I’ve been ACCEPTED as a RACER in THE WORLD RACE!!!!!!
While I am SUPER DUPER excited, most of you are probably still a bit confused about what the World Race is entirely or may be puzzled to why I am going. This first post is a little lengthy but I’m hoping by the end of this blog you will have answers to many of your questions and a better understanding of ‘why’.
I’ll start by answering the most frequently asked question: What exactly is The World Race?
The World Race is an 11-month mission trip traveling to 11 different countries serving the “least of these” by showing the love, compassion, hope, joy, and service that Jesus demonstrated and bringing the gospel to people who otherwise might not every hear it. I will experience raw, authentic community like none other as I travel the world and live daily life with a squad of racers who are all abandoning their ‘normal’ lives in pursuit of the kingdom.
The WR is sponsored by an interdenominational missions’ organization called Adventures In Missions. This organization has sent over 100,000 people into the mission field since 1989.
Why is the WR referred to as “more than a mission trip”?
#1 – Maybe it is the duration: 11-months is a long time, especially away from everything and everyone I know.
#2 – Maybe it is living entirely out of a backpack: Fitting my wardrobe, bedroom, and bathroom in one pack, yeah that seems pretty tough.
#3 – Or maybe it is the number of countries I’ll be traveling to: 11 countries far exceed the number of countries I’ve traveled to at this point in my life.
#4 – But while the other 3 reasons may be the case, too, I feel the most important reason is that I won’t be going on a missions trip for a short time only to return to my normal life, I will be LIVING MY LIFE ON MISSIONS.
I’ll experience the good, the hard, and the even sometimes ugly parts of missions. I will live day-to-day in unknown places, diverse cultures, communicating with people who might not speak my language, surrounded by a community of people I’m unfamiliar with (as of now anyways), and experiencing something completely new.
What will a day on the race look like?
Simple yet not so simple, I’ll be doing ministry but that might look different every single day. As I travel to different countries each month their needs might look unlike the needs of the country before.
My team could be assigned to anything from praying over the sick, teaching English, loving on children at an orphanage, feeding the hungry and homeless, manual labor like construction or farming, befriending women and children who are enslaved in human trafficking, VBS, or wandering the streets evangelizing and preaching the gospel.
So, it’s kind of hard to give a generalized and clear cut answer but one thing is for certain, my focus during this journey will be on being the hands and feet of Jesus bringing the good news to some of the unreached parts of the world.
Is it safe? Aren’t you scared?
Adventures In Missions takes all the right measures to try to ensure safety but the world is unpredictable and that needs to be taken into consideration.
Things happen beyond our control but I’m not letting my fear of the dangers that ‘might or might not happen’ stop me from going where God has led me. Of course I am going to be aware of these dangers, but there is a difference in being aware and living my life scared or trying to play life ‘safe’. Danger surrounds me here in America, too. Just because this place is more familiar and comfortable doesn’t mean it’s any more safe, the dangers just look different.
I’ve reached the point where I’m tired of constantly living inside my personal comfort zone and seeking only what’s convenient over growth. I feel comfort and contentment can be so dangerous to our Christian faith and growth happens when you step out in faith, learn to rely on the Lord when things get tough, because they will be tough at times, and have complete trust that God won’t leave you when those times come.
How are you going to pack everything you need for 11-months?
This answer will remain pending until a little later, because I honestly don’t really know. Still trying to figure out this whole ‘backpacking’ thing. What I do know is that I’m only allowed to take a daypack and a duffle-sized hiking backpack.
For now, I’ll continue to read the dozens upon dozens of past racer’s blogs to see what they suggest I pack and make a list of what I feel I will need. I think this will teach a valuable lesson of how to live more minimal and not to put so much of an importance on ‘stuff’.
What about college? Are you going to finish?
I’ll be taking a year off from school, 2 semesters, but yes, I fully plan on going back to college after the World Race.
To be completely honest, I am so unsure of exactly what major I should choose or what career I desire to pursue, at the moment. Sounds crazy since I’m a junior but it’s true. Up until a few months ago, I thought I wanted to finish my bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation and then complete my masters in Occupational Therapy, but God simply took that desire from my heart and gave me a greater desire for missions.
These 11-months will be spent exploring more in-depth what exactly God is calling me to do with my life and further learn about my strengths and weaknesses. I strongly feel as if this is my best option!
How much does the WR cost?
Well, simply A LOT. $18,100, which calculates to be about $55 per day. All racers are required to fundraise the entire amount.
At first glance this figure seems intimidating, but understanding that this total amount covers meals, lodging, air, land, and sea travel for 11 whole months as well as medical insurance and training camp, should bring a little ease.
God has called me to pursue this race and I have 100% faith that He will provide, simple as that. Look out for ways to get involved and opportunities to support and become apart of God’s mission and my journey.
Following Jesus was never meant to be comfortable or easy. He may call us to do things that seem impossible or instantly fills us with fear but I will not let fear win. Sometimes we would rather ask God, “Why?,” but, ultimately when God calls the only acceptable, worthy answer is “Yes!”.
I invite you to make my journey, your journey. Here are 3 easy ways:
1. The most important, PRAY.
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