Here I am! Justin Kennedy, 21 years old from Moline Illinois. I am originally from Moses Lake, Washington. I moved to the area with my family when I was 6. I’ve grown up in a very Christian saturated home, my dad being a pastor and my mom being heavily involved in worship. I have two younger sisters who I love dearly, Jessica and Janae. They are hilarious and incredibly gifted.
I love playing music, I am a drummer and I dabble with a couple other instruments. I love jamming out with my friends from my worship team. Worshipping with them is one of my most blessed experiences i’ve been a part of!
I am blessed to be dating a wonderful women of God. Jenna! She is a challenging, strong and beautiful women. I frequently brag that she never wears make-up, she is incredibly smart and has the most crazy gorgeous eyes ever!
(Jenna is also going on the World Race in September of 2014. She is going on Route 2. Read her blogs, they’re fantastic! Jennaorabutt.theworldrace.org)
I have always had strong Christian roots. My dad is the most inspirational and strong example i’ve ever had of what it means to love those around you like Christ, to lead your family and to have constant grace. I have given him more than enough opportunities to practice mercy in our relationship. I don’t have a deep and heart tugging story of how I was pulled out of the clutches of a pit, deep in sin and ignorance. I wasn’t a druggy, or an alcoholic, or an athiest…
What I do have, is the knowledge that God is present, God is active, and God will use a willing heart always. I was raised right, I was in a family that loved me, no divorce, no abuse, no alcohol. Just FREEDOM.
I grew up around people who came from broken families, abusive fathers, alcoholic mothers… and my heart breaks. Because they will exist believing that what they know is all there is. God creates all things new. I know that’s families, relationships, and lives.
My heart, is to show hope to those that have none, to show love to those unfamiliar with it’s embrace.
Hear me out and know one thing about me: It’s not because I believe i’m qualified. That I am above those without the blessings I have experienced. I know that I am ABSOLUTELY under-qualified. I cannot qualify myself to give something so precious to people. In mercy, in love, God is making me qualified. God doesn’t need me to reach people, He wants me, just like He wants those I and every other Racer will reach. His love wants us, IT DOES NOT NEED US. Going to the nations and fulfilling the Great Commission is me asking God to use the blessings I have, to bless others and to bring myself closer to Jesus.
I see God’s mercy and love in my life and all I can do is lay down everything and ask him to use me. Nothing I can do will appease Him. He wants every part of me and i’m starting here. Join me in my adventure to see where God will use my life!!!
Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'”
See you soon
-Justin
