First Stop: My Hometown (photos from World Race America)

From the inception of my World Race journey, I was convicted of going abroad to do work that is needed here in the States. Sure, the political tensions have crafted a divine time to want to flee, but I would be running away. Running away from a place that so desperately needs love poured into every crevice, restructuring its very foundation. Love in the media, the grocery store lines, the traffic stops, in the office, out on the streets, and everywhere else our feet take us. Love that galvanizes others to partake, to know Christ because they know love; to love others because that becomes all they know.

I wondered, if the Bible says to “love our neighbor”, how that could mean more than who I’m surrounded by. I began to wonder why, if there is good lovin’ to be done on the streets of my own hometown and in my own family, I would go abroad to minister and serve to strangers.

Well, I left today, so let’s unpack that.

The Great Commission says to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). All nations: including the US and the 194 other countries. God specifically created each of us with unique gifts and interests to be used to further His Kingdom. Because we are each created differently, we each need to play our role. Like an orchestra, there are many parts with many functions (Romans 12:4). Encouraging the players to produce the most beautiful sound they are capable of doesn’t evoke a feeling of comparison or overpowering, but instead brings glory to the whole piece. When we all step into our gifts and interests, we collectively create the masterpiece that only works soundly when everyone participates.

Some of our gifts and interests are here in the States and some are overseas; neither better nor more needed than the other. And, wherever we are, our lives become a reflection of our ministry. Y Squad and I will depart shortly to China to serve with underground churches. But, to see our nation come to intimately know love and fervently ignite revival across the States, is to be on World Race America.

Last week, World Race America was near my hometown of Seattle. I messaged them via social media and met with the first team, Revival, in Everett, about 30 miles north. The seven members of Team Revival were staying at an alumni’s parents’ house and welcomed me in with open arms. We sat around the table and shared stories before hitting the road in the infamous World Race America van to the Everett train station.

Once there, we split into groups of 2-3, carrying bags of soap, snacks, and note cards with words of encouragement.  We prayed, then sought where the Lord would lead us and who he would have us talk with.

We listened to their stories: one who had chosen a life of homelessness, one who had everything stolen and now bikes around the PNW to different shelters, one without a family but that on the street, and one who named their daughter Faith after their revelation with the Bible (pictured below, the biggest Bible I have ever seen: King James version, with a concordance as thick as my finger).

I was grateful to hear their stories, to pray with them, and see a glimpse into lives lived very differently, just miles from me. My hope in loving our neighbors here was reignited, releasing the conviction of going overseas to do work needed in the here and now.

The next day, I met with the other World Race America team, Fuego Flock. Due to some unforeseen circumstances that I’ll let them tell you about, they were planning to head to Montana, but had to delay their departure by a day. They were staying at a host family’s house a 7-minute drive from me, so I procrastinated all my responsibilities and drove over. I was greeted with warmth, hospitality and familiarity (the host mom’s son was in my high school graduating class!). We told more stories around the table (it can be hard to get us all to shut up), and I felt instantly part of their team. There is a commonality between Racers, whether it be the instinct to talk to strangers, a plethora of crazy stories, or a deep sensitivity to the world around them, I’m not sure; but I sure felt at home.

I shared the stories from the day before, feeling like I was debriefing and already on the Race. Knee deep in frustration, I realized I let fear creep between me and my camera. I froze. I left my camera in my bag. I wanted to give all my respect, time and attention to the human right in front of me. I wanted to hear their stories with every ounce of patience and empathy I could muster.

But now, I have no photos of them. I have their words and the impression they left on my heart. Part of me is joyous – with hope that I put their need to be listened to and heard above all else. Part of me is trying to uphold integrity – what does it look like when a clean, dressed, fed person approaches someone physically & desperately in need, with supplies in one hand and a camera in the other? Part of me is bummed – knowing that asking and taking their photo would showcase their humanity, dignity, and stories. Photos that could connect them to others in the area who can help meet their needs, whose resources extend beyond my own. These photos aren’t about me or World Race America serving, but they are about those we met; their stories, their inherent worth, their reflection of Jesus in a broken world.

To absolve my discomfort, I intentionally took extra photos of the second team. I’m glad that I experienced this cognitive dissonance while here and not yet on ‘my Race’. To have an extra steppingstone before the big leap across the Pacific. To now step boldly into my goal of using honest, fearless and dignifying storytelling this year; to humanize others.

So, when push comes to shove, we are loving our neighbors: in America and overseas. As World Race America plays their instruments and shakes the earth with their love here, Y Squad and I will be doing so abroad. We need them, and they need us, to saturate the earth in His love.

Well, I’m definitely not running away. I’m running straight into the crevices that need love, the foundations that need Jesus, the humans that need His hope. Today is LAUNCH in Atlanta, Georgia then… off to China!