The fact that you are even on this page right now gives me so much hope and encouragement. I know there are lots of people out there who are getting as excited as I am about the World Race. Now that my initial “Woohoo!” is out of my system, I’d like to flesh out some details about “the trip”.
A.) What is the World Race?
The World Race is an interdenominational missions trip that will take an expedition team of myself and ~35 others to 11 countries in 11 months. Several routes launch at different times throughout the year. Training Camp is in October (I already got the PTO request approved. My supervisor is amazing.) Beyond the aspects of service and ministry is a component of discipleship and personal spiritual growth; This trip is about pushing into God, moving out of my current cultural context, and living out his word daily in a radical new way.
B.) So where are you going on this 11 month trek?
Essential details on the route and the ministry opportunities in each country are here: http://www.theworldrace.org/?tab=routes&subtab=january-2016-2
In short, though, this is order of the countries through which we’ll be traveling. I will be writing more on each of the specific outreaches down the road as I learn more, but many of them are related to causes and ministries that align closely with my background, experience, and outreach interests.
- Peru
- Ecuador
- Colombia
- Montenegro
- Bulgaria
- Albania
- Nepal
- India
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Cambodia
C.) This sounds amazing! So what can I do to help?
1.) Pray, Pray, and- you guessed it – pray. I am absolutely convinced that God has brought me to this race; I will need his help and guidance in the field, and his provision to get me there. I definitely need good prayer support, and so could my team. Not everyone can go, and not everyone can give, but everyone can pray.
2.)It would be naive to think that I would be able to go on this journey without support from others. I love pictures (I think in pictures a lot) and you’re going to see LOTS of them. I whipped this one up special for the blog:
When I first looked at the cost of the trip I said “God’s got the cattle on a thousand hills; Americans love barbecue! This is a no brainer.” I knew this is what I was being called to, so I had no fear about saying “This is do-able.” The reality is that the World Race costs just under $17,000, which covers food, supplies, lodging, transportation, and insurance while on the Race. I absolutely trust in God to provide those funds, and I absolutely believe that there are those out there who look at this situation, and see, like me, an opportunity to invest in things that will last far beyond this lifetime. the point is, I can’t do this alone, and I am finding that wrangling my pride and independence is proving to be the first crucible of this trip. I’m not even on the field yet, and God is remodeling my heart, starting with this:
I hate asking people for help. I’ve spent my life trying to be smarter and more capable than the people around me. I’m chronically looking for validation and I feel a constant need to prove myself. I am uncomfortable with even the notion of asking for anything, especially money. To ask other people for things is to give up control; and I am a control freak. I love being a blessing to other people, but I am intensely uncomfortable receiving gifts. God’s not letting me get away with that this time. I love him and I trust him, and that trumps all my doubts and discomfort. Between the cattle on the hill and my need is surrender. So…
I can’t do this alone. I need help from other people. Would you consider supporting me financially?
Maybe you can’t go on a trip like this, maybe you don’t want to go, maybe you spent time as a missionary years ago and want to send the next generation; I know what it’s like to be in church and hear a need brought to the congregation while God whispers in your ear, “Write the check for thus-and-such.” (I also know what it’s like to argue with him on the way to the car to get the checkbook. Welcome to being human!) The only thing I ask is that you talk to God about it, and be open to his response. He already knows where it’s going to come from, so I’m trusting him, and brainstorming all kinds of cool fundraisers!
Alrighty! Nuts and bolts; for the sake of full disclosure and general knowledge I have a couple of pieces of information:
This is the timetable for my financial deadlines: $3,900 by September 25th $10,000 by December 18th (to leave for the Race) $13,000 by February 29th (must have to stay on the Race after month 2) $16,962 by April 29th (must have to stay on the Race after month 4)
ALSO! ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE!!!
Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
If you decide to give a donation (and here I must express my heartfelt gratitude), click on the SUPPORT ME button on the left hand side of the blog. Donations can be made one-time or on a monthly basis. If you prefer to send a cheque, please make it out to “Adventures in Missions” and put “Sean Falconer” on the memo line. Cheques can be sent to:
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
D.) So how do I stay in contact with you while you’re away?
Get involved! I am excited to be going and doing this, and I want you to get excited with me! This blog is an invitation to share the experience of this trip, and a link to what’s going on throughout the whole process of the trip. I have a friend who looked at me and said “I don’t have a Facebook; How will I know what you’ve posted?” On the left side of the blog is a button that says “FOLLOW ME“; click that and enter your contact info. The site sends alerts when I post something new, and you can stay current on all that’s going on There is also a “CONTACT ME” section, which links directly to my email inbox. This blog is the hub for all your Sean information needs! I know it will be a challenge to stay in touch with everyone, but I will do my absolute best!
I am blessed to be entering into this experience, and I know God is going to do amazing things between now and the day I step off a plane near the end of 2016. Thank you for being here with me.
– Sean
