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.
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| 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."
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