Frequently Asked Questions . . . almost every website has a page dedicated to FAQs. The World Race website is no different. One of the FAQs for us soon to be “racers” is this:
What do we actually “do” on the race?
I am not writing this to give you their answer. If you are curious to what they said you can find their answer on their website. Better yet, I would encourage you to read through the blogs of those out on the field right now.
I am here to tell you what James and I are praying will happen.
We are praying that our plane takes off smoothly here in the United States and that when we land in our first country we will meet up with the contact that Adventures In Missions has arranged for us. We pray that our adventure and mission is being planned carefully by AIM, but we understand that only God knows the true journey that awaits us.
James prays that we will get to work with our hands. There will be days were we build schools, repair orphanages, work in fields, or do other manual labor. James prays that his work ethic, mechanical skills, and engineering know-how are put to good use and can be his ministry to others. He hopes that these days happen often. He prays that he can be a leader on these days, even when being an introvert means he would rather work by himself in silence. We are sure that God will use him to pass along knowledge and skills to our teammates and to those we work with. “Then they will see the good things you do and will honor your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16b
I pray that we will get to join with churches around the world and we get to learn more about our brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope to worship in other countries and work alongside of local ministries to further their mission in their communities. These days will happen and I am eager to help lead worship, build spiritual bonds, and maybe even help lead a soccer camp. I pray for the days were all we will do is walk through the city or village and feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We will stop to talk and listen and pray for whoever God lays on our hearts. There may be miracles. There may be healing. And I most desperately pray that for some of the people that we meet that when we are done praying with them that they will look up and I will be able to look into the eyes of a new brother or sister in Christ. Then the angels in heaven will rejoice. “Let your light shine in front of men. Then they will see the good things you do and will honor your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
James prays that when we are given an opportunity to help lead worship that he will be ready. He loves being on the praise team here at our church in Fargo, but the thought of picking up a guitar and becoming a leader in a foreign land is a bit terrifying. Worship can be a vulnerable time and even though he loves it, it can be hard for him, or anyone, to do. He is not really sure what to pray for on these days. Strength maybe? An extra dose of the Holy Spirit? Because these days will come.
I pray that we may never have to enter into an area of heavy sex trafficking. However, I know those prayers are probably futile so I also pray for strength. I hope that when we are led to someone who is lost in the world of prostitution that I will see Christ in them just as much as I saw Christ in the smiling child that was so easy to pray for. I hope that we can make a difference in those dark areas. That we can shine Jesus’ light into the lives that have been overtaken by the darkness of this world.
“Men do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. They put it on a table so it gives light to all in the house. Let your light shine in front of men. Then they will see the good things you do and will honor your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:15 -16
I pray that I can wash dishes and cook with as much enthusiasm as I can sing and pray. James prays that he can love on the children we encounter as much as he loves on his nieces and nephews that he will be missing.
I pray that on days when I feel that we are doing nothing, that our task is meaningless, or when we are given little to do that I can fight off the boredom and do any task with all of my heart so it may bring glory to our Father in heaven.
James prays that when it comes to doing street evangelism that he will be given the words to say, or that maybe he can be a silent strength and a prayer warrior as others find the words that God is giving us.
“You are the light of the world. You cannot hide a city that is on a mountain. Men do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. They put it on a table so it gives light to all in the house. Let your light shine in front of men. Then they will see the good things you do and will honor your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
We pray that even on our days where we get to relax, take some time for ourselves, and do a few tourist adventures that we will still be a witness to those around us. May we never forget what we are called to do.
We pray that we will learn about the kingdom and that our local connections will bless us as much as we bless them. There are a lot of unknowns about what awaits us in each country. We are not given a list of ministries we will help or jobs we will do. We are not even sure when we will find out the specifics, but whatever work we do, whatever prayers we pray, we know that God is ultimately in control and He has called us out into His kingdom to learn more about Him and to make disciples out of all nations.
“You are the salt of the earth. If salt loses its taste, how can it be made to taste like salt again? It is no good. It is thrown away and people walk on it. You are the light of the world. You cannot hide a city that is on a mountain. Men do not light a lamp and put it under a basket. They put it on a table so it gives light to all in the house. Let your light shine in front of men. Then they will see the good things you do and will honor your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
Please pray for us to be salt. Pray for us to be light. Pray that the things that we do will bring honor to our Father.
To get a better idea of some of the work that is done through the teams on the race you can find blog updates at WorldRace.org.
You can find featured blogs here.
And the latest updated blogs here.
