Andrea Wendel -

christmas in bangkok : video.

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The amazing Annie Walker made this video of our L Squad family celebrating Christmas in Bangkok.

she walked out.

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This blog was written by one of my girls, Lindsay Fox, while we were in Pattaya, Thailand last week working in the bars with the women in the sex tourism industry. It is an incredible story of why we are here, why we let God move us to brokenness over these men and women, and how there really is hope.

Yesterday we had a Christmas party for the girls in the English class, which was also our last class to help out with. As the girls filtered in I saw a new face in the crowd and I realized it was a lady that I had talked to a couple nights before in the bar as she was working - Her name is Put. I invited her to come to class just like I had with many other girls, and she actually decided to show up! It was so amazing to see her there, and the feeling it gave me was just indescribable. She told me (in very broken English) that all of us women were beautiful inside and out and she could see there was something different about us. She asked if I would be there for class on Thursday and I had to tell her no, we were leaving to go back to Bangkok. Her eyes welled up with tears and she pulled a ring off one of her fingers and put it on mine and asked that I please don't forget her... I told her that was not possible and I loved her and God loved her, then we hugged and parted. I am terrible at goodbyes, and that was one of the hardest I've ever had to go through... or so I thought.

That night we went out again for the last time to talk to the ladies working the streets and the bars. We headed out at about 6 pm... usually at that time the girls are putting on their make-up and still primping themselves and not too distracted by trying to catch men yet. I was paired up with a Thai girl who had just become a Christian 6 months ago, and we set off to a bar across the street. Apparently this was the bar that Sage and Jordan sat outside of and ate ice cream and felt compelled to pray over the other day, but I didn't know that at the time. Anyways, we went in there, walked up and down the huge aisle and finally sat down at one of the bars in the middle. We started talking with one of the bartenders named Sip (pronounced Seep) and before I knew it she was in tears. She hated her job, she hated selling herself to men, she hated her boss. She had heard about God before but always felt like He had no reason to forgive her or love her after all she had done - she had even heard about the Tamar Center and tried to call them about going to church but somehow was never able to get a hold of anyone. She wanted out of her lifestyle but didn't know how to get away - she owed her boss money and was afraid to leave, and had nowhere to go but back to his place at night. I told her some of my story and let her know that there's nothing a person can do that is past the point of God loving them. My partner translated the parts she couldn't understand, and then all of a sudden they began talking a million miles per hour in Thai... I just sat there, smiling and nodding... not really knowing what was going on.

After about 5 minutes of that, my partner looked at me and asked "do you think we should have her come with us now?" and I felt my stomach flip. I replied YES, and so we asked her if she would come with us before her night of work started- that we'd find a way to pay her boss back, and that we had a safe place for her to stay. She anxiously looked around, and then nodded to us. She said goodbye to the girls she was working with, grabbed her purse, and walked out with us. Talk about guts!!

Before I knew it she was swept away by the ladies in charge at the Tamar Center, but not without her asking if she would see me later this week... I had to tell her no. She asked me when she's going to see me again - I couldn't think, and so I just said I didn't know. She hugged me and half stated, half asked "in heaven?" and I sort of laughed and cried and said of course. Then she was whisked away into the crowd, and that was it...

It's going to be so hard to leave here tomorrow morning. I know my teammates and I have made a big impact on the lives of these women, but that doesn't make it any easier to leave. These women have touched my heart just as much as I have theirs... and these past few weeks are ones I will hold on to for the rest of my life.

cicrin : video.

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is a video of snapshots from our ministry site in Nicaragua called Cicrin, put together beautifully by Jessica Johnson.

finding justine.

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today was an adventure of finding Justine.

Justine was found, originally, by Ryan Stewart, a January 2007 World Racer.

He has several blogs about teams who have found Justine since then.

Today, was our turn.

Today, God continued to carry out His persistent love for His Daughter.

Here she is:

Justine is a beautiful woman who has lost her left foot to a snake bite and very bad infection over the last 3 years. Ryan found her on the beach and struck up a conversation with her two years ago... got her a Bible... visited with her... loved on her... and has continued to advocate for her ever since.

Today, we followed the "goose-chase" directions to the town of Livingston (about a half hour boat ride from Puerto Barrios) to her house. But first, we actually passed by Livingston earlier in the day (on our River Tour), and caught a glimpse of a woman on the pier in the distance that looked extremely similar to the description we got of Justine and got real excited. (to be continued...)

So, later on, after our River Tour, we got dropped off in Livingston to attempt our mission. We started by knowing that we needed to turn left before the big hill. Then we were to find Pastor Marcos at the Nazarene Church. We were walking rather blindly, when a new friend, Oscar, came alongside the gaggle of gringos and asked us what we were looking for. He decided to be our guide. How convenient.

About 15 minutes down the road, he pointed us down a dirt path that ended up at Pastor Marcos' church. He was there. He invited us around back to meet his family, and when we introduced ourselves as friends of Ryan who were looking for Justine, they laughed and giggled and carried on for a bit. We asked if Pastor Marcos would take us to her, and he agreed.

So, we started out on the 45 minute trek across town to where she lives in a cinder block shack. We got to the front door, that was actually just a mattress, and peeked inside. Guess who it was? Yep, that's right. It was the woman we had spotted on the pier about 6 hours earlier.

We went inside, greeted her, and told her who we were and why we were there. She beamed. She started talking a million words a minute in her broken English, telling us how she had been, how she has been caring for her leg, and how she prays to God every day. She giggled and smiled the whole time. We prayed over her, loved on her, and reminded her that God loved her so much that He has sent three groups of World Racers to her over the years to tell her that. She received it all.

We took pictures with her, said our goodbyes, and made our way out of the house. As we were standing outside waving, she began to sing to us. It was precious! She belted it and was just rejoicing! She said over and over what a great day it was.

And it was. God is so good. So detailed. He cares so deeply for the One. He sends us after the One. It was a beautiful day of being a part of what God started in her life years ago with a World Race team who walked in obedience and love.

Here we are walking in victory and excitement back to the boat at the end of the day. The Justine story will be continued... when the next World Race team comes through Guatemala.

faces.

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Most of these are kids from the orphanage where we've been working.

They are the faces we are all quickly falling in love with.

But first, Cesar, our next door neighbor.

April with Josephina at the orphanage. She is a little bit special, but my goodness she loves to laugh and have fun.

Daniella. She stopped by with her mom on carnival day at the orphanage and joined in.

Ilsa painting. I adore her.

Julio. We believe he is autistic, and we've been praying over him and seen much more joy instead of misery in him.

Julie. Precious girl at the orphanage. She lights up the room.

Me and my face painted. Carnival day, a girl can't resist.

This little guy was playing in the jungle and the springs with us this weekend. He wore a speedo. He was awesome.

Me and Ilsa holding hands.

Miria. She rules the roost at the orphanage. Pray for her-- there is a lot under the surface we haven't been able to break into yet.

Julie, again, just being her.

Thanks for enjoying these faces alongside us. If you feel led, please just pray for them and our teams here. We are all falling in love and have heavy hearts because as orphans, they are constantly surrounded by rejection and abandonment, and we don't want that to be our legacy in their lives-- but rather a legacy of God's love and joy.

ilsa.

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This young lady is mentally handicapped. Her name is Ilsa. She is 26 years old. She lives in an orphanage that resembles hell. She sees in the spiritual realm. There is a battle raging in and around her.

We were there only to clean the grounds yesterday. But I could feel the Spirit leading me to the girl's dorm. I walked into the main room of the girl's dormitory at the orphanage, which looks like a 1940s psych ward at a creepy hospital. There are two old metal school desks at one end of the room. A chair in the absolute center of the room. And a TV barely hanging onto the wall at the opposite end. There was one person in the whole dorm. It was Ilsa. She was standing about 4 feet from the chair looking directly at it. Frozen. Tormented.

I walked in very slowly. She turned and saw me. She immediately started backing into the corner, terrified of me. (Note that we have been here before and have met her before. She knows me and has hugged me and played with me before). Not yesterday. She backed away abruptly. I stopped, dropped to my knees, and laid my palms open before her. She still backed away.

She got to the wall, and positioned herself directly under the TV, facing the chair still. I stayed kneeling on the floor about 5 feet from her. I started to pray. In English and in the Spirit. Nothing.

I started crying. I couldn't help it. She had such fear all over her. Her eyes kept darting around the room. She was seeing tormentors. I kept praying. I started singing. I was sensing sexual spirits. Harassing spirits. It was awful. I was in pieces before her. She just kept staring, eyes darting.

I said, in English, 'God loves you.' She shook her head, 'no.' I choked up. I said it again, in English. 'God loves you.' Again, a certain head shake, 'no.' I said it again, 'GOD LOVES YOU.' And again, a head shake.

I felt led to get up-- go to her. Slowly. Very slowly. Very humbly, low, peacefully, gracefully. She hesitated. I started singing. She stayed. I moved a little closer. She shook her head. I prayed in the Spirit. I cried out. PEACE! IN THIS ROOM IN JESUS' NAME! I sang.

She let me come closer. I reached out my hand, palm up, slowly. She shook her head. I waited. Sang. She looked up at me. Something was breaking. Leaving. I reached my hand closer. She shook her head more. I couldn't wait any longer. I rested my hand on hers. And an outpouring of the Spirit came off my tongue over her in tears and song. She started to cry. I kept praying peace. I stayed beside her for a long time.

Finally, something disarmed. She calmed. I felt a release. The atmosphere changed. Ilsa started to move, not frozen anymore. Another girl walked into the room. She started talking to me and Ilsa-- looked at me and made the hand motion for, 'she's crazy,' to me-- and my heart broke even more. I yearned to know enough Spanish to say, 'yes, but she sees more clearly than the rest of us do.' I could only get out, 'yes, but...' with some hand motions signifying more.

And I approached Ilsa again. Had my palms out once again, and she received me. Came to me. Hugged me. Clutched me. And clung to me. She smiled.

-----

So, I don't have a pretty conclusion to this. I just know that the spiritual realm and battle going on is very real. And I know that love trumps it all.

holy spirit come.

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This blog was written by April Duncan (pictured here), she is a Racer here with me in Puerto Barrios. She shares what we've been seeing the Spirit do so well so I just stole her words this time!

We've found that smacking Guatemalans with a paper towel roll is a great ice-breaker. They even let us fill them with the Holy Spirit afterwards. Keep that in mind - the paper towel smacking game has great success. We're 1 for 1 so far!

We lead a cell group of jovenes - young people our age. One main focus that we have is empowerment. We're only in Guatemala a short time, and we want to maximize our impact. Why not empower and equip the youth here to continue the work that we are doing? Why not tap them into the Holy Spirit who will guide them in his work?

We started with a typical youth group game, which really was a good way to learn names and to get to know each other but gave us an excuse to take a good whack at someone too. Really, it was a hit! (Pun totally intended!)

We then had a time of worship and shared a few testimonies about the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

Then the Holy Spirit spoke through Celeste. "I can tell you all about God and who he is. I can tell you a lot about the Bible and what God says in it. I can share lots of stories about the Holy Spirit in my life. But I believe that he wants to speak to you tonight. I believe that he has something to say to each one of you personally tonight. So I'm not going to speak. I'm going to invite the Holy Spirit and let him talk to you."

And that's what we did. Bam - did the Holy Spirit fall! Tears fell. Several even fell to the floor. Prophecies began. Visions were had. And did the Holy Spirit speak! He spoke to each one. He spoke to us. He moved us. We were blessed and honored to be used by God in that way!

A few days later we had the opportunity to do it again with an even larger group. Once again, God blessed our willingness to be used by him and more jovenes were empowered!

I've been the group translator for almost every ministry opportunity, and I'm blown away by the fact that God would use my abilities to bring such spiritual experiences to pass! Yes, God is above language barriers, but that he still uses me - wow! I'm honored. God is also using these times to develop my gift as a teacher. He's made that quite clear to me, and I never feel so right and in my place as I do when I'm fulfilling that role!

So yes, I'm having a great time in Guatemala with jovenes, the Holy Spirit, and somewhat violent games. Lives are being changed, and hope is being released! The best part is...it is only MONTH 1!! Get ready! We're bringing the kingdom.

a little Love at the bar.

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Walking out onto the streets of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala on day Numero Uno of ministry, I was not expecting what we saw God do. I should have expected it-and will from now on. Because God took a willing group of day-one World Racers and brought a group of men to their faces at the rag-tag bar down the street.

A little back-story...

The October 2009 Squad launched last week in Antigua, Guatemala. We had an amazing week. This squad is a squad of Love. Huge, crazy, prophetic, Kingdom bringing Love. God was very present and this squad wanted all He had for them. I believe that last week ushered in an atmosphere and spiritual norm of expecting first-God's Love. And out of His Love-prophetically expecting the change and the miraculous.

Because God Loves us, and puts us in a position to Love Him, we are able to walk more fully in that Love. That Powerful Love. That Love that breaks off darkness and brings light. That Love that resonates down in the deep places. That Love that can make an English speaking American's prayers understandable to the soul and spirit of a Spanish speaking Guatemalan man.

Yesterday was an incredible blessing of seeing what happens when we make an effort to go out seeking His Love in our own lives, listening, and living that Love out onto the people.

He makes it so simple. So fool-proof. I get so caught up in trying to mystify it and do it all "right"-but there is no right, just Love.

Three or four men at the bar literally fell to their faces on the street because God came to Love them, to break off the crap, to speak truth and forgiveness, and to release. They received. The Spirit worked in and on them. And we just continued to minister out of a place of Love-first for God, and because of that, for those men.

After that, we saw divine appointment after divine appointment throughout the day. God is speaking, and moving, and bringing us to places with Him that I am so beyond blessed and encouraged by.

God, thank you! Thank you for the places you are working and the way you are moving in these Racers. Thank you for the way you show up in ways we couldn't imagine when we come out of a place of Love-glorifying You. Father, as we continue to speak life and Love and truth over this city, continue to start us from, and bring us back to, your heart.

he reached down from heaven and rescued me.

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is a blog from a June 2009 World Racer who recently fell two stories and fractured her pelvis in Romania-- it is an absolutely beautiful picture of God's love and faithfulness through tragedy. Read it. Pray.

It all happened so fast. One moment, I was sitting on the 2^nd floor balcony having my time with God, the next moment, I was falling helplessly towards the pavement in Bucharest, Romania. I hit the ground. As I lay there gasping for air, all I could do was call out the name of Jesus. I heard people yelling my name, and I told them I couldn't breathe or move. After lying in agonizing pain for about 25 minutes, the ambulance arrived and people gathered around. They stabilized me and put me in the ambulance, while my team was calling out prayers for me. My teammates followed me in a taxi, while in the ambulance I was crying out to God to take the pain away and let me walk again. I then realized that I could move my arms and legs, and I thanked the Lord. He had saved me from head injuries, paralysis, and even death. As they wheeled me in to the Emergency Room, it seemed like 13 doctors and assistants surrounded me, all speaking "Romanian" to me in loud voices as fast as possible. One doctor said in broken English, "We take off your clothes now", then looking at the pain in my face, he said, "we cut off your clothes now."

On the way to x-rays, one of the doctors asked if I was a Christian. I told him "yes", and asked him if he was a Christian. He said "yes". I said, "Isn't it great to know that God loves you and you can feel His love?" He said, "God doesn't love me." I explained to him how he is God's child and that God does love him, and then I prayed with him. (We have found that although over 90% in Romania claim to be Orthodox Christians, many have never experienced God's love).

After x-rays and ct scans, I found myself in a large open room with many other patients and doctors. The man in the bed next to me screamed out in pain, saying "stop!!!please don't!!!" The doctors were having to re-set his arm. As the doctors walked away, he was whimpering in "gypsy". I began singing to him the only song in "gypsy" that I know, "Nadeek tu", which says that we are all the same in God's eyes and he loves us. The man settled down and fell asleep.

After many conversations, prayers, and pain medication, I was admitted into the hospital. Damaris, Tiffany, Heather, and Scottie stayed with me in the hospital all night. I didn't receive any more pain meds that night, but the girls prayed and read Scripture over me all night. The Dr. came in and explained that I had fractured my pelvis and it was separated and would require surgery. He told me that within three months I would be able to sit up in my bed, and would gradually improve. We continued to pray and sing songs to God, as other team members came and left, but God surrounded the room with his presence and peace.

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6

God made this familiar verse truly come alive in my life.

As news leaked out, people began praying all around the world. My mother and friend headed out from Phoenix to be with me. The rest of my I-Squad had to leave for Turkey, and the decision was made for Dan and Becky to stay with me. What a beautiful ministry it has been! It has been incredible to have them there to comfort me and help me in so many ways. Dan & Becky spent one night in the hospital bed next to me and assisted in duties such as bed pan duty, holding hands during shots, making sure the bathroom was clean, talking with the Doctors, and more. We spent most of our time praying for each other, and praying over other people in the hospital, and making cards for others in the hospital. It was incredible to see each of us have our own ministry with different people in the hospital yet still love on each other as family.

On Monday, the Doctor took another x-ray and this time the results showed four minor fractures, but it was no longer necessary to have surgery! God again shows himself faithful and He is the great healer!

God made my favorite Psalm come alive.

"I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior. My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; the floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress, I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his santuary; my cry to him reached my ears...He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters...He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me...You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush any army; with my God I can scale any wall. God's way is perfect . All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield to all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. The Lord lives! Praise to my rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! -Psalm 18:1-6, 16, 19, 28-32, 46

God is a great God and I trust Him.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

the awakening : video.

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What: A Prophetic Worship Conference.
Where: Brasov, Romania.
When: The last 10-ish days.
Who: 250 World Racers, Alumni, Staff, and Coaches.
Why: To activate, encourage, celebrate, worship, pray, exhort, intercede, and commune.

The Awakening : Our Definition (I didn't write this, someone clearly more talented with words did...)

Four World Race Squads at various points in their pilgrimage...

Racers who have gone before to hear the whisper...

Spiritual fathers and mothers devoting their lives to the awakening of a generation...

"You're here because there's a whisper... a rumor of another world that compels you." -Michael Hindes

We are a generation called. We walk with an understanding that the Kingdom is at hand and the irresistible calling of that destiny exposes the insatiable desire for something greater. The World Race is part of that destiny, part of that movement that something larger than ourselves is brewing... and we can't help but run after it.

(This is what I write...)

The Awakening was an incredible time of worship and fellowship that I was able to partake in right before I go back out on the field with my own squad. I found myself several times during this week wishing I was there with my squad-- wanting them to be there seeing God do the things He was doing-- and that longing got me all the more excited and expectant for what is ahead with this L Squad.

And so, in one week, we will go. This L Squad of 45 will Launch in Guatemala-- and so I wait and pray in anticipation, excitement, and expectancy, that in one week, we will Launch into an 11 month journey of seeing God heal, break, teach, comfort, call, release, speak, and be glorified. We will see Kingdom, we will bring Kingdom, we will be Kingdom.

The Awakening was such a beautiful stirring of the Spirit in our World Race community-- and I pray for that stirring to continue and grow as October 2009 walks into the darkness and brings the light!

michael angelo.

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

---

This was written by Marisa Banas, an October 2008 World Racer, several months ago. I re-read it today, and was reminded once again of why I do what I do. This is one of the many stories that needs to be shared.

---

What do you see when you look at this picture?

Obviously there are 4 feet, two from an adult and two precious little ones from a toddler. I bet that you would never see or assume the truth behind this image, this haunting portrait. The two little feet that you just see were sold for $60 US Dollars to a pimp. A three-year old turned sex slave. His name is Michael Angelo.

Welcome to Navotos, where Michael lives. Navotos is a community of 10,000 people who live on top of tombs in a graveyard in the Philippines. Michael lives in the part of the community that is raised about 12 feet off Manila Bay's polluted waters. All 9 of his family members live in a 2-story makeshift squatter home. Most of the bottom level is rotted out and can't be used. You get up to the top floor by climbing a slippery ladder and once you get up to the top, you realize that this family literally has nothing. Each child has one shirt. Some don't even have pants. The baby's bottom is diaperless and the severe rash has bubbled his skin over to look like a think crust. Michael spends all day alone in the house with the baby and his other 2-year old brother while his father and mother go out to try to find work so that they can eat. His older siblings are left to govern themselves and find work.

When the pimp came to the door with a picture in her hand, the family thought that their luck had changed. She promised them that by giving Michael to her they would become rich. She said, "At the age of 20 Michael will come back to you with a million dollars and you will not have to struggle like this anymore." She also promised that Michael would be taken care of and treated like a king at his new home in Japan. The exchange was made. A child for $60.00. A poor boy turned to "king" in a matter of minutes.

PCF has 2 schools., one in the dump and the other in the graveyard. One of the teachers found out about Michael Angelo and notified the social work department at the school. Three of the social workers decided, despite how scared they were that they were going to do something about this tragedy. They worked tirelessly to find out all the details. They discovered that the pimp worked for a couple who live and own a bar in Japan. They also sell children undercover. The pimp became pregnant herself about 4 years ago and it was decided by her boss that she would pimp out her own child when he was around 3-years old. The time had come for her to give up her son but she could not bring herself to do it. She took a picture of her son around the Navotos village to find a child that looked like her son. When she found Michael Angelo, she found a way to save her own flesh and blood.

The social workers called the mother into the school, sat her down and scared the heck out of her. They told her that the adoption was illegal and that she could be put in jail if she didn't get the child back. The conversation took hours before tears streamed down her eyes because she realized that her child would be used for sexual pleasure by a man 4 times his size. They said that it took her about another hour to find the courage to go to the pimp's house to retrieve her son.

On June 15, 2008 at 12:00am, mere hours before the child was scheduled to leave the country and fly to Japan, Michael Angelo was back in her arms.I asked the social worker, do you think she will sell him again? She shrugged her shoulders and said, "We will notify the police to arrest her is she does. She is still thinking about that million dollars."

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing Michael Angelo. He didn't smile too much. Perhaps the shock of a white woman with a huge camera and lens planted right on him was a little shocking. His face was severely bruised because he had fallen through one of the cracks in the floor. The dark color around his lips is not chocolate, it is dried blood. I don't know how survived the fall a 12 foot fall. It's as if the Lord's hand is on this child. When I left the rickety house I turned back and saw his little head peaking out of a make-shift window. Through his swollen check and black eye he surprised me with a smile that radiated joy into my entire body. In the frozeness of this scared child I saw a glimmer of hope. He waved his tiny little hand frantically from side to side in such excitement as he sent me off in a heart-felt joyful goodbye.

---

I stopped by the house one more time before leaving to see if I could find the mother and tell her that there was no million dollars, but we couldn't find her anywhere. Michael was alone in the house with his two other siblings. This time, I captured his little head peaking out for you. So you will remember him. Remember his bruises and his face. Remember that he was sold and then saved. Remember him, pray for him.

here i go again.

Sat, 8 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many of you may already have heard, but I am on my way back out onto the field!

This October, I will be co-leading a squad of World Racers who are starting their journey around the world. God has been stirring in my spirit for about two months now, and He finally made it clear that the October 2009 squad is the one I'm supposed to be with. This is totally and completely outside my comfort zone, and I am absolutely not able to do this on my own--and that helps me rest in the fact that this is right!

My role as a Squad Leader will be one of creating and facilitating an environment where my squad will be able to grow spiritually and emotionally, while also looking after their safety, heath, and encouraging them in the whole process. Sean Smith (my co-leader) and I will stay out with the squad for 4-5 months with the purpose of raising up new leaders from within the squad to take over at that point. It is going to be an awesome opportunity to pour into this group of people as they go through abandonment and brokenness and see them walk further into their giftings, callings, and character for His glory!

This is me with the "L" Squad at Training Camp:

This week I have been in Gainesville, GA meeting my squad at Training Camp. It has been absolutely incredible. God has been growing my heart for each one of them, and I have seen some incredible freedom and breakthrough in a lot of their lives. God has shown up, the Holy Spirit has been thickly present, and this group of Racers have been diving in deep to what God is doing in and through them. (Read an awesome Training Camp story about a Strip Club).

I would absolutely love your prayers right now and in the upcoming months as I prepare to go out on the field again. This is a role as leader that I have never quite held before, and it is one that I do not feel fully adequate for-- needless to say, I will be relying a lot on His equipping daily.

Please pray for:

-The squad itself, that they would be able to dive into community, ministry, more empowerment in the Spirit, and their understanding of their identities in Christ.

-Their protection as they go back home for two months after Training Camp-- that everything they learned, saw, and gained freedom in would be protected and sealed in Jesus' name.

-The countries I will be going to with them: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam.
-My time with God, that it would be protected, and that I would be able to stay connected intimately with Him on a daily basis as I prepare and leave.
-God's glory to be made known and His love to be revealed in a deeper way to my squad and those we will minister to in the nations.

-My mom and dad as I leave again!

And as much as I hate it, going back out on the field means I need to raise a bit more support. I realize this is a really tough time for so many, and so I don't mean to press this matter. All I want to do is make you aware of the amount I need (about $6,000) and ask you to simply pray.

If you do feel led to give, thank you so very much. Your support will be sewing into me as I sew into this squad of 46 Racers. You can either send a check to Adventures In Missions, 6000 Wellspring Trail, Gainesville, GA 30506 (with my name in the memo line) or click here to give now.

Thank you so very much for all of your support and prayers as I go back out!

Training Camp ends tomorrow, and I will be flying straight to Ireland to launch the August 2009 squad. I hope to post updates on Ireland and how my October squad is doing more frequently in the next few weeks and months!

love in every language.

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This video was made by a July 2008 Racer, Katie Rowland, who just came off the field.

It is a collective look at the kids all over the world, and the universal language of love.

It is really a beautiful video!

novas project.

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Do you ever find yourself wanting more than a short-term mission trip?

That one-week trip to Mexico during spring break was enough in high school, but not any more. You can live off of that memory only for so long, and there comes a time when you're ready to go deeper in your faith.

What if you could go somewhere for more than just a week or a month or even a summer? What if you had an actual missions experience that changed the way you saw the world?

That's what the Novas Project offers.

As part of your 8-month mission trip, you could find yourself in one of the featured locations below.

Have you ever dreamed of going to Africa? What about fighting human trafficking in Southeast Asia or relieving extreme poverty in Central America? These and more are all possibilities for you may do on the Novas Project.

This is more than a mission trip; it's a missions experience.

Click here to find out more about the Novas Project.

To find more about where you could go, read below (click a location name for a full description).

Have a missions experience in these places:

We're going to be adding new locations to this over the next few weeks. Check back here for updates, watch this video from the director, and visit the Novas Project webpage.

What happened to the First Year Missionary Program? Click here to find out.

wr: video montage.

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This video was made by a June '07 Racer, Sean Smith, who is now in Spain with G42.

it feels like home to me. [guatemala]

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I left on May 29th with my dear friend and former squad-mate, Gretchen, for Panajachel, Guatemala where we set up logistics before the June 2009 Squad arrived two days later. Two days later 35 new World Racers, some more staff, and the coaches came and met us.

I got to spend 10 days there with them and felt unbelievably at home the entire time.

Panajachel is a beautiful little hippie town on Lake Atitlan. The lake is made from volcanoes and is the center of many villages that descend from the Mayans. It wasn't this fun and beautiful little city that made me feel at home though, it was simply being back out of my comfort zone.

Oddly enough, being uncomfortable has become my comfort. Maybe I can explain that better; being outside my comfort zone has become where I feel like I am actually living. It's where my energy comes from. It's where my excitement and boldness come from. It's where my compassion comes from. It's where I am operating fully on God and not on my own.

So what does that look like?

I don't really know how to explain it.

In Guatemala it looked liked serving the teams. Encouraging them, speaking prophetically over them, worshiping with them, answering their questions, laughing with them, crying with them, and empowering them to go out and claim the nations that they are going to for the Kingdom. It looked like stepping out of my comfort zone to empower people into getting out of theirs.

And the whole time, I LOVED IT. I absolutely love being a part of sending out the new squads of Racers. It is such an exciting thing to be a part of their lives, empowering and loving them as they go out. And the beautiful part, that I feel like I keep learning over and over, is that in stepping out, it causes me to step in closer to God. Closer to Home.

So thank you June 2009 squad, for allowing me to serve you. For letting me become part of your lives. And for being an amazing group of people who will look and smell and act more like Jesus the next time I see you because you've stepped out of comfort.

october race route.

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

You could go here. Do this. Help bring change to these people's lives.

the richness and the depth.

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's amazing how God takes me back to the same places, asks me to re-visit, re-learn, and dive back into the simple truths of who He is again and again.

Last night I had a brief, but beautiful, encounter with the love of God that I would like to share with you. He gave me this extremely short glimpse at a depth of His love that just completely overwhelmed me, and reassured me that this is a place He wants to take me to, deeper and deeper. But I've got to trust, step in faith, and actively enter into these places daily.

I was journaling through the emotions I was experiencing right after, and hope that my heart poured out is encouragement to you. This is what I wrote:

"Tonight, there was a glimpse of the depth--the inner parts, the rich colors of your love. The riches. The plenty. The abundance. It overflows. You chose me. Among all--you chose me to be here. To do this. To be with these people. Not because of anything--of any qualification other than you chose me. Your love. Your daughter. To poise and position for greatness. For the inheritance of your riches and depth. The intimacy, the love, I wish there were greater words. It goes so deep, so wide, so full, so rich, so colorful. It invades. For a split second, a gasp, a quick breath, you catch me. You open my eyes and heart to the fullness. To the place that is whole and true. To the depths of who you are. You. You open it up to me. It's not about who I am, but who you are. I am because you are. It doesn't stop. It's always here. I want it daily, Father. This deep, colorful, vulnerable place. It is like gems, colorful pieces of stained glass. The color through the light is radiant, brilliant, overwhelming. Blues and purples. So rich. So full. Embracing all of me."

destiny.

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Caroline and I have been going through a study of Esther with Beth Moore for the last few weeks. It has been a great study, but one particular week and word that Beth gave has resonated. It was about destiny. God gave her some truths in this study that are absolutely incredible. And just talking about destiny gets me stirring inside. If you are stirred by thinking on destiny too, here are some things God pointed out through Beth and Esther...

-Often, God will lead us on a new path on the heels of crisis.

-Your destiny will always involve a group of people.

-Esther did not get to fulfill her little girl dreams, but she did fulfill her God given destiny.

-When you are in the middle of personal crisis, you are in position for a new revelation further into your destiny.

-As God presents portions of our destiny, we will often feel really alone.

-We expect our destiny to make us feel important and feed our ego-- our ego would rather be special than useful.

-God often hangs veils, but never accidentally. The things He keeps hidden are a call to faith. This is why He doesn't reveal all. But one day, that veil will tear from top to bottom and you will see. Because there is going to be a dramatic show of His glory. 'And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.'

-Walk in your destiny wherever He has given you dominion!

join the movement.

Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Have you joined the movement yet?

Click here if you haven't to learn more.

And I'm not kidding - a lot of people are doing it.

My email has been flooded with requests.

Just be sure to read the rules first.

Some people haven't read them.

But, nonetheless, people are excited about this.

Because people want to join the movement.

So join the movement. It's easy.

a beautiful mess.

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

THIS BLOG WAS WRITTEN BY A JUNE 2009 RACER-- TAYLOR GRIFFITH-- ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE AT THE TRAINING CAMP WE WERE JUST AT... THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF WHY I LOVE THIS JESUS WE SERVE AND WHY I AM SO PASSIONATE ABOUT REACHING THIS GENERATION, AND FOR THE KINGDOM IMPACT WE CAN HAVE!

GET READY FOR AN UNCENSORED MESS-- HERE IS TAYLOR'S STORY:

Eighteen years ago I became ensnared by the attractive web of hardcore porn. I was a six year old Christian and the 18 years that followed have been full of many different struggles. I mean, I'm sure we can all attest to having mommy and daddy issues, issues of self-worth, loneliness, insecurity, and hopelessness. I experienced all of these and more. It was all big stuff, but the porn, that eventually grew into a drive for sex, continued to be a CRUSHING burden with no escape in sight. I did experience growth and success in areas of my life and even bared fruit in the name of Christ, but I never experienced deliverance, deliverance that we all read so much about in the Bible. That is until this Thursday, April 2nd, on AIM's training grounds.

After five days of experiencing freedom from my generational family sin, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, the need for female attention, and a laundry list of others, we began talking about spiritual gifts like: prophecy, healing, visions, and intercession. After Pastor Mark finished speaking, he invited any member of our 34 person team, who wanted more of what God had to offer, even if we weren't sure about all this stuff, to come up and be prayed for. I knew that I wanted to receive any gifts that God would give me, so I walked up, trying the whole time to fight off the doubts that continued to grow in my mind. You see, after experiencing days full of emotional freedom, and a pouring and softening of my heart, it was strange that on this night I didn't feel a thing, nothing at all. As I'm standing there, waiting, Matt, one of our leaders, looks up at me from praying over a friend. He gives me a huge smile and points at me while mouthing the word, "You!" At this point I knew it was time to get down to bitness.

Continue reading at your own "religious" risk, because I'm about to blow the top off that box you've kept God in all these years! I'm not really sure why I fell, but as Matt and Pastor Mark began praying over me, I lost my footing and Matt slowly lowered me to the ground. They never stopped praying, even for a second. Pastor Mark walked off to tend to others, while my brother Will walked over to replace him. At this point I had begun to shake sporadically . I would experience short bursts of intense shaking, or a long sting of gentle shaking. My left hand began to take on the form like that of a stroke victim and my mouth was locked in some form a "O" shape. I began to feel something moving in my arm and mouth as well. It was as if my body were numb and asleep, without the needling pain that usually accompanies such sensations. As my convulsions grew bigger and more intense, I started sputtering. The men praying over me were encouraging me to speak in tongues and inviting the Holy Spirit to work through me. All the while I was thinking, "Hmm, this is getting pretty weird, but I guess I'm starting to speak in tongues!"

Matt heard my sputters and urged me to speak louder. Will was beginning to praise God, but his heart was telling him to, "Rebuke!" Will was confused, "No God, this is a good thing! He's speaking in tongues and your Spirit is on him. This can't be bad!" But his heart continued to shout, "Rebuke!" He was getting frustrated, so he opened his eyes. When he did this, what he saw and did after his eyes were open confirmed what his heart was saying. At the base of my throat was a giant lump and when Will put his hand on the lump, I think we all knew at that moment it wasn't the Holy Spirit I was manifesting, but a demon! "Holy s--t...it's a demon," I remember thinking. The intensity of Matt's prayers increased and I could literally feel the air around me growing thicker as my convulsions and their prayers grew in paralleled unison. Once Matt felt that it was a demon, he began asking God to give him its name. He prayed louder and harder! "Give me a name Lord! I need the name!" That was all Will needed to hear and he finally confirmed his heart with his mouth and shouted, "I rebuke you!" Matt immediately followed that with the demon's name, "Sexual shame!"

My eyes shot open! My body took on a mind of its own! I had no control, but I felt everything. Anger, so much anger! Their hands had been on me, but they lost their grip as I tried to pull away. I started for the left side of the room, but by this time they had tackled me back to the ground. I was clawing the ground and screaming, "Nooo! Nooo! Nooo!" With a guttural scream that came from something deeper than myself. It was full of fear, power, and hate. I was literally dragging the two of them across the room. They never stopped praying! Time seemed to slow down and the two to three minutes after the demon manifested itself seem much longer now as I'm remembering it. By this time two more guys on our team joined Matt and Will in holding me down and praying over me. I remember seeing Warren and AJ with their faces taking on intense forms of prayer as the demon was trying to fight them off. Four men were trying to hold me down and I was still dragging them as I fought. I was so strong! Then there came the turning point...

I literally felt a weight come over me, that was so heavy, I can only assume was the hand of God. The demon was powerless, but I could still feel the intense hatred! Somehow during this time they flipped me onto my back and Matt had begun praying into my face as loudly and powerfully as he could muster. The demon looked him square in the face and the hate grew more intense! It was hard to believe! My screams of, "Nooo!", turned to curses of, "F--k you! F--k you! F--k you!" They never stopped praying. The process climaxed and the Spirit of God was upon me. The demon had no choice, but to flee, he was beaten.

I immediately felt an incredible peace. I was sweating, hoarse, and exhausted beyond measure, but there was a giant smile on my face. I knew and felt God's love in the deepest parts of my soul. I had been given freedom, a word that has become the theme of my life these past days. I finally recognized the power of God's people and the strength he's put in all us Christians! The box of religion that I've always put him in was laying pieces around me. "Thank you Father," I breathed.

--- If you have any questions, I encourage you to ask! This is pretty big stuff for most of us. It was big for me! But I believe that our God is capable of anything! He loves you and wants you to know that He sent His son to set you free!

a breath of life.

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have had life breathed back into me. God has been so good these past few weeks while I have been in Gainesville, GA with the new June Racers. I feel like I have been able to breathe-- able to dream, to see, to hear, to love, and to serve in a refreshing fullness that I have been missing since being home from the Race.

God has brought me back to a place of intimacy-- or rather, I have let him. Training camp was so incredible in so many ways. Being on the other side of it, I was able to journey alongside these new Racers as they were experiencing their God in all new ways, and entering into the process of grieving, healing, and empowerment in the Spirit.

It was such a blessing to be a part of. I feel like my heart was expanded more and more each day as I got to know and love these Racers. (Here they are pictured after just conquering the climbing wall). My heart has come alive in a new way-- a more full way-- and I feel like I have been awakened to a whole new meaning of being passionate for my generation.

I LOVED seeing men and women my age wrestling with God. I LOVED praying with men and women my age for freedom and more of the Spirit. I LOVED encouraging men and women my age in the things they were being called to let go of and walk into. I LOVED being a shoulder to cry on, and a person to listen. I AM LOVING this journey I get to go on in a new way as I walk and pray with these new Racers.

Being a part of this has taken me back to a place of intimacy with my God. My Daddy. I have so missed that place. That feeling. That deep line of communication and tangible feeling of love. By serving, by loving, by stepping out into what He is doing, I was served, I was loved, and I was blessed by being a part of what He is doing.

God spoke to me while I was in Mozambique last summer something very simple, but very deep that has been sort of an anchor ever since. It was at a point where I was so homesick and done with the Race that I could barely stand it. I remember God speaking so clearly, "Andi, get on your knees." I was outside by a lake, and so I kneeled down in the sand. I had my head in my hands and God whispered, "Andi, here you are HOME."

Last week, I was in worship one night with the June Racers, and God called me back down to my knees. I got down, and immediately felt Him breathe life back over me. I felt His love pouring out on me. I knew I was safe in that place. Right where I was supposed to be. And I heard Him say, "Andi, welcome back HOME."

please pray.

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tonight begins Training Camp! The June squad is coming in to Gainesville, Ga all throughout the day today and we are anxiously waiting for these new members of our World Race family.

They will be going through all kinds of things in these next 10 days with the Lord. Please drench this whole body and camp in prayer. Here is a short list of specifics if you want to join in and be a prayer warrior with us!

1. Pray for the new squad--that they would walk in with open hearts, minds, eyes, and ears. Pray that they would encounter God in new, intimate, and powerful ways and that they would experience His love so deeply. And pray that their nerves would be calmed, and that they would feel like they are walking into this body as family.

2. Pray for the staff. This is an incredible time for us to love, serve, teach, pray, and walk beside these new Racers. Pray that we would be drenched in humility, wisdom, patience, endurance, and LOVE. Pray that we are constantly sensitive to the Spirit's leading.

3. Pray for our leadership--the men and women who have given their lives to serving God for our generation. There are several couples that will be teaching and leading during this training camp who we love and respect. Pray for wisdom! Pray for new revelation. Pray for God's voice and heart to be heard and felt through them.

4. Pray for Patrice and Gretchen. They are the June squad leaders. They were both on my squad last year and Patrice was my team leader. They are walking into a whole new squad and challenge with God. Pray for their leadership, their confidence, and their identities-- that they would continue to receive their worth and words from their Father through this entire journey. Pray that they would immediately click with their new squad and that God would give them wisdom, discernment, and an over abundance of His love and Spirit as they serve this year.

Thank you for joining in prayer over this new group of Racers that are walking into this journey that God will use to love, break, speak, challenge, radicalize, and empower this group of His kids!

august 2009 race route.

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

August 2009 World Race Route

Interested in joining the World Race? APPLY HERE!

Accepting only the first 85 who apply!

Ireland

Ireland boasts a heritage of Christianity through Catholicism. Yet the lifeless display of faith reveals that this nation is farther from God than ever. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a desperate need for hope. Through sports, children's outreach, and the relationships that just happen along the way, World Race hopes to reintroduce a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.

Romania

The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people of Romania. Strangers in their home land, they are segregated, ostracized and forgotten. Yet, they are a strong, proud and colorful people who are beginning to embrace the light of Christ in a whole new way. Teaching English, leading sports camps, and planting churches are but a few of the tasks set before us as we enter this area of the world.

Egypt
Egypt is a country rich in historical significance. The Egyptian people are no less rich in their cultural goings-on today. A country shaped by the past and under religious bondage, the people of Egypt are hungry to hear of the freedom brought through Christ. While pyramids and palaces give the land a romanticized veneer, under the surface lie hearts in need of relationship and hope.

Jordan and Israel
The Holy Land attracts Jews, Arabs and Christians alike to be a part of a location so rich in our combined religious roots. Serve the people of Israel while walking the paths trod by Christ. Serve in this new World Race location while walking the paths that Christ Jesus once did.

Kenya

The Masai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, the Kiberra slums...comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. 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, we hope to leave lasting fruit and lasting ministries to carry on beyond us. Watch more...

Uganda

From the Ugandan islands to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the African people of these nations share a common bond. Through the wild lands, home to Africa's "Big Five" animals coexist people, reached and unreached with the Gospel of Christ. Through evangelism, church planting and discipleship, we will be a part of a movement to further the kingdom of God in this precious region of the world. Read more...

Pioneer Africa

During your World Race, your team will take a month to "Ask the Lord" for a new mission field. He may lead you to a location developing, growing and booming or He may lead you to a land untouched by the World Race or even Christianity as a whole. It will be a time to listen to the voice of the Lord and, with true abandon, follow Him into the wild blue yonder.

Vietnam
Leaving the Caribbean, the team will cross the Pacific and land in a whole new world. The country of Vietnam has been under communist rule for decades and the oppression has taken its toll through seasons of warfare and rebuilding. The government is adamantly against religious freedom and as the country suffers in Buddhist bondage, the light of the Christian remnant shines as a candle in the darkness. Read more...

Cambodia
Fifty years ago, Cambodia saw one of the most devastating genocides in history. The Khmer Rouge slaughtered nearly two million people -- 1/3 of the country's population at the time. In 24 hours cities were emptied, left to be ghost towns. The nation has been in constant upheaval until recently. The strength and resiliency of the Cambodian people is inspiring. Be a part of holding orphans, born into a new era; meeting felt needs in some of the worst slums in the world; and church planting with an adolescent generation on the verge of religious revolution. Read more...

Thailand

Even though the official law states that prostitution is illegal, it is estimated that nearly 2 million women and men engage in this practice daily thus creating the lucrative sex industry of Southeast Asia. In addition to reaching out to the rural communities of Thailand, we go to the streets, into the darkest of spiritual environments to share what is most needed: hope. By helping women learn practical vocational skills and providing an alternative form of income, the face of Thailand's premiere sex industry is being changed one life at a time. Watch more...

Want to know more about the World Race? CONTACT US!
Interested in going on the World Race? APPLY HERE!

Jack Bauer

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"And you sir are weak, unwilling and unable to look evil in the eye and deal with it!" --Jack Bauer

Tell me that's not truth. I think Jack just received words straight from the Lord and spoke them on national TV to show Christians how it's done. To get us fired up and motivated out of our weakness! That is Kingdom right there.

We are a part of this battle. We better not be weak. We better be willing and able to look evil in the eye and deal with it.

If Jack can do it, so can we.

Let's poke evil in the eyes.

Kingdom In Our Own Backyard

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We, on the World Race, go out to the nations, minister to the hopeless overseas, and step into the call God has placed on our hearts for other cultures; but we don't have to go to Africa, India, or Thailand to bring the Kingdom to earth and show crazy love-- we can do it everyday, anywhere.

This is basically just a Hallmark style heart-warming story that shows how God is showing up in our own backyards.

June 2009 Race Route

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For any of my readers, friends, family, etc. who may be interested-- the new route for the June 2009 Race is amazing.

Maybe you want to apply?? It will rock your world and change your life-- guaranteed.

UPDATE: NEW LOCATIONS ADDED TO RACE ROUTE!

Apply for the June 2009 World Race (deadline is March 1st)

Guatemala. The nation of Guatemala is a region known for its spectacular beauty, volcanic ranges, rich cultural heritage and Mayan roots. Temple ruins from the past speckle the landscape and stand as tributes to the historical significance of the country's spiritual history. Guatemalans are people of art and expression; yet, very few see the beauty around them as evidence of a divine Creator.

Nicaragua

The nation of Nicaragua has been heralded as one of the poorest regions in the Western Hemisphere. Homelessness, slums, addictions, destitution, poverty and a severe lack of medical, educational and spiritual resources make Nicaragua a challenging environment to communicate hope. Yet, God's love is reaching the far corners of the country in miraculous ways.

Romania

The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people of Romania. Strangers in their homeland, they are segregated, ostracized and forgotten. Yet, they are a strong, proud and vibrant people who are beginning to embrace the light of Christ in a whole new way. Teaching English, leading sports camps, and planting churches are but a few of the tasks set before us as we enter this area of the world.

Ukraine
The developing country of the Ukraine stands caught between its past oppression under the U.S.S.R. communist regime and the desire to be accepted into the Western world. The forgotten and marginalized of this area are quick to be found if one looks close enough. Come be a part of a revolution, taking back a region from the bondage of Islam and other folk religions. It's a new day for the countries of Eastern Europe!

Israel

Israel is the epicenter for pilgrimages worldwide. The Holy Land attracts Jews, Arabs and Christians alike to be a part of a location so rich in our combined religious roots. Serve in this new World Race location while walking the paths that Christ Jesus once did.

Mozambique/Malawi

Enter a world of lions, elephants and monkeys, and welcome to Africa. Potentially the most fruitful of mission fields, northern Mozambique and Malawi is seeing sweeping revival in the form of mass conversions, miracles, and churches planted on a daily basis. Teams will be a part of breaking the hold of fear on the people bound by witch doctors and animism.

Swaziland

Swaziland made history by being the first country to reach a 51% HIV/AIDS infection rate across the general population. Through lack of education, superstition and other such deceptions, it is speculated that in 50 years, the country will no longer exist. Though small, Swaziland has great potential to spread the light of Christ to all of Africa.

Malaysia/Indonesia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people with the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lampur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, while delivering hope and pointing the people to their Redeemer.

The 17,508 islands that make up the nation of Indonesia are as diverse as their population. Certain areas are completely untouched by outside influences; others carry the exposure, even if only for a moment, of the Gospel story. Be prepared to explore uncharted territories and forgotten areas to further the cause of the kingdom of God.

Philippines
The Philippines exists as an Asian nation marked by notable Spanish influences. The Catholic church and the Spanish derivative of Tagalog (the national language) display a developed and developing front. Yet, the Filipino people are in need of truth to combat their folk religions and deceptive fronts, allowing them to understand God's greater purposes for their lives. They are a strong, beautiful people found in a marvel of God's creation that includes volcanic lakes, island beaches, beautiful mountains, etc.

Thailand
Even though the official law states that prostitution is illegal, it is estimated that nearly 2 million women and men engage in this practice daily thus creating the lucrative sex industry of Southeast Asia. In addition to reaching out to the rural communities of Thailand, we go to the streets, into the darkest of spiritual environments to share what is most needed: hope. By helping women learn practical vocational skills and providing an alternative form of income, the face of Thailand's premiere sex industry is being changed one life at a time.

Are you ready for the World Race?

Click here to apply!

If you have more questions, you can visit the "About" page or email us at info@theworldrace.org

*Race route subject to change.

Sharpening. Box Smashing. Worship.

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Surprisingly, or maybe not so, knives are not the only things that require sharpening. At least, if they want to be operating at the full capacity in which they were designed to operate. People, in fact, especially this one, require sharpening as well.

Yesterday, I got just that.

We (World Race Staff) were all standing around the table in the conference room in Gainesville, Georgia worshipping the Lord. We have been spending some fairly long days together wading through the entire concept, process, vision, and goals of The World Race--and Sunday morning, we needed to enter into the presence of God together before sitting back down at the table.

Worship was amazing. The Spirit was extremely present. There were angels in the room. I was having an incredible time with my God, but I knew something was missing, I wasn't entering in as fully as I could see those around me were.

My mind drifted (or so I thought) and I saw a glimpse of a logo, a drawing. I brushed it aside and went back to where I was supposed' to be in worship.

Wrong.

That was God. That was a place of worship open for me that He wanted to express Himself through, and invite me into.

I dismissed it, and went back to what real' worship is supposed' to look like (which for many, means through song and instrument, not trying to say it isn't). But I had, yet again, put myself, and my God, inside a box.

Die boxes!

As worship came to a close, we sat in the presence of the Lord for a beautiful moment. There was a thick presence of holiness and it gave me the smallest little glimpse at perfection.

Then, as people began to share what the Lord was doing or had shown them, I began to see that there was so much more offered at the table than what I personally had grabbed. I had missed out on something even more rich and beautiful than I had experienced. I didn't know what went wrong. What did I miss?

And then Michael, our coach / boss / director / mentor / father / spiritual authority / prophetic man, gave me a word.

He said, Andi, you are stuck. You have not entered into your full expression of worship. You were supposed to express yourself in another way and you did not. He said, I'm not sure if it was dance, artistic expression, a drawing, a logo, a design, or what, but you were invited into that place. And you chose not to go there. You've got to get unstuck. You've got to get unstuck. You've got to get unstuck. And he repeated this 11 times. (Eleven is the number of transition).

Oh yeah. That's what I missed.

I had deprived my God of my fullest expression of worship of Him. I had turned my nose up at how He created me to experience Him and bring glory and praise to Him. I had stuffed Him inside that box of how we define worship' in our church culture.

And so now, I am unstuck. Now, I move into more freedom. Now, I walk in obedience to how He created me to worship.

That box is smashed.

I got sharpened.

Nelson Mandela : Video

Sun, 8 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is a video made by one of the Racers on the field right now. His name is Brandon Clayton, and this is a paragraph of what he wrote alongside the video:

"This video will show and tell you more about Nelson and his condition, but I want to share what the Lord taught me through my three days with him. He taught me the difference between faith and trust. You see I have faith that the Lord can heal Nelson, and I had and still have faith that every time I pray for him the Lord will heal his body. But the difference is when I left that hospital, I immediately started thinking of the quickest way I could get Nelson's story to Oprah so she could throw some of the ridiculous amounts of money she has at him and get him all the medical attention that he needs. So I realized at that point all the faith I had when I was praying was gone, and suddenly I was trusting in Oprah's (or whoever's I could find) money, and not the sovereignty of the Lord. I have to have faith and trust that the Lord can heal him, and trust that no matter what happens it is all God's will. So please join me in praying for Nelson, and having faith that the Lord can and will heal his body, but also trusting that no matter what happens, God's will is being done, and it is what is best for Nelson." -Brandon Clayton, October 2008 Squad

The Face of Slavery

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is a New York Times video of 21st century slavery. This is the kind of interview I wish I could have been able to bring to you while I was in Thailand and Cambodia. These were the stories we were seeing and hearing, though they were so hard to capture. This is the kind of Kingdom work we want to continue to be involved in while based in Michigan. These stories can't continue.

Please watch...