It has only been a few days since I sent out my first batch of letters and about two weeks since I started blogging. I cannot properly express the way I am feeling so far. The best word (or words, rather) I can come up with are rapturously grateful. While I am so beyond-thrilled to see such a positive response through those committing to prayer and giving generously, my heart is singing over the fact that I have seen lines of communication open with those who I see daily, those who I occasionally check-in with, and those who have been part of my life’s journey in the past and now are resurfacing. Oh man, I just love it.
This is what it means to be engaged in a partnership. The relationships between myself and those who contribute through encouraging words, finances, or Facebook “likes” are not simply about those things – words, finances, and “likes”. While those things are needed and/or accepted greatly with open-arms, I’m even more so enjoying the connections deepening, growing, and starting again with all of you.
The World Race is not about me. It is not about helping to send me all over the world to help a few people. It is so much more than that. The World Race is about all of us partnering together to grow closer in relationship with our Creator, each other, and answering the call to make His name known among the nations and ultimately glorify Him. In fact, this isn’t just what the World Race is about, this is what life with Christ is about! As stated in our World Race training guide, “God invites us to interdependence with each other, to bring us up in the truth that we are not our own. It is His design that we rely on each other, that we may be closer to Him.” We see this is truth throughout many parts of Scripture as well:
Hebrews 10:23-25 “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
1 Corinthians 12:20-21 “As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
Proverbs 21:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
I am amazed as the process has already begun—and that’s the best part, we’re just getting started! I’ve received emails, text messages, Facebook messages, and phone calls. Some from people I see regularly and some from those I haven’t spoken to in what feels like ages. I’m REJOICING! THANK YOU! I have heard news of excitement and thanksgiving, as well as news of hardship and pain. Why do I rejoice for both these things? Because we are engaging in community and beginning to deepen in relationship. I am delighted to hear what’s new in your life! I am welcoming of prayer requests! I am blessed by your stories about how God is changing your life and using you to fulfill His plan! BRING IT ON, FOLKS!
I don’t want it to stop here. I want this to be the beginning of a community of people combining our time, talents, and resources to grow closer to Christ, walk alongside each other, and move into nations where God’s message of hope and love reaches His children.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13
