It has occurred to me that maybe if you are new to our blog, you may not know what the heck this World Race thing is.
Who?
My husband Josh and I. We are 26 and 24 respectively, and have been married for 3 years. We have wanted to do long term missions ever since we first started dating. The World Race is an opportunity for us to get our feet wet in the missions world, to see where we fit in, and to begin more long term, permanent plans.
Adventures in Missions. They are a 501(c)3 missions organization based out of Gainesville, Georgia. The World Race is one of their programs.
L Squad. The World Race sends out groups of 50-60ish 21-35 year olds. They are typically sent out a few months out of the year (ex. January, July, September), and there are usually multiple groups leaving in the same month. The squads are given letters for identification, and our squad has been named L Squad. We are placed on smaller teams of 6-7ish people. The whole squad will travel to the same country together, and will split off into teams all over the country. We will live and work with our teams at the various ministries.
What?
The World Race is an 11 month mission trip to 11 countries. We will be partnering with local ministries and organizations to assist them however we can. This could look like working in orphanages, praying for the sick in hospitals, helping women out of the sex trafficking industry, villiage ministry, construction projects, teaching English, Vacation Bible Schools, etc. We are basically support for the long term missionaries already living there.
The World Race is as much about our own personal journeys as it is about bringing the Gospel to the Nations. Josh and I desire to grow in so many ways that only a Kingdom Journey can do (check out the book about this, by the founder of AIM, [and one of our L Squad coaches!], Seth Barnes: http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Journeys-Rediscovering-Spiritual-Discipline/dp/0985833408/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345732625&sr=8-1&keywords=kingdom+journeys+seth+barnes ). An important part of this is physical abandon of material possessions. We will live out of internal frame backpacks, and one school sized backpack for the year.
When?
We leave in 2 weeks from Chicago.
We will be spending about a month in each country, and the entire journey will be 11 months.
Where?
Our planned route is: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Philippines, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
However, we may be rerouted along the way due to political or environmental situations.
Why?
Josh and I believe that we have been called to live a lifestyle of missions. We believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the Love that it brings.
As I mentioned above, The World Race is a launching pad for us. Although we know that we want to do long term mission work, we are not sure where or what kind of ministry we are called to. This will give us a chance to develop skills and passions for people groups, to network with ministries all over the world, and will be our starting block for our own ministries.
The World Race is essentially a long, short term trip. While I know there are many ways to do short term trips wrong or ineffectively, I absolutely believe in them as support for the long term missionaries that are already there and established. It is one of the most fulfilling feelings, for me anyway, to encourage and support someone, whether that is through kind words or a helping hand.
How?
We have to fundraise to cover our travel, housing, food, and other expenses while on the field. We will live as cheaply as possible. For example, each team is given a monthly food budget, and may use the money throughout the month as needed. We are encouraged to live on $2-$3 a day for food.
We currently have about $11,200. We must have $13,000 in our account by 8/30/12, in order to pay for our first plane tickets, and for our living expenses for the first 3 months on the field. Meaning we have to raise about $1,800 in 7 days.
We will have to raise $31,000 total to cover our expenses for the year. After the deadline on the 30th, we have one on December 1st, on which we must have $22,000. Our final deadline is on March 1st, on which we must have the full $31,000. If we don't raise the necessary amounts, we will have to return to the States early.
How can you help? You can help us financially by donating whatever amount you are able to. Seriously. No amount is too small. You can do this by clicking the "Support Us" tab on the left under our picture, and following the instructions to donate online via credit or debit card. You can also send a check to:
Adventures In Missions
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
Please be sure to write "Josh and Jen Mendenhall" in the memo line, so they know which account to put it in. All donations are tax deductible.
We are SO ready for this journey to begin. Please help us to get there! Thanks so much.
Peace.
