Note: The excerpt below describes my drive and motives for going on The World Race. To learn more about me, click on the "My Story" tab located on the left side of the screen. More context is provided there to better guage my character and who I am. Thank you for reading!
-Jeffrey Ballance
All my life, I have always looked for adventure. From roaming the green pastures on my Grandparent’s farm as a young boy to sailing across the Atlantic in my early twenties, my desire to explore has never failed me. At 29, I am still driven to venture out into the unknown, however something is significantly different. My heart. While my past pursuits were exciting at times, it was never enough. Something was missing. The void that burdened my heart was always present. After falling down over and over again, I finally called out to my Heavenly Father. As my heart began to soften and my body broken down to nothing, He gave me Faith. With my identity found in Christ, I was given a new heart and it is good!
Working with my mentor and friend, Dr. Johnny Clarke, he asked me “Jeff, why are you so persistent on joining the Special Forces?” I thought for a moment and said, “Apart from the thrill and excitement…I want to be a part of something so much bigger than myself!” Working with a team of highly motivated guys-striving for a common goal drives me to constantly come back here. It’s nothing profound, but when I’m working together with other people as a team, I get really fired up! I also love taking risks. We then kicked around the idea of missions work and The World Race came up in a conversation. I immediately went home and began researching the organization. After watching the short clip on The World Race website titled Spoken Word: “So I Go” –Missions, I knew I was on to something.
For the longest time, my social life has revolved around gathering with friends to hang out, cook out, party and drink. Just as it portrayed in the clip, I want more! I want more out of life than living for the weekends or the next party. I want to feel ALIVE! The World Race struck a chord deep within my soul. So I applied. After completing the application and interview process, I was offered and accepted the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only will I be embarking on a journey that will surely change my life forever, but I will be serving to spread the Gospel. From building orphanages to building relationships, I have been given the opportunity to continue my walk of Faith in the most extreme way. Nothing new there. My friends would agree that when I’m passionate about something, I’m ALL IN.
It should be noted that while I have a huge desire to live out this adventurous spirit that resides at my core, this was the hardest decision I have ever made. I have given up a lot to go on this journey. From relationships to job opportunities, I have sacrificed it all so that I may team up with others to go out and make disciples of all nations. While this will be the greatest leap of Faith I have ever made in all of my existence, I have never been more confident in my mission!
Final Remarks:
Setting off into 11 distant countries over the next 11 months, my mission is to reach out and share the Gospel with people from all walks of life. The World Race will be the greatest testament of my life. Living and immersing myself into the various cultures of Third World countries and faraway lands, I expect to be ripped out of my comfort zone and challenged in every possible way! Each day will be an opportunity to grow in my Faith. This will not be an easy walk, but I pray that through my experience-other people may be able to get a glimpse of the things that God is doing in my life and what He can do in yours! To all my family, friends and anyone that may be interested, join me.
