Some Secrets Revealed…….

Its creeping closer and closer……………..

…..LAUNCH DAY…….

…which is officially now January 5th, 2008. We know that our first country will be Peru, and although I’m not sure specifically what our ministry there will be yet, we will soon find out!

      Yesterday I wandered around REI (the place-to-be for all the outdoorsy needs a World Racer could possibly have) with my little brother for about 2 hours, and somewhere in between the tents and the trek-around-the-world backpacks, the surreal reality fell a bit heavier on me:

       I know my purpose, though not in its full entirety, and don’t get me wrong, I am ready. I’m ready to serve, to help in expanding God’s reign on this earth, to embrace my calling as a minister of reconciliation, to grow and learn, and to be turned upside down as I fall more and more in love with my Savior.

      Yet, mixed with this reality, was a bit-o-fleshy-nerves… because no one can do things on their own (at least not for very long before giving themselves an ulser for Christmas). Now, I can tell you that there’ll be pictures of you, my friends, family, and supporters plastered all over the inside of my tent, but I mean more than that when I say that I want you to “come with me on this journey”….

….My heart’s desire is that you will accept my invitation and join me in experiencing God’s heart for reconciling relationships over the next year. We have the blessing of technology: over the miles of oceans, mountains, and cultures, I’ll be able to post videos, blogs, and pictures, thus involving you in whatever capacity you choose to engage. My hope is that I can be a blessing to the nations that are foreign to me, and also be a blessing to you.


If I were to make a FAQ webpage, this question would be the first one: “So, where will ya’ll be going?”

And my answer?: …Though I don’t know our exact route yet, here’s a sample itinerary of the 2007 team. My trip in January could look very similar to this!

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There is something stirring in the
hearts of young people today – a holy unrest, a small voice that
whispers, “You were meant for more.” The World Race
takes people on a journey in search of God’s heart. Below are some
stops on that trek. The itinerary changes every year, but here’s a
sample:

Mexico

So, rewind back to Mexico. By the end of our stay in Arroya Palenque,
the locals had let go of their watertower suspicions of us and had
really started to show us their beautiful golden smiles. They finally
warmed up; I loved it. It was priceless. Read more at Reminiscing Mexico over greasy chicken in Antigua

Guatemala

Today I added one more thing to my growing list of once in a lifetime
experiences. I got to climb an active volcano! It was absolutely
amazing! Read more at Lovin’ Guatemala!!

Nicaragua

While we were finishing up our last week in Mexico, we were told about
the potential ministry sites in Nicaragua. There were three
possibilities – one of them being dump ministry. My home for the month
is among the people who live in the barrios surrounding the dump. He is
drawing me to the “poorest of the poor”, the “outcasts of the
outcasts,” the “nobodies among the nobodies,” the “forgotten among the
forgotten.” Read more at Down in the Dumps

Costa Rica

As we were saying goodbyes, a flood of memories came back to me of all
the great things that happened here in Costa Rica… I mean just look at
this picture. Does that look like the heart of a lonely old man dying
inside anymore? Christ gave him back his life! And now he is living it
to the full. Read more at pura vida

Argentina

I really loved the feeling of the people and the culture of the city of
Buenos Aires. I went to my first soccer/futbol match and loved it. So
far it wins the award for my favorite city of the World Race. Read more at Boca es mi passion

Peru

Hey everybody! We all arrived really early this morning in Lima, Peru.
We got off the bus after mucho hours of travel and there were a ton of
people from the church waiting to welcome us and give us giant hugs. It
was so precious. I was super tired but felt touched by the love of the
people. Read more at I’m in Peru!

South Africa

Our last night in Africa was spent enjoying the native flora and fauna
of the land. Our kruger Safari a few weeks ago satisfied our appetite
for watching the lions sleep, hearing the baboons howl, smelling the
elephant dung and even touching baby snakes… Read more at “Chow Down” – Adios Africa!

Mozambique

The time we have spent in Africa has been amazing. God is so good, and
I am so thankful for this adventure he is taking me on… I think we all
know that Africa is in need, but to come here and see it makes me want
to do all I can to help them. I want to encourage the body of Christ to
come to Africa or to look at Africa and ask God what you can do. I want
to encourage the body of Christ to come to Africa or to look at Africa
and ask God what you can do. Read more at Consuming Fire in Mozambique

Swaziland

Here we were 3 women in the middle of the bush in Swaziland, in a place
that has hardly seen foreign missionaries, showing them that God sees
them and knows them and loves them… And people asked for prayer for
happiness, for people in their family to stop dying, for healing for
family members dying of AIDS, for children that had run away, for their
babies to stop being sick, for children that were psychotic, the list
continues. Read more at In the land of Swazi

Botswana

We arrived in Maun, Botswana last week. Yes…it is right in the middle
of the desert. This is actually the Africa I was waiting to experience.
Even desiring this experience, I am getting a glimpse into why the
Israelites were so frustrated with wandering around the desert for 40
years. Read more at Life In The Desert

Thailand

I have not been able to sleep much since we have arrived in Thailand. It is right here. My mind and heart has been caught up with ‘the girls’. It is happening all around you. I can hear their cries in my spirit. Look around and see it. The oppressive spirit is sinking into my bones. Though not outwardly visible, it is here. Do not be tricked. My being cannot rest… Read more at Bangkok

China

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your
heart.” Psalm 37:4. That was my exact prayer today because the desires
of my heart were for the Lord to touch this little boys life in ways
that he couldn’t comprehend. I had just come from the internet and
decided to chat with Sarah outside our room when the head monk asked us
if we would like to join him for a ritual. We were a little perplexed
but gladly agreed. Read more at From Boy to Monk

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**Mad props to Matt Snyder for the links, and Jeff Goins for putting this sample together**