World Race: Round TWO

I’M GOING BACK ONTO THE FIELD WITH THE WORLD RACE.

The World Race has been the greatest gift, the evolution of a dream, a radical and vital act of love and transformation during the most critical time. Waking up every day with the sole mission to love God and love people is an honor I don’t take lightly; it’s truly the greatest job I have ever had. When I was evacuated off the field in March I thought, do I have to stop now? That season was finished, but I’m not finished.

RE: what about a career?

Settling down to a full-time job with clear expectations, a home address, a stable community, an unchanging diet, and a fixed schedule (among other things) is TEMPTING. I am confronting my own selfishness and combating my own complacency.

I want to traverse the terrain Jesus crossed, to go after the darkness, to pursue pain and grasp it, uncloak it, and look at it unflinchingly to reveal its light. I want to meet people where they are, in the narthex or nave, and bring them closer to Love. I want to Make Heaven Crowded.

Of course, we don’t have to be on the ‘mission field’ to live a missional life. I think we’re all a little hungry to do something that matters. And for me, that thing is the World Race.

RE: running away or running towards?

Serving is my love letter to the world. Serving others and spreading the Gospel is not Heaven’s requirement; it’s a response to Heaven’s mercies, it’s an outgrowth of the impulse to love the least of these (including ourselves). It’s a countercultural, table-flipping, subversive lifestyle. It’s letting Heaven come closer to Earth.

No, I’m not running away. I’m not voting with my feet. I’m not trying to escape the looming threat of healthcare or adult responsibilities or defying the broken system with my absence.

I’m running towards the promise Hope whispers. I’m gathering as much faith as I have and taking it as far as I can. I’m running towards the 54 new family members I have the honor of serving. I don’t think you have to change your environment to change your life, just your heart.

RE: to the squad

This opportunity is the sweetest gift from the Lord – to walk alongside you in the entirety of your 9 months with the World Race (Gap Year). I am in awe of how remarkably privileged I am to get to hang with you all. Your passion, creativity and fervor for Jesus will indeed Make Heaven Crowded.

My full attention is yours. There is a seat at the table for you; come be filled, wrestle, overflow, heal, be healed, serve, love, grow… together. There is space for you here. Let us feed the hungry, heal the sick, clothe the naked, and set the captives free. Let us live for Love and let the rest take care of itself.

RE: the details

We are planning to launch September 2020 to Eswatini (former Swaziland), South Africa, Ethiopia and Cambodia.

If you’ve known me longer than five minutes, you know I read the news like it’s an Olympic sport. Fear not, there are contingency plans in case the world still looks like a grizzly bear that lost all its honey (sad, confused, disoriented… you know). Either way, I’m committed to these 54 new pals. I’m walking with them for 9 months (and probably the rest of forever) towards love, freedom and joy. The goal is simple: let Love be known. The only objective as central to living out this mandate is to mobilize others to join.

RE: I need you.

Stewardship is no joke. 54 friends is a lot of new friends, and I want to make sure each one feels like a VIP in the Kingdom. I’m pulling together my Prayer Warriors to receive (much more frequent than blogs) updates and prayer requests. I’d LOVE for you to join (via WhatsApp).

• If you want to join my Prayer Warrior Team, leave a comment!

And, you’ll notice my fundraising bar reset. I am now raising $4,000 to support these 9 months on the field. $1,000 will be credited from the leftover funds from my OG Race (pre-evacuation), so I’ve got $4,000 to go.

• If you want to partner financially, click here!

Join me in prayer: Lord, use my arms, my words, and my actions to squeeze my 54+ new friends tightly. Let them know how deeply they are loved, protect them in the preparation, and bring community to rally alongside them. Prepare us for what you have prepared for us. Our palms are up, our hearts are ready; be glorified.