So here are some crazy awesome ways that God has been blessing me lately...
A seasonal full-time job. Because of this job I will be able to put about $2000 towards my trip and I will be done just in time for training camp and I will be able to spend my last month at home just hanging out with my friends and family.
My internship at Greenwood Christian Church ended a few weeks ago. The people there were such a huge blessing with encouraging words and financial gifts.
Trivia night at the Catlin Church of Christ a few weeks ago was a blast! It was a fun way to get the word out there about my trip and raise some money. Big thank you to the small group that put that on! I cannot say how blessed I am by you all.
My dear friend Chrissy Carrell ran a half marathon and got people to sponsor her for my trip. Huge thank you to her for putting that all together and running! Go girl! Thanks to Chrissy and her husband Spenser, my parents, Josh Corbin, Marthe Barth, Becky Lister, Bethany Rea and Corinna Lyons-Revello for being a part of that!
Because of these events and others sponsoring me, I now only have $5,339 left to raise!! I am so blown away. I also still need international travel insurance and most of my gear for the trip (http://www.rei.com/GiftRegistryDetails/254727).
Here are some ways YOU can help out!
Prayer. I would love to get at least 30 committed prayer partners who would be willing to pray everyday for me.
Become a sponsor. There are two options here. You can either sponsor a country for $40 a month for a year or you can sponsor me for $20 a month for a year.
What's the difference?
If there is a country you feel drawn to I would love to give you the opportunity to sponsor it for me. For $40 a month for a year I will email you updates and pictures while I am in that country. I will also bring you back a souvenier!
If you would just like to sponsor me, I am looking for 23 people to sponsor me for $20 a month for a year. If this happens the rest of my trip will be paid for!!
Just 23 more people or small groups or Sunday school classes to sponsor me for $20 a month for a year and the rest of my trip will be paid for!
Thanks for reading and I hope you will prayerfully consider partnering with me in prayer or with financial support!!
Here is some info about the countries that I will be in with my squad. Please read, pray, and consider financially partnering in this with me! I am in need of about $12,000 total, international health insurance ($350), ALL of my gear (http://www.rei.com/GiftRegistryDetails/254727), and lots and lots of prayer!
Thailand
According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. I might spend my time befriending prostitutes-or in the countryside-where I may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope.
Vietnam/Laos
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. Vietnam was united but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties, human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Laos shares French rule/influence and shift towards communism with Vietnam. Therevada Buddhism dominates Laos with Christian missionary work monitored by government. Either country has a lot to offer gastronomically and geographically.
Tanzania
Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs. Whether I am doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages, I know the people of this diverse country will capture my heart.
Mozambique
One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, the ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of, the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. I will teach, preach, and practice "true religion" with widows and orphans while I grow in my identity in Christ. One of my most interesting travel "days" may happen here.
Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breathtaking scenic views, it's also where the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It's estimated that by 2050, Swaziland may cease to exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation in desperate need of attention. For years, Adventures has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, I'll most likely find myself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. The more affluent neighbor to Haiti (though generally it isn't too affluent), the D.R. is home to 9 million people. The Dominican culture is lively, vibrant, warm; however, the culture struggles with problems like hypersexualization and alcoholism. After the earthquake on January 12 in Haiti, the D.R. quickly became refuge to thousands who were displaced. This month, I'll serve at orphanages, refugee camps, and more; I'll partner with local churches, pastors, even Adventures in Missions' own full-time missionaries.
Haiti
Haiti was hit with a life-altering earthquake on January 12, 2010. The nation's still in shambles, the church is rising up. Haiti is experiencing a spiritual revival right now like it has never before seen. Communities are turning to pastors for leadership, and the local church is becoming the driving force behind Haiti's ongoing rebirth. This month, I'll help with relief efforts, establish connections with local pastors, help people rebuild their lives through meeting felt needs, and more.
Moldova
Once a part of Romania, this former Soviet republic declared independence in 1991. Moldova, one of the poorest European countries, is riddled with a high underground crime rate. This country is vulnerable as a transit point of human trafficking. The main language spoken is Romanian (also called Moldovan) but there's debate as to what the Moldovan ethnicity is exactly. They need people who will bring kingdom clarity and declare the peace of God over a land filled with confusion and chaos.
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, you will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of interacting with a group of people I have been blessed enough to encounter before.
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, street evangelism, pub ministry, and the relationships that just happen along the way, the World Race reintroduces a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.
These are the words that come to mind when I think of Easter. The fact that Jesus loves me. Me; dirty, not worthy, and messed up as I am.
He loves me enough to die on a cross. He loves me enough to die in an electric chair. He loves me enough to be shot at by a firing squad. He loves me enough to have lethal injections shot in to him. He loves me. He loves you. He loves everyone.
Sometimes I can't really get over it, the grace I am shown everyday. That should've been my cross, my chair, my bullet wounds, my needle.
But that wasn't the case. We weren't left high and dry to just try to find our own way to God. No, God came to us. What kind of love is that, that He would come to us just to die, just to be rejected? Jesus says to his disciples, "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Are we really capable of showing that kind of love to every single person we encounter? This question humbles me and makes me question whether I love people like this.
His love for us didn't end on Jesus' death on the cross though. Which is really crazy awesome exciting stuff. He didn't just stay dead, end of story, the end.
He risen. He's alive. He's going to come again.
Hope. Redemption. Freedom.
I guess this is huge reason why I am so excited to go on the World Race. Because as big of a deal this story, this love, has played in my life, there are people who have never heard it before. There are people who don't know that God loves them. There are people who don't know what grace means. There are people who don't know love.
One of my favorite songs to listen to, to be reminded of this love by is "True Love" by Phil Wickham. The lyrics are brilliant and display the love that Jesus showed for us all by dying on the cross, but also the hope, redemption, and freedom that comes from that.
Here are some updates with where I am at with fundraising:
First deadline is June 30, I need $3,500.
Right now I have almost $1,300 donated. Awesome!
Money from my t-shirt fundraiser is still coming in, but hopefully I will be able to write a check for about $700.
I was able to purchase my plane ticket to training camp this summer in Georgia because of my t-shirt fundraiser!!
Right now I am selling Threads of Hope bracelets. $2 each or buy 5 get 1 free. They come in so many colors and are beautiful. Half of the money raised will go to families in the Philippines who make the bracelets.
Be watching out for a super crazy radical 11-day only fundraiser coming up soon!
Here are some other deadlines that I need to meet or I cannot do the race or I will be sent home early:
June 30 - $3,500
August 18 - $6,500
December 1 - $11,000
March 1 - $15,500
Things you can be praying for:
Funds to come in so that I will be able to purchase International Health Insurance (about $350)
Camping equipment donations. Purchasing all of the things I need for the race will be pricey. If you feel led to contribute to this here is a list of things I need. Don't feel like you have to get them from REI since it tends to be more expensive, but it will also help give you an idea of funds I need to raise to purchase these things. Thankfully my dear friend Brandi is offering to purchase a backpack and hammock for me! She is AWESOME!! http://www.rei.com/GiftRegistryDetails/254727
Thank you to everyone who has helped me out either prayerfully or financially!! I'm so thrilled you have partnered with me in this and I cannot wait to take you to 11 countries with me. I still have about $14,000 left to raise and I have until next March to do it!! If you feel led to give you can always click on the Support Me link on the left hand side of this page, or let me know if you'd like to receive a support letter with more information.
Again, thank you SO MUCH for your financial support and prayers. I know God is going to do amazing things on this trip and I cannot wait to be a part of it with you!!
Hey everyone! To give you a better idea of where we will be going, fellow world racer Jaclyn McNeal made this awesome map and included some prayer requests that relate to what is going on in those countries. You can check our her blog at http://jaclynmcneal.theworldrace.org
First of all, one awesome thing that has been going on is that I've been able to be in contact with a few fellow world racers! It's been awesome to see how God is preparing our hearts for this journey. We are all excited to go out there and serve God by serving others.
Secondly, I seriously hate fundraising. I really don't want to sugarcoat this section, because honestly, I'm feeling pretty discouraged right now. I know that Satan is trying to bring me down, but trying to find the light at then end of a $15,500 tunnel is pretty hard to do. I know a few other racers have been feeling this way lately too. One huge blessing that happened recently though happened when I was able to visit some friends at Lincoln Christian University. I got the chance to talk to my dear, much more smarter than me, friend, Chelsea, about The World Race and how excited/ scared I am for this. She encouraged me by saying that asking people for money is a way for them to participate in your ministry, especially if they are in a situation in which they cannot go out on the field to do mission work around the world.
Lord, give me the opportunity for people to minister to me.
It's kind of a weird prayer to pray, and I really don't pray it that often, aka never. Right now is especially when I need people pouring blessings into my life. I need prayer right now more than anything and more than ever. I was raised to be an independent person so asking for money is probably one of the most uncomfortable things for me to do. I don't like being able to say that I can't do something. But this is something I cannot do alone. My pride needs to leave and humility needs to pour in. God has to move here. God has to provide. He is able!
I have started my t-shirt fundraiser. Thanks to my good friend Rode, who has a degree in graphic design, we were able to come up with a pretty awesome shirt!
I am selling the shirts for $15. If you would like one, please let me know what size you would like! You can send money to PO Box 775 Catlin, IL 61817. Thank you thank you thank you!! Keep the prayers comin!! God bless!!!
Welcome to my first official World Race blog entry!! I have been accepted to the September 2012 Route 2, which means I get the opportunity to share God's love to people all over the world!!
Thailand
Cambodia
Vietam/ Laos
Tanzania
Mozambique
Swaziland
Dominican Republic
Haiti
Moldova
Romania
Ireland
I am so excited/ scared/ in disbelief/ pumped to see how God is going to use me this next year!!
I am 22 years old and will (hopefully, haha) graduate this May from Lincoln Christian University with a BA in Worship Ministry. I first heard about the World Race when my friend Bethany went on it. Ever since then, God has just put it strongly on my heart to be a part of this experience. Grad school can wait a year, right? :)
Other Random Tidbits of Information
Name: Lauren
Age: 22
Location: Catlin, Illinois
Birthday: December 26
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Blonde
Favorite Color: Green
I have grown up in the same town and in the same house my whole life. I have been blessed beyond belief with an amazing family and a great group of friends. I have been on the receiving end of so many blessings for so long, so now it's time for me to go out to the world and be a blessing to other people, sharing with them the love of Jesus. I absolutely cannot wait for this trip, but am in need for lots of prayer.
Would you, dear reader, please pray for me as I let God prepare my heart and mind for this time away from home and away from the familiar. Also please pray that funds would come in. $15,000 is a lot of money, but God is always faithful and nothing is impossible for Him.
