The World Race August 2009 - Making Disciples; Reaching Our World

Getting the Most out of your Donations

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Some of you may have seen fees showing up on your support account recently. I apologize that we did not explain this in advance... there were a few technical errors and clarifications to make. Let me explain now how you can get the most out of your donation.

1) Credit Card Donors. Our society loves the quick and efficient. Most donors will appreciate being able to click a simple link, put in their info, and be done. Donors love even more to set up an account to automatically donate on a regular basis and forget about it. However, efficiency comes with a price. Credit card companies make their money by charging fees to be able to use this service. When a donor gives via credit or debit card, you will see a 5% fee deducted from your support account for that convenience.

2) Bank Draft Donors. In order to reduce the fee for donations, we have added a Bank Draft choice to your online giving. Donors can choose this option online and then they may enter the information from the bottom of a check rather than a credit card. By choosing this option, you will only see a 3% fee deducted from your support account.

3) Written Check Donors. One of the cheapest options is to have donors write a check or money order and send that to Adventures In Missions, P.O. Box 534470, Atlanta, GA 30353-4470. This sends the check directly to our bank where it is deposited. The bank then sends an image of that check to our accounting department to apply toward your support. There are no fees for checks mailed this way. However, please allow 2 weeks from the date you mail the check before you expect to see it in your support account. Also please note that you cannot receive letters or any correspondence at this address. It is only for checks or money orders.

4) DynaPay Donors. This last option is to try and combine the convenient and cheap options as best as possible. By signing up for DynaPay, a donation is automatically deducted from a checking account each month with no fees. To sign up for DynaPay, request a form by emailing info@theworldrace.org. Have your donor fill out that form and return it signed with a voided check to Adventures in Missions, Attn: Accounting, 6000 Wellspring Trail, Gainesville, GA 30506. IMPORTANT: The downside of DynaPay is that the donor MUST contact us in the office to stop the automatic withdrawal when they no longer wish to keep giving. DynaPay will continue to deduct each month unless the donor directly says "Please cancel my donation now." Should your donor sign up for this option, please make sure they clearly understand that.

When speaking with donors, we recommend that you succinctly explain each giving option, allowing them to choose which option works best for them.

Systems Overhaul...

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey friends!!!

Just letting you know that our database systems are going through a major overhaul tonight. If all goes smoothly you'll see a new, easier system coming live this week. We don't plan on losing any information, so there's nothing you should need to do. However, as with all computer fun-ness... anything is possible.

We are maintaining your folders with all of the paperwork you have sent in. You will not see these documents on your new profile page, but they are not lost. Your support account should stay the same and the info there should be unaffected.

Over the next few weeks when you access your support account or profile online, if you notice anything out of place or broken, please just drop me an email and let me know. We'll get things fixed as soon as possible.

Blessings!

Laura Jacobs

First Aid Kits

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey Team,

I had understood at training camp we were going to be provided with first aid kits, but after calling the AIM headquarters this morning, WR is not providing us with first aid kits. If you don't have one already, I'd suggest getting one.

Not going to be on the August Race

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

These past few weeks to prepare for the race have been challenging on me and I have decided to not start the Race at this time. Although this has been a very hard choice to make - I know that God has something better in store for me. This will allow me to finish my schooling, watch my mom graduate from nursing school, pay off debt, and prepare my church better for my absence.

I look forward to reading about all your adventures and will be praying for all of you.

DEPARTURE TO DUBLIN INFORMATION

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey guys: We are re-posting the flight info for your departure to Dublin. This is just a reminder--please review and let us know if you have any questions. Please note you should meet BEFORE you check-in.

All team leaders...

Brian & Stacy Alonzo and Caroline are flying with all of the team leaders on August 9 from JFK. Fly into JFK and please make sure that your plane lands before 3pm. You will meet at Terminal 3 at 4pm. You leave on a7:25pm Delta flight to Dublin. You will then spend the next couple of days getting ready for everyone else's arrival.

J squad

Aaron Bruner will meet the rest of the J squad at JFK on August 11^th. Please make sure that your flight lands before 3pm at JFK.You will need to meet at Terminal 3 at 4pm, before you check in for your 7:25pm Delta flight to Dublin! Aaron's cell is 404-933-1881.

K squad

Caitlin Woodward will be meeting the rest of the K squad at JFK on August 11^th. If you are flying in, please make sure your flight lands before 1pm at JFK.You will meet at Terminal 4 at 2 pm before you check in for your 5:45pm Aer Lingus flight to Dublin! Caitlin's cell is 517-304-8741.

too good to be true?

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

hi friends!

so i'm trying to work through the best way to communicate with home while we're gone.

obviously, we all know and love skype, right? welllll. this is a discovery that i made.

the real website is here (http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/subscriptions/uscanada/)

so anyways, unless i'm misunderstanding something, this seems like an amazing deal. sure i can only call to the US/canada, but that's really where everyone i'm going to be calling is going to be. right? it seems like we'll be using more than $3.00/month in skype credit. for example, i recently called a cell phone in zambia, and it cost me something like $4 for 11 minutes. so, i mean, that's not a crazy amount, but it seems like this is a really good deal. so, am i missing something? or are we crazy not to buy this?

love you all! can't wait to see you soon.

Heart set on pilgrimage

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I recently finished a Beth Moore Bible study, Stepping Up...which eloquently began and sufficiently ended in Psalm 84...

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

Turns out that the Valley of Baca is a valley of weeping, a place of tears. Lord knows I have spent ample time there. I wonder if you have too...

Beth ended the study with a blessing...and as we prepare to embark on this journey together...I can't help but wonder if this blessing wasn't specifically written for us...

"May God keep your heart set on pilgrimage. May He keep your eyes upon the destination and never let you forget that your Goal is a person, Jesus Christ, and He is waiting for you - in person - at your finish line. May you always remember what a great cloud of witnesses cheers you on in your journey to Mount Zion and bids you to "Be brave!" The race is not long, Beloved, so run hard! May your eyes be open to snares your enemy sets in your path and, should you tumble in the ditch, may your troubled heart be disallowed to condemn you. Jump in the air, twirl around, and buck like a bronco with repentance before your God until not a single speck of mud is left on your feet. Let God wash them in the water of His Word and plant them back on your path. When we feel heavy-laden in our journeys, may we check first to see if it's the burden of a swollen ego or the load of taking on a role that only belongs to God. May we lay down what has no place in our packs and run with the wind. When life is excruciating, may you find strength in Christ to crawl on your hands and knees, sowing the Word of God and watering it with your tears. May you never forget that you are inconceivably loved and that God will prove infinitely faithful. And, on your way to the great feast in the heavenly Jerusalem, may you glance often to your right and to your left and offer a fellow pilgrim a helping hand. May the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion."

God Has Called YOU!

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I wanted to share with you a story that has touched my heart.

A worker in China writes: "I am a single woman working in a Chinese city alone, but God is with me in everything! When I first arrived in my city, I moved into my apartment and called my family to give them my new phone number. My mother's first statement was, "An ambulance has just picked up your sister. She will be dead by the end of the week." (She had been suffering with cancer for some time.) I didn't know what to do.

After investigating a way to get to the states, God led me to call home again. I said, "God, I can't. I know my sister is gone." However, I called and found out that my sister had just died. I talked to my mom for a while and then sat on my couch alone. I asked God, "Why am I here? I should be with my family!"

Immediately there was a knock on my window. A young lady said, "I was told that I should come and see you. May I come in?" Totally unaware of what I was going through she plopped down on the couch and said, "I have been searching for God. Can you tell me about the true God? She accepted Jesus as her Savior that day.

I thanked God for reminding me why I live overseas and that I am never alone. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of grief, He is with me. Those who think I am a team of one can't see the One who stands beside me."

Psalm 23:1-4, "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside the peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me."

God has called each one of you for a specific purpose. At this time in your support raising some of you may be asking, "Will I get enough raised?" Please do not get discouraged, work at it with all your might. Get your prayer teams to pray. This is when you need them around you the most. Don't lose sight of your goal.

Don't miss the opportunity that God has placed in front of you, like the woman in China, she was obedient to God and look what God did for her. Don't get discouraged, if you are, please let us know. We want to encourage you and pray for you.

The Practice of Fasting

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There are several kinds of "fasts" that we can practice. Many times the intensity of the need will determine this. I hope to answer some basic questions about the practice of fasting. Remember I am not an expert on this.

What are different kinds of fast?

1) There is a limited fast. A person limits their diet for a time as a part of seeking to do the will of God. An example is found in Daniel 1:8-13, where Daniel and his three friends asked for a limited diet in order to follow God's law and God's will.

2) There is a standard fast. A person eats no food but does drink liquids. This is the most common fast in the Scriptures.

3) There is an absolute fast. A person does not eat or drink for a period of time. Esther called for a three-day fast of this kind. (4:1-17) A person normally cannot go without liquids for more than three days.

Who should fast?

1) A personal fast. A fast done by an individual.

2) A partner fast. A fast done in which two or more enter in. This could be a small group or a leadership team (Acts 13:1-13), a congregation coming together in a heart-to-heart seeking of the Lord (Ezra 8:21-23).

3) A community fast. In which A city tribe or nation all are called to fast as in Jonah 3.

When should a person or group fast?

There are no regular fast days commanded in the New Testament.

How is a fast to be done?

First of all, the heart attitude and motive must be right. Fasting is directed to the Lord not to people. (Matthew 6:16-18).

Secondly, let the Lord lead you as to the timing and length of a fast. Remember, it is the heart attitude. We cannot go on a "holy hunger strike" and expect the Lord to "give in" to our desires.

Thirdly, there are some practical guidelines:

Keep your focus on the Lord, trusting Him in the situation and need (Hebrews 11:6)

Stay in the attitude of prayer throughout the day. Set aside segments of time for specific prayer. Pray often.

Read Scripture much during your time of prayer and fasting. Praying is as much listening as talking. Record any insights you gain.

Drink plenty of juices and/or water as you fast.

For those on medication or who have been ill, be cautious and get an OK from your doctor.

Some are not able to fast because of a physical condition. They must have regular meals. The Lord may lead you to "fast" from certain food, etc. Remember, the important thing is the heart attitude not the calorie count.

Sometimes, there may be a little dizziness, headache, or nausea from not eating. Do not be alarmed. Remember to drink extra liquids.

When it is all said and done, may we have the testimony of Daniel, "So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting" Daniel 9:30

Listening Prayer Part 1

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Matthew 7:7

Don't bargain with God. Be Direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we are in.

The first time I heard of this was at Training Camp last year. To be honest at first I thought these people were kind of crazy. They believe that God responds back to the questions they asked him. I was uncomfortable with that, but my real problem was that I didn't think that this wonderful amazing God would really spend that time speaking to me! God loves us SO much. He wants to communicate with me and you. He wants to show us what we want to know, he wants to answer our prayers. He wants to know us, and us know him. He wants us to have a PERSONAL relationship with him. He wants me & you and your grandma to all have a different, special relationship with him.

Think if you could ask God what his will was for you and then hear his response? Wouldn't that be life changing! Well, he does want to speak to us, we just have to listen.

We don't have to pray these prayers with thousands of words, we don't have to think about what we need to say or worry if we are praying the correct way,

Listening Prayer is asking God a question and waiting for a response. It's not complicated, or saying the right words. It's about being willing and waiting. You might already be hearing God, but you don't want to put words in God's mouth and dishonor him if it isn't him, but have you ever stopped and thought maybe you were dishonoring him by not crediting him? So don't be afraid to give God the credit!

So, here is what I encourage, challenge, want you to do. I want you to give this a try. You might not hear anything at first but keep trying! What do you have to lose? What if you had the opportunity to hear God's voice but never tried?

Take a hour a couple times this week and try!

Quiet Yourself.

Ask for protection from deception.

Ask for clarity to hear & understand.

Wait & Listen.

Journal your questions and the responses that you get so that you can record what you heard. Then you can look back on it later. Get guidance from someone more spiritually mature then you, so that you can make sure what you hear is from God. Journaling also helps you keep focused about what you are doing. Don't worry if other things pop into your head, like your English paper or that you forgot to feed the dog, just have another piece of paper to write down these things, because by writing those down you both dismiss them from your mind and remember to do them.

Don't worry if you don't hear anything the first time. Practice is the only way you will see results.

When you get an answer, clarify that it is from God by going through these steps.

Ask: Is it Scriptural?

Ask: Will it produce good fruit, or spiritual growth?

Don't be afraid to ask someone (who is a mentor, or who is more spiritually mature)

Apply it! Don't be content to hear from the Lord, but do what he tells you.

EXERCISE

Journal about this: Take your Bible, journal and two different colored pens. Use one to write what you are thinking, and another to write what God is saying to you.

Spend a few minutes thinking about this scripture:

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.

Ask God these questions and wait for the Holy Spirit to respond.

1. What has kept me from you?

2. Have I humbled myself & sought your face?

3. What do you want to tell me?

Final Paperwork Due in One Week!

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

PAPERWORK - Check on your Account page and see if you have all your paperwork marked as being in. If NOT, then read the next paragraph.

In one week ALL your paperwork is due in the office. If you do not have your physical scheduled, then do that TODAY! If you have not looked into securing insurance, then do that TODAY! You cannot put this off any longer. To process all the papers and get you ready to go out is a BIG job and we NEED your paperwork!!!!

How to Create Picture Links for your team in the Links section of your Blog

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey squad!

A lot of you have already put your teammates into your links section of your blog, linking their blog from yours. Do you want to make your links cooler than they already are (if that's possible considering it's your teammates!)? Make PICTURE LINKS!

For an example, go to http://joebunting.theworldrace.org or http://heatherreed.theworldrace.org/.

Here's how to do it. It's not super difficult, but it will take a little time and patience. Trust me though, it's worth it. Seth Barnes, the head of AIM, thinks this little blog tweak could help spread the World Race even faster than it already is spreading. So take 15 minutes and do it. It will be AWESOME!

1. Collect a picture of each team member and save them in a place you can find them (HINT: look for close up headshots).

2. Now, go to your Bloglist, in the top editor bar.
3. Scroll to the bottom and click on the edit button next to "Links."
4. Press the icon that looks like a picture and upload it (HINT: make sure it's not too big. In the upload window, I set all my widths to 125 which automatically lowered the height to correspond).
5. Type the team member's name underneath.
6. In a new browser window, go to their blog page. Copy the address of their blog (ctrl+C)(ie http://joebunting.theworldrace.org).
7. Highlight the picture and press the link icon in the post editor bar (it looks like a link in a chain).
8. Paste (ctrl + V) the address of the team member's blog. Click OK.
9. Highlight the team member's name and do the same thing, press the link icon and paste the address in.
10. PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK YOU DID IT!
11. Then repeat same thing four or five more times for the rest of your team!

12. Once you have all your team's pictures and names up and linked, highlight all. Then center justify them.

That's it! If you need help FIRST spend AT LEAST 10 minutes trying to do it yourself. THEN you can contact Joe Bunting at joseph.bunting@gmail.com / 805-705-9245 OR Heather Reed at h_reed887@tamu.edu. Please try for at least 10 minutes first though. Thank you!

I hope everything is well with your souls! Facebook me!

Better Blogging Part 2

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lesson Two: Bad Blogging

What makes for an unsuccessful blog? First of all, determine what "success" means for your blog. Is it money? Is it a large readership? Is it quantifiable action done by those whom you have reached? Then, make some goals and objectives as to how you will achieve such success.

The root cause of the lack of success may be many reasons:

A niche already dominated by other superior sites or blogs.
A lack of consistency with too many posts varying from topic to topic, with no clear focus.
Laziness or an inability to stay consistent.
Not enough knowledge or experience from which to draw from to produce content that people love.

Let's tackle the first bullet point. This is why you need to take some time and really develop your theme. What is your blog really about, and who is your audience? On what subject will your main content focus? Then, after tallying your own passions and skills, find something in which you can invest and not grow weary, but don't walk the same path as countless others and think you will bring something new to the table. Find a niche.

The second reason for unsuccessful blogging can also be included in this point. Once you choose a theme, stay consistent with it. This is not to wall you in and destroy your creativity; conversely, such structure will help your creativity flourish. The point is that in writing, you want to give yourself something to work with. Otherwise you're writing about nothing, and there can only be one Seinfeld.

The third point calls us to be honest with ourselves - sometimes we fail because we don't work hard enough. If you want a successful blog, you are going to have to work for it. Most assuredly, it will not just happen. You will not coincidentally get thousands of daily readers without some real effort put into your blog. This is where many people simply don't try. They narrow-mindedly limit the use of their blog to some kind of online journal where they can express their inner feelings... with an audience. They miss out on the power and influence they can have, if they were to utilize the resources their readers offer.

Although there are blogging entrepreneurs out there who actually make a steady income off of their blogs that may not be your calling. What I mean by "resources" is not only cash flow, but the chance to reach a large group of people. You can call them to social action or global awareness. You can start a charity fund-raising campaign with your readers as supporters. You can share information with massive amounts of people and ask them to do the same with their networks. You have the world at your fingertips; do something with it outside of feeding your own ego.

The final point goes with my last post. Do you have something worth saying? Have you enough knowledge or experience in your writing subject? If not, perhaps it's time to choose another theme, or pick up a book. There's nothing wrong with discovering things along with the reader. Such an exploration, if pursued in humility, might actually make for a compelling blog.

If you don't know a lot about your subject, don't try to pass yourself off as an expert. If you're new to blogging and/or to your subject matter, the best thing you can do is good research. Make lots of references to other articles, blogs, and websites.

Final Paperwork Due in 2 Weeks

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In just about 2 weeks ALL of your paperwork needs to be turned in!!! We need to process it in the office and we need time to do that before you leave for your trip. Please get that into us as soon as you can!!!

Here is the paperwork that needs to be turned in:

Copy of Passport: If not already turned in
Medical Release: This needs to have a Doctors Signature
Participants Release: This needs to be notarized

Shot Record: This MUST be on the form we have provided

Proof of International Insurance: Copy the front and back of your Insurance Card

Travel Arrangement Form

Flight to Dublin!

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everyone I finally have some details that you have all been waiting for. Thank you so much for your patience and flexibility. You will notice there are some big changes to your itinerary.

All team leaders...

J squad

K squad

Caitlin Woodward will be meeting the rest of the K squad at JFK on August 11^th. If you are flying in, please make sure your flight lands before 1pm at JFK.You will meet at Terminal 4 at 2 pmbefore you check in for your 5:45pm Aer Lingus flight to Dublin!

Again. Thanks so much for your patience and flexibility with us.

Better Blogging Part 4

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So far, we've talked about a lot of logistics on how to start up a blog, how to avoid poor blogging, and how to captivate your audience with a good story.

Now, let's talk about what you can actually do with your blog - not only how to spice it up with interesting content, but how you can use it to make a difference.

First, let's discuss what you have in your "tool belt." You can do a lot on a blog besides write little journal entries. Depending on your expertise, writing may not even be the main medium utilized on your blog. In addition to writing, you can post images, videos, or audio clips.

Click here to read an article on video blogging.
Click here to read more about audioblogging.
Click here to read the top ten tips on good blog-writing and a list of links to more blogging how-to's

As a general rule, I try to include at least one photo per written post, just to give my audience something interesting to look at.

Why Fast?

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Why do we fast? Why should we fast? What is fasting? Who is to fast? There are many questions about fasting. I am sure you have many questions and hopefully we can answer your questions and guide you in a fast that will work for you.

There are several reasons that we should fast, I am going to focus on three reasons.

ONE is a humble admission of need. The need may be forgiveness of sin, comfort over some grief or sorrow, concern over the situation of an individual, a city, or a nation, or the need for guidance and direction from the Lord. For example, when Nehemiah heard about the condition of Jerusalem, he immediately began to mourn and seek the Lord in fasting and prayer (Nehemiah 1:4-11). He poured out his heart to God and admitted to God the needs of the people. Nehemiah had a great need. Take time to read the passage. His prayer is powerful. For other examples see Daniel 9:3, 1 Samuel 7:6; 31:13, 1 Kings 21:27-29, Nehemiah 9:1, Esther 4:1-3, Psalm 35:13; 69:10; 109:24, Isaiah 58:5-6.

TWO is a humble request for help. This is closely linked to the first reason. Before we will ask for help we have to admit we have a need - a need we know we cannot meet. God alone can give the needed help. Our requests can include seeking the Lord's guidance for a decision (Judges 20:26), for healing (2 Samuel 12:16-23), or for safety and protection (Ezra 8:21-23). Ester 4:16 records Esther's plea for the people to fast for her for three days concerning the deliverance of the Jewish people. In Jonah 3:3-10, the entire city of Nineveh entered into a fast to repent of their wickedness and to seek deliverance from certain judgment.

In the New Testament, we find examples of those who sought the Lord with a whole heart at a time of great need or as an expression of humble dependence on the Lord to guide or provide in some way. In Matthew 4:2, Jesus revealed His dependence on His Father during the wilderness temptations. The forty days of prayer and fasting were a time of intense focus on the Father and submission to all of His will and His Word. When Jesus taught on fasting, He clearly showed that it was a matter of a heart-to-heart focus on the Father, a submission to His will , and an act of trusting in His supply for the need.

THREE is a haughty attempt to get one's own way. Isaiah 58:1-4 is one of the clearest rebukes to a proud heart full of selfish motives. This type of fasting is of no benefit.

God looks at the heart not the outer man. He is concerned that we are walking humbly before Him with a desire only to do His will. He delights in us seeking Him with a whole heart, and sometimes a whole heart requires a time of fasting. This thought brings us to the practice of fasting. How do we go about a time of prayer and fasting? What are the procedures? Answers to these can be found in the next posting.

The Fear of Asking

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

After your support letters go out, should you follow that letter up with a phone call? I believe you should.

What should you say in that phone call? Ask them if they received your letter and let them know what you are going to be doing. Let them hear from you why you are going and why God placed this trip on your heart. Let them hear your passion.

Should you ask them to give to this trip? Absolutely! Don't straight out ask them but ask them to prayerfully consider giving to this cause.

Many of you never realized that you needed to ASK people to give your cause. Most of you think that once you sent out your support letter your part was finished. That is not true, ASKING is a necessary step. Always keep in mind that you are not asking for money for yourself, but you are asking for money for the poorest of poor all over the world.

How do you feel about the asking?

Spiritual people don't ask for money. They pray and God moves people to give.
AIM should raise the funds for you.
Raise support? You have to be a great salesman to succeed.
Christians should only give to their local church.

There is a big fear factor is raising support. Ninety-two percent of all Christian workers experience fear of asking for money and the other eight percent are liars.

Here are a couple Bible studies that will help you face some of those fears and help give you the confidence in God that you need. They helped me when I first started in the support raising process.

Deuteronomy 8: Moses Explanation of the Wilderness Journey

What are the Lord's main commands in the chapter?
What did he want Israel to learn by wandering in the desert? (vv. 2-6)
What does he now promise? (vv. 7-10)
What are his warnings? (vv. 11-20)
How are you in a similar position to the Israelites?

1 Kings 17:1-16: The Lord's Provision During Depression

What would your reaction be if you were Elijah when the brook went dry?
What happened as a result about the Lord's care and power over "the economy"?
When were you sure of something God called you to do, but it looked impossible? What did you do/ What happened?
When it happens again, what should you do?

Better Blogging Part 3

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lesson Three: Digging Deeper

"Digging Deeper" suggests that there is a surface level of your blog that you can touch and never go beneath. Imagine fishing with a short line; if you keep casting into deep waters with a shallow line, most likely, you're only going to draw the type of fish that would swim near the surface. So, it's natural to assume that you'd keep catching this type of fish, unless you changed something, namely how deep you cast.

The internet is a broad audience; these are "deep waters." And if you don't go beneath the surface with your writing, it's going to get lost with a bunch of other bobbers floating on the top of the water. What does staying on the surface look like?

Wander through some blog mechanisms to get a feel for this - maybe even your friends' blogs. Meander through Blogger, Xanga, and MySpace. It shouldn't take long to see what most people are doing. They're talking about themselves - what they ate today, which classes they're skipping, and what kind of music they're listening to. Not only that, but they're doing it in a way that often reflects a journal, with nothing very compelling to say.

To go deeper, you're going to have to give your blog some weight - something of substance to hold it down. I'd like to suggest that you tell stories. Why stories? Because almost everyone can practice good storytelling. Not everyone can write a Pulitzer-winning article on the problem of world poverty or the pandemic of AIDS. But you can talk about what happens to you and draw significance out of it.

As you develop your voice (that is, how you tell a story), you should avoid two pitfalls. Trying to sound like someone you're not (i.e. pretension) and concentrating too much on one character. In regards to the first, be authentic; don't try to copy or mimic the best writer you know. You've heard it a million times before, and it's true - just be yourself.

In regards to the second, you don't want to write too much about yourself, and this may be more tempting than you'd think, especially if your story's compelling (i.e. traveling around the world). Also, don't write yourself out of a story.

If you're doing an interview, you can be a clear personality in the story, fueling questions, getting more information. And if it's first-person, write about your interactions. There's no drama if there's no interaction; there's no drama if there's too much of you or the other person. You need characters to produce drama.

My quick suggestions for telling good stories in a blog are the following:

Keep it short; break up into parts if necessary. I do this on occasion when I know a few hundred words won't do the experience justice.
Make sure that you tell it in your unique voice.
Spend the time finding a good story. If you're using your blog to mostly tell about yourself, you may just have to wait for the story. Nonetheless, take notes and journal events, because you never know what may become a story.

Spend the time writing the story. There is no good shortcut, and if you genuinely want to become a good writer, you'll have to spend significant time writing.

T-Shirt Fundraiser Info

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey folks,

Got this information for you if you are interested in ordering some more of the blue WR August 2009 T-shirts.

Just a heads up, a minimum order is 13 shirts.

E-mail Bubba at this email address to request an order of shirts or if you need anything at all: bubbacrowder@fundthenations.com

If you want to check out the webpage it's

www.fundthenations.com

Let us know if you need help! Happy support raising!

Jimmy McCarty

World Race Program Director

Evaluating Training Camp

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey all!

I'm sure this was a whirlwind for us all, I'm sitting in a coffee shop in Guatemala helping launch the I Squad. I'm tired, as I'm sure all of you are, but still continue to ask my self the question "is this my life?!"

I'd love to hear your feedback from the week. I've created a survey for you to take outlining the different elements of camp. We want to learn as much as we can from your experience so we can up the effectiveness for the camp coming up in a few short weeks with the L and M Squads!

Just click the link here: Training Camp Evaluation and the survey will submit the rest!

Thanks again all, we believe in you!

Jimmy

Directions to Gainesville, GA

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Directions to the Atlanta Airport :
MEETING AT THE AIRPORT: When you fly into the airport you are to meet in the Atrium, located right outside security. It is a huge gathering room with lots of sofas, food court etc. We will be there to meet you . Look for us in our Aim t-shirts and big smiles :) .

Directions to Adventures In Missions Gainesville, Georgia

From Atlanta, Hartsfield Atlanta Airport and the South:

Take the Connector (I-75/I-85) northbound until the two interstates split just north of Midtown. Though I-85 heads northeast and would appear to split off to the right, be cautioned: I-85 is a left exit and only the left three lanes will take you there safely! Stay northbound on I-85. You willl pass under the Perimeter (I-285) at Spaghetti Junction. Continue northward on I-85 until you reach exit 113, which is the beginning of I-985. Take I-985 (also a left exit) northbound for 24 miles until you reach exit 24. Exit there. Take a left at the end of the exit ramp, towards downtown Gainesville. You are on U.S. Hwy 129. It takes just under an hour from downtown to get to this point.

Continue north on Hwy 129 (you will turn right about a mile from the interstate and another right at a T in the road). You will cross over Lake Lanier at two points: the Chattahoochee River fork and the Little River fork. A few miles beyond the second bridge you will come to a traffic light. You will take a right at the light onto Nopone Road . Follow Nopone for 1 mile to Bogus Road ; turn left onto Bogus. You will see our sign about a mile in on the left hand side (but you won't see a building). Turn left into our driveway and you will come to our building.

From Greenville/Charlotte and the Eastern Seaboard:

Take I-85 southbound from Greenville/Spartanburg until you cross the Georgia state line at Hartwell Lake. Continue southward until you reach exit 137 ( Gainesville/ Jefferson). Exit there, turning right at the end of the ramp, towards Gainesville. You are on U.S. Hwy 129. Travel for about 17 miles until you cross over I-985, then follow the instructions in the second paragraph above.

From Chattanooga/Nashville and the Midwest or Appalachia:

Take I-75 (or I-24) southbound from Chattanooga until you cross the Georgia state line. Continue southward on I-75 until you reach exit 312, which is State Hwy 53. Go east on 53, being careful to stay on 53 as it goes through some small towns and makes a few turns. After going through the town of Dawsonville you will come to a major intersection with GA 400. Go north (left) on 400 to the very next traffic light and turn right on Harmony Church Rd. You will come to a stop sign a the jct. of 136 ( Price Rd. ). Turn right on 136. Travel on 136 for about 10 miles and it will end at Rt. 60. Make a right on 60 ( Thompson Br. Rd. ) and then a left at the very next light which is 283 ( Mt. Vernon Rd. ). Take 283 to the first stop sign and turn right on Jim Hood Rd. After a few miles you will come to a light - US 129. Go straight and the road becomes Nopone Rd. Go about a mile and turn left at the top of a hill on Bogus Rd. Go a mile on Bogus and you will see the sign for Adventures in Missions on the left. Turn there and follow the road to the end and you have arrived. Note: This is a 2 lane, windy road and is about 80 miles across, taking about 2 hours from the I-75 exit.

Alternate Route via interstate. Take I-75 south to I-285 and go east on I-285 to I-85. Go north on I-85 to exit 113, I-985. Take I-985 north to exit 24, US 129. You can then follow the directions above in coming from Atlanta. Note: This way is much longer mileage wise and sometimes much longer time wise, depending on the time of day and the Atlanta area traffic. But it's all interstate until you get to 129 (the last 10 miles).

expectations =]

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So i'm pretty new to all of this, but i'm supposed to write about my expectations

for the coming year.

Coming into this trip kinda late, i think i'm a little behind everyone in knowing whats going on =] But i've learned through all of the things that God has brought me through so far in my 23 years that i should never worry when i'm not sure of the details..cause God is in control. He is starting the growing process in my life now =]

In the coming year i expect God to stretch me beyond the breaking point. I expect to be broken in ways i cannot imagine. i expect to be used by my Creator in a small way within his all encompassing and overarching story. I am exited about immersing myself completly within a new culture, learning all that i can.

I expect to have hard days. Days where i will question myself and everything i believe. But i also know from looking back on my past experiences, that in those times, God will always be faithful. He will be my everything. I expect Him to come through for us in mighty ways this year.

If i could put into one word what i expect this coming year to be, it would be the word "beautiful." God will take all the heartache, laughter, pain, joy, tears, happiness, and sorrow. He will pull the fragments of our lives and broken hearts together, and make something wonderful, and amazing.

Something beautiful =]

Expectations Of My Mission Trip

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I'm expecting ...

--- To be constantly humbled after realizing how my daily struggles (losing Internet connection for two minutes, no empty parking spaces in the free lot, my jump shot is awful) pale in comparison to what many other people are battling.

--- To become the person God created me to be

--- To find the path God has planned for me

--- To come face-to-face with the impossible ... and watch God make it possible

--- To be uncomfortable - physically, mentally, and spiritually

--- The Philadelphia Eagles will win the Super Bowl this season, solely because I will not be able to watch them (in which case, my friends will not let me come home)

--- To miss my family and friends, especially during holidays and special occassions

--- To form life-long relationships with a new family

--- To see people the way God sees them

--- To spill food on myself (always happens, usually when I'm wearing a white shirt)

--- To eat things I've never seen before and ask questions later

--- To experience how 11 different cultures worship God in their own unique ways and to join in the celebration

--- To feel helpless, empowered, heartbroken, uplifted, afraid, safe, stressed, relieved ... all in the same day

--- To live by faith every single day for the next 11 months

--- To rely on God like I never have before

--- To go 11 months without shaving or cutting my hair (just kidding Mom)

--- To light up the darkness

--- To make Satan squirm

--- To see some of the most beautiful creations God put on this earth and to realize how awesome He really is

--- To be floored by what God can accomplish through me

--- The unexpected

false idles

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

this topic I wanted to share with you because I dont usually think about it and how it would be relivent where i live but it does in many ways now that i think about it. This topic came to me on the weekend when i was with my brother and his wife. I can't even remember what it was that we were really talking about either I think we were talking about what was in the theatres or something like that anyways. Then my brother said something that I never really considered and that was the fact that media has become some form of an idle or god to many of us today. We sit in front of the tv or on the computer or reading those gossip magazines so many people enjoy these day and we do this not for just ten minutes or so but a lot of us cando these things for hours for a lot of use thats way more time then we will sit and pray or study the word or even share are faith with those around us. When I actually thought about it after my brother said it I realized that this was something that really effected me and probably many others. In the last year alone I bet you I have seen more then 365 movies thats at least one a day and thats just movies. not to mention the fact that I can probably quote at least one line from half the movies that i have seen and when i think about what i can qoute you from the bible its no were near that good and this fact actually hurt me to think about. Not only do we give are time to these things but we pour are money into them as well. Wether to get more channels so that we can see the latest movies or shows or to get the clothes that we saw someone wearing in the movie magazines, always having to buy the latest games or systems so that we can try the newest stuff, and if you really want to think about it in a way we even give offerings to these modern day idles or what ever you'd like to call them because we go to the movies and by un needed snack to fill are bellies while we sit and give are time to the tv or music or what ever form of media it is. this may not be the case for ever one of course not every one enjoys tv or music or things like that but i know this is something I would like to change in my life and I'm sure others would to. I need to focus more on the things that matter and stop spending my time on the things of todays world less tv less movies and better ones when i do see them. this is another reason I'm looking forward to this trip to get away from all this media that is thrust upon us and to get to know god the way i should I'd like to get to a point in my life were i can not only tell you what the bible says and where in the bible it says it but i would like to live the words that are writen to the fullest. thanks again for listening guys hope to hear your thoughts and cant wait to see you all soon have a good flight to those who are flying and to those of you driving as well god bless and see you soon.

Aaron C Clarke

Expectations of My Mission Trip

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before

leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I'm expecting...

Well I think I expect God to move. God to move wherever we go, God to move in me, God to move in the team! How exciting to see God move, but He loves to move! So I get pumped thinking about this trip. I think it will push me and challenge me, but I love that. I expect to be on a team that will get in to each other's lives and come out more the people God saved us to be. I expect my heart to be challenged. How will it be when I am tired and dirty and hungry and I am called to love others who are not pleasant and do not have much to offer but are in great need? I expect the Lord and my team to keep my heart open and filled with God's love, but I expect to have to battle to love at times.

I know there will be a battle for sure. I expect and hope to battle throughout for myself and for my team, and for those we are ministering too. I expect my eyes to be opened in new ways. I expect to be humbled and to struggle, but to have a blast and grow and learn and love!

All in all I expect a great year, due to a great God and a great team! I expect to have lots of stories, laughs and smiles along the way and I expect to make those I am traveling with really tired of the same few t-shirts I will be wearing.

How I was Called to the Mission Field

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. Here is my story.

I was called to missions while in college and have never looked back. The Lord has just blessed me with a heart for the lost, a heart for His glory, and a desire to see the World changed.

Two years ago I was doing campus ministry at UCSB and a friend was going on the World Race. As soon as I saw that I went to the web site and checked it out. This began my story with the World Race.

I, like many others, looked at the website and thought "man, how cool" and immediately wished I could go. At the same time I was preparing to head over to Turkey for a year and very excited about that.

As my year in Turkey was finishing up (I loved it by the way), I could not get the thought of the World Race out of my head. I wanted to go and help change the World by bringing the love of Christ and felt that the Lord would not let me get the World Race out of my head.

I have a specific heart for Muslims, so when I saw the August race was going to the Middle East I knew that was it. I prayed and sought council and it was very clear. I am so excited and ready to go! I am so thankful that the Lord lets us (and me in particular) be a part of building His Kingdom and can't think of a better way to do it for the next year!

How I Was Called to the Mission Field

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. Here is my story...

"It's time to go Brandy." I was standing in the baby hospital in Romania where I had been playing with a 3-year old orphan, Zana Rostas. When it was time to go, I was swept by a thousand emotions. How was I supposed to walk away from this precious soul? I froze. "It's time to go Brandy...put her down and walk outside." I began to process the reality and simplicity of the two commands my trip leader had given: 1) Put her down 2) Walk outside. I blocked every other thought running through my head, placed her back into her crib, ruffled her hair...and walked out.

Perhaps in the space of my broken heart...is where Jesus walked in.

My journal entries continue with the tale..."What am I supposed to do with this?...I'm fearful/curious what I will do when I get home." Attempting to fall back into my corporate career and daily life, those questions turned into desperate prayers. Night after night I would literally fall to my knees in tears and prayer. Eventually those prayers were answered...

January 29,2007 - journal entry

Pretty amazing to ready my journal entries from Romania and look at my life now. I sent an email in December that proved to change my life. One more month with John Deere and then I'll be joining Christian Friendliness in urban ministry. How did this happen? I've been struggling the past couple nights coming to terms with it all. I'm more excited to be taking this job than I could ever imagine. I can honestly say that I have never been truly amazed before God put together the thousand pieces that brought me to this place. And it made me realize that the missionary in Romania was right when he said, "I think many people get God's call but few get on the plane." Well I guess I have officially boarded.

The pull towards overseas missions never left my heart, but I followed where I know He led and two years later I am better for it. Serving in this capacity radically shaped and tested my faith beyond my own understanding. And I cannot imagine my life without the faces of the beautiful children I have served...all the while...without knowing...they were serving me.

Earlier this year, I began to experience a release from this ministry and a familiar stirring in my heart. I eventually put those thoughts into words after completing my morning devotional with insight from Mother Teresa...

March 26, 2009 - journal entry

What is it father? Am I bored and pursuing my own adventure or are you stirring? I know you speak in the quiet voice...I am listening. Find your own Calcutta...where is mine? I feel like I need to push the boundaries...not stay comfortable...be called out. Father...where?

Over a year ago a friend had spoken very highly about a missions organization...what was it? Something about adventure...something about missions. A quick Internet search...

Adventures In Missions...enter...The World Race!!

I had never heard of the World Race before - but quickly came up to speed by browsing one of a hundred different blog entries and videos until my heart was captivated.

March 30, 2009 - journal entry

Opened my Bible intending to read Acts, but it fell open to Micah. The heading "The Lord's Plan" caught my eye. I read along until the verse "for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field." World Race here I come? Three days of prayer and fasting and then the women's retreat this weekend. Praying for ears to hear.

April 23, 2009 - journal entry

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1 - ACCEPTED WORLD RACE AUGUST 2009!!!

How I Was Called To the Mission Field

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. Here is my story...

It was a Sunday Night in 2006 and I do not remember the exact date. I felt God calling me to missions. I went forward and shared with my Pastor. He announced to the church and they all prayed for me. Everyone was very supportive and encouraging but I began to run from this calling. It scared me and I was not ready is what I kept telling myself. I found every reason why this really wasn't what God had planned for me but that would all change a few years later.

I received an email from a friend and it was asking me to check out a blog of a friend of hers that was doing missions. I went and it was Rusty Jackson's blog and he was a world racer. I enjoyed following his blog and the more I read it the more my passion for missions started to grow. Once he returned home I stopped reading Rusty's blog but the world race never left my heart and mind. I tried to get rid of that but I could not.

I felt that if God wanted me to do Missions he would open the door but through prayer I realized that sometimes I have to put feet on my prayers. I decided to apply for the World Race and within two weeks of sending my application in I was accepted. Each day has a new challenge but the peace in my heart the way things are falling into place would not happen if it wasn't God's calling on my life at this time.

Expectations of My Mission Trip

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I'm expecting.....

In my personal life:

To be broken

To find out who I am

To see God like never before

To be open to God using me like never before

To worship in new ways

To pray more than ever

To see things unimaginable

To have passion about things I never have before

To be changed forever

Through out this journey:

To see God move

To make friends that will become my family

To miss home and family and friends

To see things through a different view

To gain appreciation and contentment in my life

To understand and live the Word of God

To serve like never before

To be attacked by the devil

To be on rollercoaster of emotions

I have so many mixed emotions as I am preparing for this journey in my life. I think more than anything it is the unknown? I will learn to depend on Him and allow Him to lead me and guide me each step of the way. I look forward to this trip and all the ups and downs it may bring. Yes this will be an adventure of a life time and I am very blessed to be a part of such an amazing journey. I also know that there will be times that are hard and as I grow in my personal relationship with God things may not be easy and there will be times I wonder what I have gotten myself into. I will see and do things I have never even thought about and all of these things are what this trip is about. Seeing God in a new form and being open to what He is doing through us and in us. Allowing Him to change us and use us without our comfort zone and lifestyles hindering us from all HE has for us. I am preparing and even though the unknown is scary to think about I am really excited about this amazing journey I am so blessed to apart of .