Taking The Joyful Route

..So today I was walking through a park and I had a choice to walk on the sidewalk, or I could walk over a bridge that flowed over a little creek overlooking the park.. The sidewalk was a straight shot to my truck, a much straighter path to my destination. A simple man would simply keep walking straight on, but not me. I chose to walk over the bridge. 
Wanna know why?

It was simple for me in that moment of decision. I chose the more joyful route. The route over the bridge offered up to me a moment of beauty within my walk to where I was going , and while the route I chose twisted and turned away from my truck..away from my original destination it was a path filled with joy and beauty. 

I stood there on the bridge for just a moment, and the Lord spoke so sweetly, and so gently to me. He begin speaking to me about this very thing ..Why did I choose the bridge instead of the sidewalk? 
In my head it was simply because it was the more scenic route. I would get more enjoyment out of it. I had more to learn of my reasons I guess. 

The sidewalk was a straight shot. No pot holes in the ground, no roots sticking up to trip me  (don't laugh that did happen), no slippery broken planks of wood..The sidewalk offered safety. The sidewalk offered security. A paved surface, a straight shot who wouldn't take that route!?
 The sidewalk bored me compared to looking at the bridge.

So here I am being taught a parable over a bridge and sidewalk. My life is about to change in a drastic way. In 11 days I launch from Washington to begin my journey on the World Race. Thanks to you guys and the Lord's faithfulness I have $11,702 in my account and I'm only $3,798 away from being fully funded!!

Understand this parable with me-
My life now isn't the sidewalk. I love my life, my crazy beautiful broken family, my loving nearest and dearest friends, I loved my job and who I became over the years. 

Understand that I wasn't someone who wanted to just get outta here and go..

Leaving is hard for me..

But here I am ..I don't walk the sidewalks in life.
I know this route I'm choosing, will be hard at times.. It will have roots and pot holes, slippery broken pieces..

And yet here I am chasing the beauty that He has set before me..

Waiting to share a beautiful moment with Him on the bridge..

I'm taking the joyful route..
Thanks for sharing in my journey 

A Compass That Only Points North

Genesis 22:17- "I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed."  

I want to share something kinda special with ya guys.. Notice in this verse here the significance of a promise..
Notice that the promise remains the same when your looking up AND when your looking down.. His promise is not affected by the circumstances that surround you. Or me.. 

I am learning about this promise..I am loving reminding the Lord of His sweet promises, and He is loving the sweet communion with me. 

I am really really close to launch now guys! As you read I leave Jan. 7th from Washington! Plane ticket is paid for! Woot Woot! 

Also big news to fill you in with: This is my last week of work! I am leaving the fire dept. and Ems this week and spending my last month here in the states with family and friends. I want to have a little bit of time before leaving to say goodbye..I have a lot to do in the next few weeks, pack, get the rest of my gear, close out my apartment etc... 

These last few months have been a roller coaster of emotions and the Lord has revealed some deep deep things of His heart, and of mine. I am thrilled at the outpouring of many many hearts that have helped contribute to this journey. I am now a little over $9,000 towards my World Race! Only $6,500 before I'm fully funded!

Any of you that still want to become a part of the journey and donate please do! Join my journey and subscribe to my blog! Help support me by donating under the "Support Me" link at devintudor.theworldrace.org, and if you want to become a monthly sponsor for me on the race just fill in that you want to do a monthly contribution or contact me if you are interested in becoming a monthly sponsor for me personally .. FYI: This kind of sponsor would be for when I need toothpaste to brush my teefy's or toilet paper to uh..yeah you get the idea..

My deadlines are as followed:

• $3,500 - Due 9/29/2012  PAID
• $6,500 - Due 12/18/2012  PAID 
• $11,000 - Due 4/1/2013 (End of 3 months on the field)
• $15,500 - Total Due 7/1/2013 (End of 6 months on the field)

I am really looking forward to this upcoming journey..this next page in this great story I'm living. Saying goodbye is always hard, but I love home and the people in it. I always will.. 
With this journey I am simply asking the Lord to enlarge my heart and what I call home. I'm asking Him to expand my territory like Jabez. To fall in love with the people of the world, and to fall in love with the journey not just the destinations.

I'm a dreamer..and my compass only points north.
So here I am about to launch, about to fly.. "Second star to the right and straight on till morning"

BIG NEWS ABOUT LAUNCH

It's official!! I am launching from Washington DC on Jan 7th to start my journey on the WR! 

Ladies and Gentleman: you kind hearts, you peoples all around the world - because of your greatness, because of the Lord's kindness, because of your loving support. I am now able to share with you that I am over halfway to being fully funded for the World Race! AHHH  I now have $7,838 in my WR account! This is incredible..Is this really happening!? 

I have enough to launch ..that alone is a miracle to me.. You are the miracle 

Handiwork of a good and loving God whose leadership is beyond perfect.. It's good, and true and right. Tonight I am just finding myself in such a good attitude of thankfulness and gratefulness.. I find myself to be intentional even in telling the Lord what I'm thankful for, because really and truly He has blessed me with many many things in life and many many beautiful people. Some here at home: that are my nearest and dearest, and some far away like my whole new World Race family that I will see soon enough. 

I am so excited about being halfway on being fully funded, but I don't wanna slack up. I still have needs and deadlines to be met. One main priority is I have to buy a plane ticket for launch date. Currently they are running at $198 from TLH to DC airport, so I'm gonna try an jump on that quick. Work that in the budget somehow. 

The other thing is I am trying to close out my apartment, and sell almost everything I own. Please just lift me up in prayer that moneys rains down from the heaven for me here hehe also, I will be selling my car. So yeah lots going on, lots to do for sure.

If you are at all interested in supporting me in anyway or any of my teammates or even our whole squad =) please let me know. I want to invite you to support me, to support us.. this isn't a demand or a beggers way. I want to invite you. I'm over halfway! This is amazing.

I will ask this if you would like to support my race and help me get fully funded go back to my main page at devintudor.theworldrace.org and click on the "SUPPORT ME" link on the left side of the page; however if you read an amazing blog of one of my teammates or anyone on my squad that just catches your heart and you kinda wanna adopt them..go for it! Support them! Go to their blogs and do the same steps. 

MONTHLY SPONSORS NEEDED

If you are wanting to support me personally for when I need toothpaste, underwears and such hehe let me know becuase I am in need of monthly sponsors to cover some of those expenses while on the field. I will be setting up a paypal account for that very purpose apart from the WR account. 

Thank you for being a miracle to me today, because of your love and support I can now officially say come Jan 7th I'm heading to Kenya! 

Love you all ~ Devin 

Part 2 from TC: Meet My WR Team/ BIG NEWS

This is us! M Squad. We are intentional in our love for one another and for the nations. We are intentional in our worship and adoration of a beautiful Savior who loves us even in our messes. This is M squad and we are love. 

I now get to introduce you to the lovely people of my team that I will have the honor and privilege to share life with on this great adventure this upcoming year. These people are beautiful in every sense of the word. They have such sweet spirits and they love with their whole hearts. They make you laugh until you hurt and I believe in each and every one of them. So without further ado here is our team. 

Team Intentional Vagabonds- A vagabond is a drifter and an itinerant wanderer who roams wherever they please, following the whim of the moment. Vagabonds may lack residence, a job, and even citizenship. We chose this name simply because we are choosing to embrace the lifestyle as a vagabond. "This world is not our home, we are sojourners just passing through, looking to the city that is to come".. We are embracing this lifestyle and intentional in our prayers and focus that our lives will leave a great story and inspire great adventure. This is us..

Meet Stacy Povian and Vanessa O'Neal (Our Squad Leaders)- These two lovely beautiful women are some of the most incredible people I've ever met. They call out leadership in us, they are real, authentic, they are brave and absolutely a joy to be around. I am so happy to be serving under their leadership and honored by their friendship. To learn more about Stacy visit her blog: http://stacypovian.theworldrace.org

To learn more about Vanessa visit her blog: http://vanessaoneal.theworldrace.org/

Meet Aimme Luallin- This girl has such a sensitive heart to the Lord and to those around her. She looks for and see's the best in people, and does a good job in bringing out the best in people too. To learn more about Aimee visit her blog: http://aimeeluallin.theworldrace.org

Meet Caity Lewis (on the right) - She is bold and so courageous. She has such a beautiful testimony and her journey is incredible. If you ever have a moment to sit down and talk with her you shouldn't pass it up.  To learn more about Caity visit her blog: http://caitylewis.theworldrace.org/

Meet Gabe Bedford- This guy is incredible! He loves people, and puts everyone above himself. He has a great sense of humor and makes our team laugh like no other, and yet at the same time in just a moment he can show another side of himself. In an instant he can share his strength and sensitivity to the Lord and His heart with you. It's a beautiful thing. Don't let his stature fool you. He is a big ole' teddy bear. To learn more about Gabe visit his blog: http://gabebedford.theworldrace.org/

Meet Jill Robertson- If there is one thing I can say about Jill, it would have to be about her loyalty. She is probably one of the most loyal people I have ever met. She loves deeply, and from what I have heard her share she really fights for those she loves and cares about. She is a lover and a fighter. To learn more about Jill visit her blog: http://jillrobertson.theworldrace.org/

Meet Pamela Gessler- This girl is so wise beyond her years. Ask anybody, and they will tell you the same. She also brings many smiles and laughs to the team. She has known she was going to become a missionary since she was 15! We have the honor to have her as our team treasurer. To learn more about Pamela visit her blog: http://pamelagessler.theworldrace.org/

Meet Sara Shoup- Sara is such a leader in the way she carries herself, her attitude, her actions and her words. She leads in such a way it invites people to follow. She loves to make people laugh and when you see her she will usually have a smile on her face as well. To learn more about Sara visit her blog: http://sarashoup.theworldrace.org/

So here is some BIG NEWS:

Close to the end of the week in training camp. I was invited to something nothing short of amazing. I was invited to be a team leader to these amazing, beautiful people.. and guess what? I accepted ... *insert smiley face* (from ear to ear) =)

So here we go starting this crazy journey.. this amazing adventure. I'm coming from being that guy on his computer losing sleep at night cause of searching blog after blog of world racer's and now I'm one of em' and  I have the privilege of actually leading a team. Whaaa!? Follow our journey ..

Many more adventures to come! 

Live A Great Story~Devin 

So..I Almost died at Training Camp (Post Training Camp part I)

Thank you for all of your support and love that helped get me to Training Camp It was one of the most incredible, crazy and humbling weeks I have ever had.

Training Camp- When you ( maybe even a future World Racer) find yourself reading blog after blog about training camp you might get the idea that training camp is all about squad wars, living outside, and lots of fun and games. 

You may just come to find out that the WR has little to do with squad wars..they happen, you do live outside..among other places.. some you love, and some you just have to laugh at to keep from crying.. you do have fun, and there are games, but it is so much more than just the fun, the games and the squad wars. (*sidenote  though My squad M SQUAD did win squad wars 'cause that's just how we do! All WE Do Is Win!)

Here is a big tip- Let go of any expectations you have. 

 Prior to going to TC I had many expectations. Many expectations of what TC and the WR would and should look like. I read blog after blog and noticed one thing.. Training camp seemed to be clouded in mystery. What was this big secret about training camp that made it the best and yet hardest week of peoples lives? I soon would find out for myself just what these people meant, and I would soon let go of all my preconceived ideas of people and all of my expectations for this upcoming year.  

This is not the part I tell you all the secrets of what made TC so great and yet so hard..I'm sorry, but to all you future world racer's you will thank me later. To those of you wanting feedback- no worries I have many stories to tell ya. 

What I will start with today is a simple encounter, a simple moment where I almost died, and I don't mean in some spiritual sense. I mean in the literal "I almost died" lol.

Before you get the wrong idea of adventures in missions let me just say the people here care more about you than they do themselves. Everyone on staff, squad leaders, your squad, your team..all the way down to the individual.. I  experienced such love and compassion from these people and for these people. This past week at training camp I had the privilege to walk and talk with Jesus. To camp outside around a fire with Jesus. I got to see Jesus in the eyes of these beautiful people that surrounded me. 

I almost died because of my pride. One day the guys and girls separated for the day and us guys went on a hike. For the sake of not spoiling the lesson learned that some of you may experience yourselves I will say this.. Us guys were asked to strip down to our boxers and take a swim. During this swim I almost drown twice! It was my pride that kept me from calling out for help when help would have been there in a split second if I would just cry out, but I didn't..

I tried to do things on my own. I tried to carry burdens that were too heavy for me to carry, I tried to be a man all macho and what not.. 

We (the guys) had a goal to this swim, they (the staff) had a lesson to teach us. Much like Jesus with His parables, the staff spoke to our hearts, to the core of us as men. You can call it a "team building" exercise if you will. 

Here is what I learned from this lesson and from my week: I am prideful, I am selfish, I am messy, and I am a broken individual. 

Here is something I left training camp with: Even in my brokenness, beauty erupted from my soul. I am learning to live simple, embrace the messy, and love unconditionally and without reserve. 

Tune into part II to meet my team that I will be sharing life with for the upcoming year. Be a part of our adventures! Subscribe to our blogs, adopt our team and you wont miss a beat. 

Living and Loving This Great Adventure~ Devin

BEAUTY BECKONS

I know little of such wonders that await me in this journey to come. I have neither the imagination nor the vocabulary to understand this world of mystery, but I can hear it calling my name. 

With each day passing I'm getting closer and closer..4 days from now I will be on my way to Training Camp. I have read blog after blog of what to expect, and I have learned to just throw my expectations out the window, and just be really flexible. I am learning I need to posture my heart into a position of being vulnerable before the Lord, and before these people I will soon call family. "Starfish" ( Read Stephanie's blog about this) http://stephanielouisemay.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/training-camp-wisdom-near-death-experiences/ 

Since my last blog post money has poured into my account without me really feeling like I lifted a finger to make it happen. Your hearts responding in such a way is making this a reality. I am so honored and so happy to say I am now at $7,428 .. I am pretty much at the halfway mark of being fully funded towards the total $15,500! Thank you  for your support friends, family.. thank you for your love and compassion. For walking with me in this, sharing the journey, celebrating the beauty..

Some Of My Daily Reads These Days..

Some of my favorite songs these days

Eyes- Rouge Wave

We Move Lightly- Dustin O Halloran

Fragile N.4 -Dustin O' Halloran

Impossible-Figurine

Blood- The Middle East

Cosmic Love- Florence + The Machine

Life is crazy.. it's as simple as that... Life is crazy right now, all the transition all the change in seasons, in the journey of my thoughts and heart..It's certainly not for the faint of heart and yet while hard, it's beautiful. I'm beginning to learn how to face the reality of leaving. Just scratching at the surface of this reality, but I am facing it head on rather then trying to wait till launch to deal with the emotion that comes with leaving. As scary as it is it's taking "a physical journey to complete a spiritual one". I'm learning that going away from all the familiar is making my heart a place where God can work, much like a garden. A place where faith will sustain me. 

Jer: 17:7- 

"But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, 

    whose confidence is in Him. 

They will be like a tree planted by water 

    that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

    It's leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

And never fails to bear fruit."

Change and transition are never easy but with the changing of seasons there is promise of new life. Promise of new beautiful moments, beautiful encounters. "You can recognize truth by it's beauty and simplicity". 

You and I, each and every one of us without exception, can be defined as an aching need for the infinite. You see this in longing as we listen to symphonies in their elegant and harmonious unity of dozens of instruments and thousands upon thousands of notes producing dazzling melodies..or the beautiful mystery of seeing how jet planes need runways or two or more miles to take off and land, and yet birds can land successfully on a twig one quarter inch in diameter. Many birds can jump and turn 180 degrees in a split second, an amazing accomplishment in itself. "The point is every human is drawn to beauty". A night sky can thrill, an exquisite orchid, a Mozart concerto, a lovely face...Beauty beckons

I am jumping head on into this. This adventure, this journey. It's my leap of faith. My dive into beauty.

I am looking upon the upcoming horizons with eager excitement, and all the while enjoying the sunset views from right where I stand here and now.. I'm content and I'm happy.. 

Thanks for listening to my thoughts and wondering's.. 

Live A Great Story- Dev

6,849 THANK YOU'S

So the time is ticking away!! 15 Days till Training Camp! 95 till I launch for the first country I will be going to- Kenya.. =) I'm starting to get really really excited! 

Can I let you all in on a little secret?? I AM PAST MY GOAL FOR MY FIRST FINANCIAL DEADLINE! 

Okay lovely peoples! Because the Lord is Yahweh and He loves me- I now have $6,849 towards my WorldRace account!!! AAAHH!  This is thanks to all of you! 6,849 "THANK YOU'S". I can't say it enough! I can't express how grateful I am, or how many times I have been brought to tears..Thank you all so so much!

Okay, so here are the dates and deadlines again for when I must have the money in my account, and I want you to be able to see the progress that's being made as I continue in this journey, and as you partner with me in this great adventure.       

                                                                                              

                                                                                               October 1: (DONE)

$3,500 in my account

December 15: (DONE) (4 MONTHS EARLY)

$6,500 in my account

March:

$11,000 in my account

June:

I must be fully funded!

$15,500

How is this money being used? Many of you may ask that question, and I will be happy to show and tell the how, why's and where's. 

"The funds that you raise cover all team costs once the trip begins. This includes: food, lodging, and air, land & sea travel. It also covers administrative, setup, coaching, debrief, and training costs prior to and at the start of the Race. It does not include: personal spending money, travel to the training, travel to the start point, return travel home from a major U.S. city at the conclusion of the Race, medical insurance [required], and vaccinations. With the exception of personal spending money, you are permitted to raise additional funds to cover these costs and may be reimbursed from the excess support you raise."
-The World Race

Thankfully with your great response to fundraisers and ad's in the paper, your hearts just being moved to give-With the funds that you all have generously supplied,  I now know I am going on the World Race for at least the first 3 months! 

That's official. I have most of my gear now, and I'm just tying up loose ends getting small items here and there. I'm still getting vaccinations for the WR so please pray for me there. The last batch made me awfully sick! yuck! 

It feels good to be able to have a little breathing room, and not be so worried about deadlines right now. Thank YOU for that . This is 6,849 THANK YOU'S that go out to you! Because of your heart  and your investment into the Kingdom I am able to go.. You are the ONE sending me. Thank you.

While Funds are looking better than ever, I don't wanna slack up any. I still need more monthly sponsors. Please consider becoming a monthly sponsor. You can give whatever suits you per month $5/month, $10/month, $25/month, $50/month. While all donations are currently going towards my race itself. I will need a small amount per month just to kinda live off of during the race itself. I will be setting up a pay pal account for that very purpose closer to launch. Please let me know if you are interested in becoming a monthly sponsor.  

 I DREAM BIG- Honestly I would love to be so blessed by the Lord's deep pockets that I'm able to bless others with just as much as I am being blessed with. I love taking my tithe and using it to buy someone a new pair of shoes or buy them a meal. Maybe on the World Race that will come in a different forms. Maybe it will look like buying a kid a piece of candy, or buying someone a way to raft the Nile with the rest of our team. Or fly around Everest since it's a one in a lifetime opportunity.. All these things I want too of course! I just want you all to know that with every penny you give you are sowing into good seed. I am on a Kingdom Journey, and I simply invite you to become a part of this great adventure with me. 

Please consider becoming a monthly sponsor 

Wherever you find yourselves today I pray that you are caught up in the clouds with Him today. I pray His presence be increased, that He would be tangible to all your senses. I pray the very atmosphere be heavy dripping with invitation to come and BE with Yahweh, and I pray you say yes to the invitation. When He knocks, you simply answer..The Lord loves you and wants to delight in you, and right now as a smile is breaking across my face I pray that as you say yes to the invitation that you find yourself caught up in this great adventure. This great journey of love. Yours may look different than mine, but live it, and love it!

Live A Great Story-Devin

Prepping for Adventure

...travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.
Miriam Beard 

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.
St. Augustine 

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Mark Twain

So I am just a couple weeks out from training camp, and I can feel the excitement rising within our teams blogs post and facebook comments! I myself am getting excited too! These pictures here and these quotes are doing a lot of good for my heart; prepping me for adventure. Leaving the known for the unknown, venturing out on a pilgrimage of my heart.
A lot has been happening over the past few weeks, and the Lord has been so faithful and kind to really bless my heart lately. 
I have been "under the weather" for about a week now sick with some type of cold, and honestly I think it's just my body's way of telling me to SLOW DOWN! lol I got sick and had no choice but to rest.. It's in those times you really get to experience the Lord. Uninhibited by a schedule or deadline. I experienced beautiful moments with the Lord this week. 

 Psalm 27:14 - "Wait on the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes wait for the Lord." 

So with being sick I found myself having to wait. Slow down and rest. Often times fundraising for the WR seems like a 3rd job, and it also feels pretty hopeless at times when you try an try to get more monthly sponsors but no one responds..grr.. lol Finally I decided to talk the Lord about it. I'm stubborn- it's a quality trait we're working on and it's one that is in constant process.. lol I have been so encouraged through these past few weeks in just letting the Lord do this. 

I CANNOT GET TO THE WORLD RACE ON MY OWN! That is a statement that has been settling in, and has actually brought me great peace and comfort. It's true I can't do it. If it were up to me, I probably wouldn't make it. It's a good thing that I love His leadership. He is my leader, and my provider.

Philippians 4:19-And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 1:4-And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

See I was tired, weary and broken. Plain and simple I just needed rest. That is exactly what the Lord gave me. I now find myself just settling into what God is doing. I am listening to His great leadership, and I am following closely. I am training myself to not worry about tomorrow. I am learning to live in the present, and learning this is waayyy bigger than me, and it's out of my control. I really have a problem with not being in control with things in my life. So the Lord is really teaching me a lot right now, and He is making me brave. He is teaching my heart courage.

So.. here's to bravery and courage, and adventure...

 A little PS for you guys- Wonderful news to tell all of you - I just had a interview with Natalie from Thomasville Times Enterprise this morning. If you peeps read the paper get a copy tomorrow 'cause I'm in it! =)  I had a wonderful interview with her and talking about it just got me really excited! Deadlines are coming up quick, and I still need a lot of support, but fundraising is really going good right now! I will be out and about raising support and awareness. And I will share how much has come in as soon as the account is updated! Please share this with friends! Thank you for all your prayers, love, and support! 

'Till next time

Live A Great Story 

~Devin

REI GIFT REGISTRY LIST/PACK GEAR NEEDED

 Hey Everyone! With The World Race I will be living out of a backpack for a year, and I am in serious need of some support/ acquiring all of my gear for the WR. I am trying to get to training camp (October 13th) with all my gear. I already have a pack, day pack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag liner, water bottle, and a couple other misc. items .. Some of these things I needed were given as gifts; others I bought myself . Thank the Lord I've already got a good bit, but I just need a few more things.. Please consider helping me out in this way. Here is my REI gift registry of the items I still need, click the link below to view these items, and just for fyi: if you do choose to support me in this way..you don't have to buy only from REI. I am more than happy to receive the "Great Value" brand of anything that is sort of the same thing..Just wanted you peeps to have a list to kind of guide ya. Please let me know if you can help out in anyway.Thanks!
http://www.rei.com/GiftRegistryDetails/GR2863269

REALLY EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT

I am so thrilled to tell you all I can now officially say I have met my first deadline for the World Race!! The Lord in His great kindness and with His good and perfect leadership, I am happy to tell you, I now have $4475 in my WR account!! Please consider supporting me the rest of the way... I need monthly sponsors (especially), one time givers, Even help with pack gear would help greatly! Whatever way you can help.. Please consider supporting me =)

Thank you so much for your love and support! 

-Dev

My Support Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well! I wanted to write you to let you know about some new things that are going on in my life. As many of you may know I have been working as a Firefighter/EMT with the city of Thomasville for a few years now. I love my job and the people I have the opportunity to work along side. I love to see the good we do for the people we help day in and day out through being Thomasville’s  local heroes; however my love for the people (especially the little children) of the world and my heart for missions, and love of travel has led me to a decision I am thrilled to share with you.

I recently applied, and was accepted into a program called The World Race. The World Race is a program in which I will serve as a missionary through an organization called Adventures in Missions. The World Race is an 11- month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries around the world. Through adventure, ministry, community, and self discovery, World Racers develop broken hearts that propel their hands to act for God’s kingdom around the globe. On the World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children who are trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restoration and hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations.

I am so grateful for this opportunity that the Lord has set before me, so amazed by His faithfulness and kindness towards me, and I have every confidence that He will provide for all my needs! Ultimately, my prayer is that He will do that through you. I am writing to you to ask and invite you to consider partnering prayerfully and financially with me in this ministry. I must raise $15,000 in order to go on the World Race, which covers all my expenses in the field. That is quite a lot of money, but I truly believe that whom the Lord calls He will also provide for, and already the Lord has provided so much. I am proud to share with you that through His great love for me He has already brought in $4,440! If your heart is moved to help in any way financially support can be given as a one time gift or as a monthly donation, wherein you choose the amount and beginning and end date. If 25 people pledge $50 a month for 12 months, I would have 100% of the funds necessary for my trip.

I have enclosed a response card and pre-addressed envelope, inviting you to share in this ministry. Please make checks payable to Adventures In Missions and return the response card with your donation to Adventures In Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, Ga, 30353-4470. The response card will provide AIM with the information necessary to send you a receipt for your donation. If you would prefer to make your donation online, you may do so by visiting my blog site at devintudor.theworldrace.org. Just click the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed.

I am so excited to see what God will do in my heart and in the hearts of others in this coming year. I hope not only to be a blessing to those I serve, but also to you. I would be honored to go as your representative to bring the great love of Jesus to nations all around the world. I want to thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support. May God bless you as you prayerfully consider partnering with me in this ministry.

Live  A Great Story, Devin Tudor 

What The World Race is all about/ My Route

Hi everybody!
So I wanted to take a minute just to really tell you the vision and purpose for the World Race. You may have seen my post and read my blog, but maybe in my lack of blogging skillz lol ..maybe I haven't given you a good description of what the World Race is. So here it is, I want to give you a clear and accurate description of EXACTLY what I am going to go do. 

The World Race. The World Race is a program in which I will serve as a missionary through an organization called Adventures in Missions. The World Race is an 11- month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries around the world. Through adventure, ministry, community, and self discovery, World Racers develop broken hearts that propel their hands to act for God’s kingdom around the globe. On the World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children who are trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restoration and hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations. The World Race is a journey to these 11 countries over the course of 11 months in which the main purpose is to serve the "least of these" while living in real, and raw community. 

Faces like these little ones are one of the main reasons I want to go on this trip. Children grip my heart, and seeing children like these in the countries I'm going to, I just know I'm gonna be wanting to bring em all home in my backpack with me.. lol 

The World Race is a pilgrimage of my heart. It means leaving my comfortable lifestyle, abandoning my comfortable career, leave the known for the unknown and live in a lifestyle and community that puts others above yourself and  you serve one another. I look around at my life, at our lives, and I notice one thing about myself: I am so busy running here, and running there trying to improve my lifestyle and my level of comfort..  my security..I see that everything I take for granted, everything I have,  they need. I see that in myself. I see my selfishness, my pride.. Then I see faces like those children in the pics above..

I truly believe God has called me to this purpose. To Love Him, and To Love People..That's my calling. The World Race just happens to be the function or vehicle I choose to operate in that calling with. With the WR I have the opportunity to help practically, emotionally and spiritually.  The World Race is bigger than me. It's something greater than myself. The World Race is simply this- It is a pilgrimage of Love. 

I want to learn to love. I want to love high, deep, wide.. I want to love unconditionally and without reserve. The World Race is not the answer to all my problems, but it is simply the beginning of a journey. A journey of love. Would you consider being a part of this journey with me? Pray for me, support me, talk about the WR with friends and family. I invite you today to join in your part of the story. I invite you into this great adventure called The World Race. 

These Are the countries I will be going to. I wanted to share them with you. As you see them and what is going on in these countries will you join me in praying for these countries, As you pray for me think of these..the countries and the people.. Thank you for all your prayers, support and love. 

Much Love, Devin 

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Kenya

Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, participants help bear lasting fruit with current ministry partnerships (ministries like evangelism, orphan care, and community development), and build foundations of future partnerships.

Uganda

Once a kingdom and British protectorate, for most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.

Rwanda

Many who hear "Rwanda" immediately think, "genocide" - it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you...

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a hot spot for surfing and just enjoying "pura vida" - literally, "pure life", it's a concept of a "chill," relaxed, laidback way of life. The beautiful beaches that line both coasts are the perfect setting. Among the Central American countries, Costa Rica ("Rich Coast") lives up to its name. While the natural beauty attracts lots of tourists, there are still large pockets of poverty and family brokenness. Because of its relative affluence, Costa Rica also draws in immigrants from neighboring countries, like Nicaragua, who don't fare much better than they did before. You might help feed their physical and spiritual hunger - and discover other creative ways to give new meaning to the concept of "pura vida."

Nicaragua

This location is always a World Race favorite. It's a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you'll have the opportunity to bring God's love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.

Honduras

"Hondo" comes from the Spanish word for depth and there's lots of depth to Honduras. It's home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather's as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There's a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they're loved.

Thailand

According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.

Malaysia

Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.

Cambodia

Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.

Nepal

Home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World Race experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.

India

With nearly a sixth of the world's population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India's struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."