To Friends, Family and Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am writing to share with you the story of an exciting journey. In many ways, this story is similar to that of Abraham. In Genesis 12:1, “…the Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.’” God called Abram to embark on a journey without knowing his destination, but Abram was faithfully obedient to God’s call.
I have received a similar call. I grew up in the church, knowing who God was and what His son Jesus did for me, but through junior high and high school, I lost that mindset and that way of life. I thought my life was in my hands. I went to college and tried living life according to my own plans. I knew what God expected, but I turned my back on Him for the ways of this world. Then He broke me. One morning shortly thereafter God spoke two simple words to me: “Follow me!” Those words have lived in me ever since. After more than two years, I have finally stopped ignoring Gods call to me.
As of January 2012, I have been accepted by AIM* to spend 11 months traveling the globe, desiring to do God’s work and grow in my faith. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore…in view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as living sacrifices… Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” I want to turn my back on the pattern of this world in order to be faithfully obedient to God’s call. Abram’s journey took him from place to place; my journey will take me to Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
But the World Race isn’t just about “racing around the world.” The world race is also about creating a worldwide race of believers who follow Christ, though this sometimes seems impossible. In Cambodia, 60% of the population is under 25 years old, with as many as 100,000 children who have been sold into the sex trade for as little as $10 to support poor families or illegal drug habits. In Nepal, less than 3% of the population follows Christ, and 13,000 people there have been recently massacred because of a political struggle. Only the love of God could bring hope to such desperate situations. I want to help all the people of the world know and experience God’s deep, unconditional love (Ephesians 3:14-21). Much like Abram, I do not know exactly what this will look like. In some countries, I may minister to victims of human trafficking. In others, I may focus on encouraging persecuted believers. Whatever my task, I will be focused on ministry to “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40).
It would be ridiculous to think that all Christians can be missionaries; for many people it simply isn’t an option to leave their lives to go to the African desert or the jungle of Thailand to tell people about Jesus. But God has given me the opportunity to show the world His unconditional love. The goal is for me to leave the United States on July 1, 2012 and travel to 11 countries on 3 different continents. As you can imagine, this will be quite a difficult task physically, mentally, spiritually and financially. I have faith that since God has called me, He will provide for me, but I need your help. This ministry is only possible as a team.
The most important need is for prayer support. If you are willing to pray for me, please indicate it on the attached support card. If it is within your ability, please give financially as well. All gifts are welcome, but I need to have $6500 by June 15, 2012. I will need an additional $9000 by January 1, 2013. All donations made directly to The World Race are tax deductible. However, I am also in need of donations made directly to me for trip preparation expenses such as immunizations and travel to and from my orientation site. These donations are not tax deductible, but they are an essential part of making this ministry a reality. God is the ultimate provider, but He has called us to work as a team. Thank you for your faithful obedience in making it possible to show God’s love to the world.
As He leads me,
Jason
