months in my next blog.
