Featured Racers Josh and Jen Mendenhall found community on the Race in a way they never dreamed—a community that drew together to keep them on the Race. Now, back in America, they are beginning to see where community and love will take their marriage next.
When Josh and Jen Mendenhall got married, they knew it was only a matter of time before God called them to mission work overseas.
They imagined God leading them to some remote place to preach the gospel to the unreached. But as they began seeking God’s guidance for their life together, Jen remembers longing for community.
"Before the Race, I was really lonely for community. Most of my close friends had moved away or had grown apart. I am an extrovert, so I love always having people that care about me around."
God answered Jen’s longing for a supportive community and their passion for missions by putting them on September 2012 L Squad.
They didn't expect to spend almost a year worshiping, eating, and living 24/7 with a throng of wild and crazy World Racers, but God showed them a new way to live out both missions and community together.
Now back in the States, Jen and Josh are just beginning to see how the World Race has changed their future.
Their Race experience gave them a unique appreciation for foreign missions. When asked about what he enjoyed the most about being on the Race, Josh recalls, "I really enjoyed traveling the world as well as getting to see all the different cultures and the way they worship God." Josh found beauty in the diverse ways Christ interacts with the church in other nations.
Jen also added, "Other than marrying each other, the Race has been the best decision we ever made. Now, being back, we have changed for the better, individually, and as a couple."
What's next for Josh and Jen?
Learning about human trafficking on the field has fueled Jen’s passion for storytelling. In Thailand, Jen met a man who dedicated his life to increasing global awareness by sharing the stories of the trafficked – by giving them a voice. Jen’s vision is to combine her gifts for photography and writing to magnify this effect. She sees media as a powerful too that can help bring attention to those who have no voice.
Being a couple on the Race has changed Josh and Jen's direction. They've discovered an unexpected way to live out the call they have always known. As they continue to uncover their callings to build the kingdom of God, they become stronger as a couple. Experiencing Christ-centered community and the needs of this world firsthand will continue to deepen their relationship with Jesus and each other for years to come.
On the World Race, Josh and Jen found practical ways they can change the world together. It ignited in them a passion they never imagined. Want to see if you have what it takes to change the world? Check this out.
