If you arrived to this blog post from my other blog www.sharonruns.com, let me quickly recap- I will not be running any marathons this year, and my first (and only) 2018 race will be the NYRR Women’s Mini 10K in June. Central Park, here I come!
Now for the announcement!
I was accepted to be a World Race missionary! If you have not heard of the World Race before, it is an 11-month missions trip to 11 different countries around the world through an amazing organization called Adventures in Missions.
I first heard about the World Race in 2008 when a friend of mine in college went on the World Race. At the time, I thought she was crazy to postpone her medical school goals to go tell strangers about Jesus. More recently, I was volunteering with my local Christian radio station, and out of the blue one of the volunteer coordinators mentioned that her 2 sisters were currently on the World Race. After talking with her about their experiences, I started to do more research about the Race. From there, I was intrigued. I began to get excited, and then I read that they require all Racers to fundraise support for the journey. This dimmed my excitement a bit, but I was still intrigued.
I also learned that most World Racers are in their twenties. I am no longer a 20-something, so this dimmed my excitement as well. I also came across some negative reviews about the Race, but I can understand where those reviews are coming from because I have gone on an Adventures in Missions short-term trip. The trip was intense, and I honestly don’t think I would have had a good experience as I did, if I had gone a few years back when I was still new in my relationship with Jesus. I would’ve had the same negative reviews.
Why the World Race?
During one of my prayer times shortly after coming home from Guatemala (the short term missions trip last year), the Lord reminded me of some words given to me on Day 1 of our trip. One of the words was COURAGE. I prayed then and there asking God if the World Race was for me. At that time, I was also on a prayer retreat seeking God to resolve a specific situation in my life. The scriptures He gave me that morning all had to do with trust and courage. After more weeks of prayer, fasting and research, I still felt like the World Race was something I should pursue. The next step was the application and then the interview.
After weeks of procrastination, I finally submitted my application. After the interview, I just knew I wouldn’t get in. The interview questions were probing and uncomfortable and unlike any job interviews I’ve had. The questions ranged from my current life all the way back to childhood. A few days later, I received the call! I was accepted to begin the journey to go on the World Race!
I am on the World Race team scheduled to launch October 2018. Our training is scheduled for August. 9 months away (from when I am writing this blog post to be posted in a few weeks)! I’ve never had a baby, but I now have 9 months to prayerfully do all I can, as well as watch God move on my behalf, so that my call to go on the World Race can be birthed!
Please keep the team and myself in your prayers.
Please also prayerfully consider donating and to come along side me in this journey, subscribe so you can be sent a message every time I post here.
For blog posts strictly about my running, keep an eye on www.sharonruns.com.
In courageous faith and for His glory alone,
Sharon
@sharonruns on Instagram and Twitter
