Behind the Name: Remember training camp? (Check out my blog titled “I Survived” to hear all about it!) Back then my team had to decide on a name we would be called for the entirety of our Race. We were told our name would carry a big influence on our team culture which looking back I can see the truth in that so clearly. With that being said, we are Team Lighthouse.
If I were to describe a lighthouse in one sentence: A structure built to keep safe and guide to safety those wandering in dark.
George Bernard Shaw said, “I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve.”
Jesus used this imagery of light to describe our role as Christians in His kingdom. We are the light of the world, He said, after claiming Himself to be a true light. Therefore, we function much like a lighthouse, both internally and externally.
The first design for a lighthouse is the internal function of generating light. Early lighthouses used a literal fire that had to be constantly fed and watched. Later electric lights were utilized and ultimately laser lights. But this light still has to be internally projected. So, we too as followers of Jesus project internal light, the outer expression of the inner light under the control of the Holy Spirit.
I would like to dedicate this blog introducing you to the team! It is with these men I will be spending the next 9 months of life. Doing ministry, living in community, building up and challenging one another, pressing into vulnerability and learning to walk as leaders and men of God. I’m glad that I get to walk out this journey with them, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Parker Wilhelm (18):
Parker was originally born in Daegu, South Korea. He was then adopted and brought over to the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is one of three logistics coordinators on our squad. His hobbies include soccer, singing (all the time), playing piano, acting, hiking, and hanging with friends and family. If someone were to play him in a movie it would be Jacki Chan. He wants to eventually become a high school counselor. One of the reasons he came on The Race is to strengthen his foundation in Christ and love others. A sentence he lives by is, “Love Like Jesus – God First, Then Others, you last”.
Blog: parkerwilhelm.theworldrace.org
Ford Hiller (18):
Ford has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina his entire life. He enjoys sports of any kind. Throughout high school he played football, lacrosse, but basketball was his favorite sport (a big fan of Kansas Basketball). He loves fly fishing, photography, cars (specifically land cruisers). He is very competitive (in a good way). Owning a business someday is dream of his. If someone were to play him in a movie it would be Sakka from Avatar the Last Airbender. One of the reasons he came on The Race is because he wants to grow in his relationship with Jesus and live in constant community with other believers.
Blog: fordhiller.theworldrace.org
Champlin Janz (18):
Champ has lived in Denver, Colorado his entire life. Even though he grew up in a Christian household, he really started following Jesus a year ago. He is also one of three logistics coordinators on our squad. He has a passion for music and enjoys reading. He can whistle better than a Disney Princess and plays the piano and kalimba. His favorite thing to eat is his secret mac & cheese recipe. If someone were to play him in a movie, he says it would be Aang from Avatar the Last Airbender (I personally think Snow White). A reason he came on The World Race is to develop a stronger foundation in Christ and grow through the World Race Catalyst.
Blog: champjanz.theworldrace.org
Cauy Reeder (18):
Currently living in Tampa Bay, Florida, Cauy enjoys doing pretty much anything on the water. He has a passion for sharks. Cage diving with great whites is on his bucket list for The World Race. If someone were to play him in a movie it would be Adam Sandler, but if he were an Avenger character it would 100% be Starlord. When he was younger, he teared almost everything in his knee playing football. This was a very pivotal moment in his walk with the Lord as well as obviously his physical walking ability… The Lord carried him through that season of life closer and more committed than ever before. The reason for him coming on The Race is to gain a clear understanding of God and a clarity about the coming chapter in his life.
Blog: cauyreeder.theworldrace.org
Parker Consolo (21):
Parker is a World Race Gap Year alumnus. He finished his World Race in June 2019 and is currently team leading for the next 3 months here in Africa. His passions include photography, coffee, and skateboarding (a hobby he picked up in Nicaragua). If someone were to play him in a movie it would definitely be Tom Holland. Parker likes to stay active, working out and keeping in shape. He enjoys camping, hiking and reading. His special talent is the ability to clap with one hand! He is an incredible leader full of knowledge and wisdom. On Parker’s Race he discovered a lot of healing and newfound passions, and the reason for him going is because God simply told him to go! When he returns home, his plans are to continue his college education.
Blog: parkerconsolo.theworldrace.org
Current Update: As I type this, I’m currently in Nelspruit, South Africa. This is where we are debriefing the first month of The Race. This part of Africa is much more modern than Swaziland. Malls and streetlights are a refreshing yet odd sight to see. We will be here a week then we are heading back to Swaziland to continue ministry for the remaining six weeks. After that we will start preparing travel to Asia! As exciting as that sounds, my focus is to still stay present where my feet are and make the most of my time in Africa. This is where the Lord currently has me in this season. Pray that I would have joy in projects/manual labor, an overflow of love for the many children we hold, a continued passion as we go into the prison each week, and a readiness for whatever else is thrown my way!
