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 

---

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."

I AM HUMAN, AND I NEED HELP

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” Isaiah 40:31 (Amplified)

 “When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly wisdom and soundness.” Proverbs 11:2 (Amplified)

 We often don’t realize where we are putting our hope.  We may put our hope in other people or family.  We may put our hope in the idea that a difficult period is about to come to an end.  We may put our hope in money and accomplishments.  We may put our hope in our own talents, looks, or intelligence.

 God promises that if our hope is in Him we will have strength and power; we will have spiritual renewal.  There is a catch.  The verse from Isaiah reveals that when we hope in and wait on God, it will change us.  We tend not to like change.  It’s usually painful.

Lately I have found myself changing A LOT. Honestly guys I have been feeling very discouraged with preparation for the World Race. My account hasn't moved much in like 3 weeks, I am lacking in monthly supporters. By all means I am thankful for the one monthly supporter I have,  but honestly I am just plain tired. I am weary. And I really really need more supporters. Fundraising is like another job in itself, and as hard as I'm working I'm not seeing much progress. Anyone of you reading this I'm asking you to help me. I need help.. asking this of you isn't easy, but I am trying to rid myself of my pride, my selfishness. I am trying to  humble myself and gain the right perspective here. 

The World Race is more than just a trip I want to go on..I honestly believe I NEED this just as much as I want it. It may not be very obvious how much I want to go with all the negativity your hearing right now, but I am just being real with you  with  where I'm at right now. I am getting excited about this next year, it's just taking time. Right now I'm here, when I'm there, I will be there. I'm facing a lot of discouragement with the funds, and support raising. Please pray for me friends, and any support you can give is greatly appreciated. I have many ways you can support me. Monthly donors are greatly needed. If 25 people give $50/month for 12 months I will be fully paid off, or  you could do 50 people giving $25/ month. Another option is buy a t-shirt for $25, give a one time gift, or help me in getting my gear. No matter what you decide, if your heart is moved to give I can't thank you enough. 

Hope is arising from my discouragement - Lam:3:28- " When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst. Why? Because the Master won't ever walk out and fail to return"

I am in waiting.. Waiting for hope to appear. I'm scared, but I'm not afraid. I know who He is, and that He will provide despite my present circumstances or fears. I am weak and I am human, and while that is rough and this is raw it is also beautiful. God can bring beauty from ashes, and that's exactly what I'm believing He is doing in my heart this present moment. I am formed and fashioned by Him in His image.. The Father, The Spirit, and The Son- In my weakness He is strong, and I should expect nothing less than the very best for my life. So here I am weak, and weary, but I have hope in my heart. Hope arising from the discouragement, and beauty arising from the ashes.

Thank you for all your prayers, support, and love.

Live A Great Story-Devin