The World Race - Mike Schuerman

A Father to the fatherless

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Father to the fatherless

 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

As I landed here in the Philippines February 27^th I took a three-hour bus ride from the airport to the location we would be doing ministry for the month of March called Kids International Ministries. Upon arriving, as I stepped foot out of the bus I was bombarded with kids from the surrounding community. The smiles on their faces were like none I had ever seen before, despite they lived in such poverty; houses made from ply wood and tin, trash used for building supplies. I knew in my heart these kids had something to teach me and that God would use me just as much as He would use them to grow me in my own faith.

After getting settled in I decided to take a walk around the community with my squad mate Chris Cave. We wanted to meet some of the people and survey the impoverished area to really allow God to speak to our hearts on what our eyes were seeing. Needless to say God broke my heart almost immediately for what I saw and yet as I have been here for over two weeks now He has given me joy in seeing how happy and excited these kids are regardless of circumstances.

One of the main themes this month God has placed upon me is being a father to the fatherless. As in many cultures the fathers are not around, and the ones who are, are usually out working. When they are home they seem to show no affection and spend little to no time their kids. This has resulted in many boys turning to gangs to find comfort and support from other male influences. As God would have it, part of my ministry this month is building relationships with some of the teen gang members along with working with men in the prison.

The first day I met some of the guys, we all hung out played basketball (which is HUGE in the Philippines), ate lunch together, did a bible study and then they took my team and I up to this mountain which overlooks the whole city. On the walk up I got to talk to a lot of these guys and one thing I quickly learned is they have amazing hearts. They are just like any other teens but they happen to be in a gang because it's the one place they get the male influence, the only problem is they are boys and it's the blind leading the blind. There is no MAN showing them what it truly means to be a man of God and how that looks. There is a guy Den and his wife Sam who led this bible study on Saturdays and really gives a great example of God's love to these kids in how they love on them. Like most people Den works a full time job so Saturday is usually the only time these boys get care they desperately long for.

As I walked to the mountain and back with these teenage boys, I had a realization that deeply impacted me. Maybe for the first time I understood why Jesus always hung out with the thieves, murderers, sick, the worst of the worst because it's raw and it's real. What I mean is, in a day to day life we usually ask even our closest friends how are you? Or how have you been? And 95% of the time the answer is always "Good", we have become experts at being fake a lot of the time. Exposing our trials and shortcomings puts fear in our hearts, but to me this is a huge problem because we are supposed one in Christ and we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God and we can't express the most real part of ourselves to each other. These boys will not hesitate to tell you what's going on in their life, what kind of trouble they've been in, and take you to their house made from garbage and scraps of wood.

One day for a few hours I got to hold and take care of a little boy named Nestle. He was the cutest kid I have ever seen. He comes from a home where the Mom can't always afford to take care of him and so the ministry I'm working with helps people in these situations out by tending to their needs. As I held him I wondered what his future would be like, who will be the Godly man in his life? As I held him I also couldn't help but be filled with joy for the day God allows me to be a father to my own child. I want to show my own child one day the love that God has loved me with and by the grace of God give him a great example of what it is to be a man who passionately seeks after God's heart.

I've had a passion for the last year or so now to train young guys in how to be men, but not just men.... Men of GOD! I am in no way a perfect example but regardless of that God has placed this call on my life. He wants me to step into the lives of young guys who have no male role model, who desperately need a guy to tell them how much they matter to God and to me.

Stepping in to be a father to these kids this month so far has changed my heart in ways I would of never imagined. I'm excited to see how the rest of this month unfolds but even more excited to see how God builds this call in my life to train men, and make disciples of Jesus.

Psalm 68:5  - Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.

"Boys n bottles"

Please Support Haiti (Video)

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I know by now you may be asking, why is Mike posting yet another blog on Haiti when he's in Australia still. I came across this video by Lecrae a well known christian hip-hop artist and it filled my heart once again with compassion for the state and people of Haiti.

Even if you don't like hip-hop watch it, the words are easy to follow and the footage of the devastation of Haiti I believe is good for the soul. I want to always be able to share whats on my heart and mind with you my supporters and readers. Leave your thoughts below.

Wujal Heights Tour

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This is a video/blog repost from my team mate Carl Wilson. Watch as Carl, me and the rest of the team show you the digs and the ride here in Wujal Wujal, Australia. In case you were wondering, no we don't take for granted we had beds this month, opposed to our tent all last month. Enjoy!

Wujal Heights from on Vimeo.

Departing words..........

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In January our new friend Jonathan in New Zealand was quite the blessing to us during our time there, listen to his final words to us before boarding our bus to the airport to head to Australia. May it inspire you as well.

Top 10 fun things to do in the Australian bush

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Top 10 fun things to do in the Australian bush

(all pictures (taken by myself or team mate) & events are real )

1) Stop in Brisbane, Australia before heading into the bush for some delicious Kangaroo hot dogs. Also known as "Kanga Bangas", mmm yummy!

2) Have your car break down or get stuck at least four times. Anything less
than that is for amateurs.

3) Stay in a traditional aboriginal sweat lodge and drive classic 1986 Land Cruiser with 315,000 miles logged to make sure it's quality vintage.

4) When you visit the beach and you get hungry have the locals show you how to make bread a.k.a. "damper" from the ground. Now that's what I call fresh!

5) Make sure to take in some of the local sites such as Wujal falls seen here. After all you're in the bush so things like this become the highlight of your day.

6) If you get really bored why not take your sweet ride for a ride through some local rivers. You will feel like Indiana Jones in a matter of seconds.

7) Grab an afternoon snack while getting in some daily exercise by shimming up a tree to chop down some fresh coconuts.

8) If you're feeling really adventurous have one of the locals take you on a croc hunt. You just might see one of the many, many croc's that call this river home.

9) Don't forget to stop and take time to see the amazing wildlife that the Australian bush has to offer. Fun fact: Sea Turtle is edible.

Wallaby Blue Crab Wild Horses

Green Tree Frog Big Spider Sea Turtle =)

10) Wujal Wujal is only one of two places in the world where the rain forest meets the reef. So if all else fails............ Go Fishing!

*All Pictures and events took place in the aboriginal communities of
Wujal Wujal and Hope Vale, Australia.

Life in Australia (Ministry)

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Life in Australia (Ministry)

(The pictures included below are places we did ministry and the people we built relationships with)

When one first responds to the call of becoming a missionary, I've been told initially there are all these preconceived notions. What ministry will look like, how God will show up, and what you will take away from the experience. I suppose in many ways I was no different. I had an idea of what I wanted things to look like and how I wanted God to move. Fortunately for me God moves and acts way beyond my realm of comprehension. So let me tell you exactly what has happened this month from a ministry standpoint.

These are the men of Wujal Wujal. (Top left) is Bobby he is an elder of the area and lives the traditional aboriginal life.

Ceadric (Top left) is also an elder and a counselmen of the community. He also paints (note his work behind him)

"Grandpa Wujal" (bottom left) is a very gentle soul. He still is very active he fishes, and loves his grandkids

Russel (bottom right) is a HUGE country music fan, runs the local radio station, and is a Christian who really inspired me with his walk with God.

The ministry here in the bush (Wujal Wujal) has been tough from the start. It's different than any ministry and people group I have ever worked with. To know why it's been so tough, you must know the history of what has happened here. In 1889 the Lutheran missionaries established a mission here. They ran it until the early 1900's where then the government of Australia took over due to the mission being unproductive (not one person was ever baptized during that time). After a short while the government left it as well, so the mission was abandoned for over 50 years until the government decided to revive it in the early 1960's. After it became too much to run, they then turned it back to the Lutheran church to run and look after.

One true account that was told to us was that in the 1960's the Lutherans punished the aboriginals. If they didn't attend church they were not allowed out of their house, food rations were withheld, and money, which was due to them for their labor, was withheld. They Lutherans didn't do this to be cruel from what we were told, but they believed very strongly that having the aboriginal people in church so they would receive the message of Jesus. Over all in many ways the Lutherans did a lot of good for the community, at the same time there were certain ways the true message of the love and salvation that Jesus offers did not reach the people due to the way they were treated.

Most of the people this happened to are still alive, and since this is a very oral culture those stories have been passed down to the children, who have struggled to really care about the old ways of their culture and the message of Jesus. Take that injustice, and add to it the fact that these people were treated a lot like the Native Americans in the fact that their land was stripped away from them and were forced to love in government run communities. In return the government introduced them to alcohol and Television, which further destroyed many aboriginal cultures and communities.

The injustices that have been done here and those that persist break my heart. These aboriginals are a very quiet, gentle, and friendly people group. There exists a small pocket of people who follow Jesus and witness His provision, love, and miracles on a daily basis. However they are greatly outnumbered by the people who's hearts have hardened to the freedom that Jesus so freely offers. God has increased more light on the matter of Religion vs. Faith, following a bunch of rules to try and please God vs. having a relationship with Him and the freedom that abounds in that.

(top left) - Anthony is an aboriginal of Hope Vale, he is informing me of how far out they go with the net when they fish

(top right) - Squad leader Mark and myself watching as the aboriginals show us how real fishing is done.

(bottom left) Me just taking in the moment, I still can't believe this is my life.

(bottom middle) Me,Mark, Anthony, and George looking at what we caught.

(bottom right) My team mate Carl, playing with Anthonys son Wyndal on the beach.

(This is the aborginal ministries founder Carl, he informed us earlier that even though he is Australian that he is from Apache decent, thus the reason for his mohawk. He got caught in the "quick sand" on the beach to which I responded " looks like we caught ourselves a genuine Indian here boys".)

In spite of all this God has blessed us with many friendships within the community. We've done many useful things here this month starting with organizing the local library, showing the kids they are loved by God by playing with them and talking to them about why we are here. We also helped start small fellowship groups in the community which basically is a small bible study which includes a small twenty minute message, some worship songs, and maybe a few people sharing what God is doing in their lives lately. They seem to have loved these, and they have done them in the past but they've found it hard to maintain them consistently unless a local pastor or missionary team is there to help facilitate it.

(top left & right) - My team and I playing with the kids, they loved the fact we were from America.

(Bottom left) - Doing a fellowship group, (bottom right) - helping reorganize the local aboriginal library

We pray they will try and continue these fellowship groups long after we leave, we've prayed for this community daily and will continue to do so in hopes God raises up leaders. These people have an inherent desperate need of Hope, the hope of something more to this life than what they can see around them. Please keep the people of Wujal Wujal and Hope Vale in your prayers as God continues to draw these people closer to Him and His love.

I walked into the bush of Australia this month with wonder, and expectations of how I wanted to see God work in ministry and in my life. I'm now walking out again, a changed man with a heart that see's more clearly. This month was tough in many ways but I'm headed to the Philippines ready for how God wants to use me next. I have a feeling each month will be tougher than the month before but at the same time God is preparing me in advance for the work He's prepared me to do.

Thanks again for reading and following my journey..... Stay tuned for the very 1^st video blog coming soon.

32 hours in Haiti

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As most of you guys know I haven't had much internet this month being in the Australian bush with the aboriginals. I told you in my last blog I would write my blogs down in my journal and then post them when I had some time. I know most would expect to hear and see all about what I'm doing in Australia, yet there was something that impacted me which far outweighs what I wanted to post first. I do have a blog coming right after this one which shows a lot of pictures and tells a lot about what I've been doing here in Wujal Wujal, Australia which I hope you enjoy. Yet I felt compelled to post my 1st journal entry of February for you guys to read. I think it's important for you guys to know that when I post blogs from my journal, nothing is revised or edited. It's just raw thoughts and feelings that are being expressed usually I'm talking to God. Thanks for reading I hope you enjoy. Please take time to click on the link and watch this video as well, it may change your life as it changed mine.

This was written on 2-3-2010..........................................

I just finished watching the Mark Driscoll/Mars Hill Church video cast of "32hrs in Hati" and I am in tears.

Please click or cut and paste this link and watch it, it's WORTH your time.

My heart is torn to shreds, there is no feeling right now to describe how I am feeling except maybe the word "devistated" much like the city and people of Haiti. A lot of me wants to leave the world race right now and fly to Haiti to help. I am such a waster of resources God. Even in supporting my own church I have not supported well. God your children in Haiti are walking miles in the rubble to go to a make shift church that is guarded by guys with guns. They meet in the 90 degree heat, not having a home to go back to just to praise and worship you.

There is a young man who is a pastor in Haiti (you will see him in the video) who teaches at a bible college. In a matter of seconds he lost his house, church, college, and wife.... ALL gone! Yet he smiles as he holds one of his 4 small boys and says "I smile still because my joy comes from the Lord". I can't imagine this. There is much I have to learn Lord and I pray you make it known to me quickly.

My heart is often selfish, it needs to be broken and be made new. My pride is often blinding, it needs to be crushed so I can see again. My sin causes deafness to fall on my ears, may it be destroyed in your name God so that I may hear your voice. The life I left back home often revolved around me. Sure I could put on a good "christian" front but at the end of the day it was often about how I benefitted. All the while I was thinking I could fool you God. The one person who knows every thought of my mind and desire of my heart. Why you did not take me from this earth then, could only mean that you loved me enough not to. I'm thankful for this. Forgive me Lord. I do not desire the things I once did. I only wish to do your will, to show your love, to be your hands and feet. I don't count myself worthy to do these things but by your grace, the blood of your son Jesus , and the power of the Holy Spirit working within me. Please allow me to do your will while I'm still living on this earth God.

God should my hands and feet cease to be yours, should my eye's become blind again to the things that brake your heart, should my ears become deaf once more to the cry's of injustice and needs of your children, take my life Lord. If another need is presented at my feet in which I can help and I do not, if my hands and feet become bound by my own selfish desires take my life. I am of no use to you, if all I can think about is me. Keep me from becoming more like the old me and increase the person of Jesus your beloved Son inside of me. That my life can be an empty cup waiting daily to be filled up by your love to overflow to others around me.

I'm so blessed to be called your son.

In the Bush, be back in a month.

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Destination Wujal Wujal, Australia

I am currently at a house way high up in the mountains of Cairns, Australia where we will be getting briefed on our ministry for the month. I know just my small team of 6 will be headed to an Aboriginal community called Wujal Wujal. What is unique about this area of Australia is it's only one of two places in the world where the Rain forest meets the Reef. It's quite a sight to take in. We are here amongst some of the most deadliest spiders and snakes in the world we were briefed on this as we were picked up in a bus by our ministry contact. We will be miles away from any civilization. The only way to get to where we are going is by 4x4 vehicle as it is currently wet season here, the good roads are flooded and the roads we can take don't even look like real roads. Mosquito's here carry Malaria and some other similar disease so we're in for a wile ride this month.

Not sure what to expect this month as far as ministry goes, but I am however very excited to work with the aboriginal people here. I know from what I've been told they are a people who are eager and hungry to learn about Jesus but have just been neglected by many people who have come before. Pray God opens hearts and ears while we are here this month. This is going to be a tough and yet exciting ministry month for us.

We will have no internet or phone access as we will be deep in the Australian bush. If I do get either of the two at all this month, I'll consider it a blessing. I'm looking forward to being in a more remote place. It will be interesting to see how our team bonds this month as we do ministry together in close quarters side by side. This is what growing in community is all about. I'm excited to see how God deepens my relationship with Him deep in the Australian bush. We are not coming here to "Bring God" to the people, more so just show them how He's already present and empower them.

Please keep my team and me in your prayers this month. For my supporters and readers I'll try to blog if I get a chance but in all reality will probably not have internet until we fly to Asia on Feb 26th. So sit tight, and just think and pray for us as often as you can. Prayer is powerful and it's a HUGE blessing. I've seen some amazing things happen as a result of prayer last month, I can only imagine what happens in the month of February in the middle of no where.

Love you guys thanks for all your support and prayers.

- Michael

Departing New Zealand

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Departing New Zealand

My time in New Zealand is almost up. I find myself back in the House of Prayer at Changepoint Church where my journey 1st began. I feel like so much has taken place with my soul & my journey with God over my last 4 weeks here in New Zealand. Not long ago I sat here, amidst amazing prayer & worship yet did not want to be here praying and worshiping God for 4hrs. That was my fleshly desires not wanting to be in the presence of God for that long, funny to think about now looking back at how much has changed.

Now I write to you as a man with a changed heart. One who has found more who he is in Christ. I have tasted of what it's like to pray and worship at the feet of God for hours a day and it is sweet. Helping do construction on the church and working the conferences taught me a great deal as well. My whole experience here has brought life back into my words, it's given me new hope & new desires. In many ways I feel as if God had me come to New Zealand first so He could impart to me that warrior spirit of the Maori people. I know I will need it over the remaining 10 months on this trip and in my life in general. I'm excited to see the next step He has in my journey that awaits me in Cairns, Australia working with the Aboriginal people in the month of February.

As I have been challenged this month, I also want to challenge you my supporters & readers. I want to challenge you to desire to want more of God and who He is in your life. To set aside more time to pray, read His word, worship in His presence. God doesn't want religious duty from us. He doesn't want a distracted half hearted, "fine I'll read a chapter now are you happy" attitude. He wants His word to be a delight to us. So much so that we meditate on it day & night. Don't limit God by what you know about Him, seek to worship Him. When we press into God, He responds. Hearts get changed, healing occurs, lives are transformed, hope arises, and new desires surface. Then things here on earth begin to look a little more like heaven. This was Jesus intention all along that we would love one another well and love Him to bring a glimpse of what Heaven is like. Yes there will come a day when physically His kingdom will be brought to earth. We should long for that day as believers, as Jesus disciples.

Yet until that day, we are to act, talk, and love more like Jesus. Easier said than done I know, but it's our call none the less. He loves you, He paid the price for us by sending His son to die for you and me. So what are you waiting for? May the God of the universe, the God who made you reveal more of Himself & His love for you as you make more time to know Him, worship Him, to delight in His words & meditate on them day and night.

I'll leave you with this picture below. This is my squad mate Jeanne. We got to exchange greetings with the Maori people when we started our ministry. Not just any greeting but a traditional Maori Greeting. This is how they great one another and it has great meaning behind it. You shake hands and place your forehead and nose together and at the same time breath in through your nose. Sounds funny right? What this is symbolic of is sharing the same breath, the same spirit for a brief moment. We went down the line of people waiting to greet us like this, eventually it just became normal to us. I love the culture here. The people are very friendly, and do not like to ask surface level questions. Every time I got to speak with a Maori, they would greet you and the immediately ask "What's the word Gods been putting in your heart lately" , or "What has God been revealing to you today?". It's tough because in the states we are used to the usual "How are you?" "What's new?" and we usually respond with "Good". Hard to get away with that here, which is just one of the reasons why New Zealand has taught me so much. It's taught me how to be real and go deeper with the people in my life.

Life in New Zealand

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Life in New Zealand

New Zealand may be one of the most beautiful places I have visited in my life. They have tons of open fields, mountains, and the most amazing landscape I have seen. The beaches are pretty amazing as well. We climbed this small mountain on our day off when we first arrived that is right on the beach called mount maunganui. It over looks the entire city of Taranga and all the beautiful beaches.

I have been living in my tent on the property of Faith Bible College in New Zealand. My tent is on the left, and my teammate Carl's tent is on the right. We have dubbed it man land since all the girls had to stay on the other side of campus. Living in a tent has grown on me a bit, it's your own place to get away, rest, pray, and think. It's sort of a refuge these days, ha.

The other day I got to participate in a local Maori tradition of helping build and prepare a Hangi feast. Which includes building these 3-4 foot pits in the ground, where they take smoldering hot rocks from the fire and pour them into the square hole we dug. Then they proceed to stack layers of meat, potato's, breading, and sliced fruit. Cover all of that with a sheet, wet sack cloths, and then pile dirt on top of it all then let it steam for 8 hours or so then serve it. It was an honor to be able to participate in such a unique Maori cultural event such as this.

I got a chance to talk to some of the Maori "Warrior" people for a while where they explained to me about the history of their culture and what God is doing in their lives today. This is Brent talking with my teammate Carl and I.

Below is my Maori friend Matt. He used to be in a gang for a long time and just came into a relationship with God 5 years ago. Now he's part of a Maroi ministry where they get back to their roots and they do mission trips to other tribal cultures of other nations to bring the good news of God to them.

During the week we work with a local church called Change Point where we did some construction, demo, and painting.

Of course from all of our hard work they church took us to a local waterfall for a few hours to relax and just have fun, enjoy the beauty of New Zealand.

These are my Auckland friends who are doing Security with me for the week for this Call to All conference. They are so funny. They thought it was great when I played some Enrique "Hero" for them. They also call me Kimbo Slice because of my beard.

The few weeks I've been here I have learned so much about God, and how he works in different cultures. My eyes are being opened more and more as each day passes by. It's easy to look at these pictures and think; wow I supported this guy to go have fun in New Zealand??? Fun and Missions don't go together right, I'm here to say that they do. Keep in mind the 1^st two countries I'm at are 1^st world countries and will not be getting to 3^rd world countries until March.

I thank all of you who have supported me in prayer and finances to be able to take this journey. It's only been a few weeks and I'm learning and growing so much. Please write me when you can, as it is a huge encouragement out here on the field. We will be leaving to Australia at the end of January, and should find out our ministry there very soon.

I'll leave you with a picture of my team and I. God bless.

Journal Entry (Part 4) Final

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Oh, my God

I need you to guide my steps

I've cried, I've wept

I've tried my best.

I want to be used

But I'm used up trying

I know I'll make it to Zion

But it's hard climbing up hills

Been miss-educated about your will

I'm singing "send me I'll go"

But I packed my pride

And forgot my hope.

A smile in a picture is worth a thousand words

But if you knew nine hundred of them you'd be disturbed.

Sometimes spiritually I'm burnt out

I just want to run out.

What season is this, is it an off one?

Cause I've been here way too often

Trying to preach the dead up out of coffins

Relying on myself like my power is awesome

I sit here and write line after line

Like I haven't read Jeremiah 17:9

My heart is deceitful above all things.

As I sit here in the quiet place

Silence the lies

Silence the darkness

Silence the enemy

Silence the other voices

Lead me to you oh, my God.

In the silence you are speaking

In the quiet, I can feel a fire

It is burning, burning deeply

Jesus can you hear me?

My soul is screaming loud

I want my heart to hear you

To fear your Holy name.

Help me to let myself go, Lord.

Usher in the man you want & need me to be

Into your hands I go, on you I'll wait

All of my days, I'll wait.

Your yoke is easy, and your burdens are light.

You say taste and see that you are good

I'll never leave you

Nothing can separate me from your love.

Draw me away with you.

You will make all things new

Keep this fresh in my mind

I've been crucified with Christ

My soul finds rest in you alone

You are my Rock & Salvation

I'll keep pressing into you

As you reveal more about the man I am to become.

I love you.

-Michael

Prayer for New Zealand

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So during my time in prayer and worship this morning, God really pressed upon my heart to pray for the country of New Zealand. The Kiwi people here have been held back from stepping up to be leaders and also accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. The local pastor told us because Kiwi culture looks at leadership and success as "bad". If they see one person breaking the trend they tend to try and sabotage and prevent that person from taking a new path.

Hearing this my heart just broke because this is such a beautiful country and filled with great people. God is doing some amazing things here; it's just for now people's eyes are too blind to see it. Please make this your prayer along side me this year that we can agree prayer is powerful and God wants to raise up a nation of leaders who will lead the next generation to take action for Him and His Kingdom.

Here is my Prayer for New Zealand

Oh, My God.

I lay myself at your feet

This morning I wake with heavy burdens on my shoulders.

This country of New Zealand

This land that cries out to you

Night and day prayers call out your name.

Your people's hearts break for the Kiwi people

There are few willing to follow you.

The enemy has used culture to silence them

How long will you stand for this?

Will you not search this land as you did Sodom?

Will you spare it if you find 40 righteous men and women?

What about 30? 20? 10? What about 10 Lord?

There is a movement starting here

Hearts of stone are becoming flesh

I pray for unity God

Unity among your church here

Your people.

I pray for finances for these struggling churches

Who ache to see you return.

May you open your storehouses and pour blessings upon them

This was once a nation of warriors my God

Return it to a nation of warriors once again.

Warriors that will bring your kingdom

Who will stop at nothing

To see your will be done here as it is in Heaven

Remove the scales from the blind eyes here my God

May ears be opened to your coming word

Make New Zealand your dwelling place

Holy and perfect Father

Even just for a season

May you rest your feet upon these mountains

As you look upon your country and weep for what you see

May your tears cleanse this city Father God.

May the blood of Jesus make it pure.

Raise your cross high

fix it upon the highest point for all to see

to call all who remember what your Son did for us

May the country of New Zealand fall to their knees

Lead them into repentance

Make them new.

Bring life to this place

The eternal life that only you give,

Through the gift of salvation.

Sew this place to my heart Lord, that I may not soon forget it.

Journal entry (Part 1)

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

House of Prayer 1-11-2010

So every day before starting our ministry we participate in what is called "House of Prayer" to read more on it go here www.thop.co.nz/ The short version is it's 4 straight hours of prayer and worship from 8am-12. During this time God has spoken in a big way to me, like never before actually. My 1^st day I dreaded going because I thought I could be doing something better with my time like feeding the hungry, or taking care of orphans etc. I soon realized that my sinful nature just hated the discipline, which bothered me because I want my heart to be on fire for God.

Psalm 84:2 says " My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God"

This is my hearts cry. God has been molding my heart to a position this week of just longing for time with Him, in prayer, in His word, just time. So during my (3) 4hrs prayer sessions so far this week God has given me 2 images, which I tried my best to sketch down as best I could. Also each morning session has inspired this "psalm" style communication with God. I have 3 in my journal so I wanted to share them with you guys back home.

This was transferred from my journal: 1-11-2010

I sit here listening to the sweet melody of God's word flow over my ears like waves gently crashing on the shore.

I am blessed by God to sit before His throne & freely worship Him.

Yet my flesh prevents & distracts the joy I wish to feel to freely give.

Remove the walls in my way God remove them in Jesus name.

Make yourself known to me in this place.

Come to me as you did your servant Job, David, as you did with your son Jesus.

Allow me to rejoice over you in worship & prayer

Instead of it being a weight tied around my neck.

I do not desire these feelings.

Give me your words & your spirit to speak life

Into those that desperately wish to hear from you.

I am an unworthy vessel but I beg you to use me anyway.

Let my sinful nature & flesh be silenced.

Give me eyes to see the burdens of others

Give me your heart to feel for them

Give me your words to uplift & comfort them.

I want to be like Jesus. I am a warrior, inside

Waiting to be released to your people God.

I grow weary of the silence, I need to be pushed

If I truly am your rock use me and show me.

Open me up & pour me out, give me a heart that breaks

Breaks for your people, your nations.

People here see this mighty warrior in me. I only feel it I have yet to truly see it

Some say I have the heart of a Lion, I long to hear it roar.

To bring life into your people, to my brothers and sisters

Use me Father, Abba USE me! You will get the glory.

Free me from these chains of silence

Give me your sword and your shield.

Place an army of angels at my side, be my rear guard.

Let no arrow from the enemy pierce my skin.

Use me to be your warrior, here on earth.

Show me those elect, your future children.

I will go get them for you, I will awaken them as you have woken me.

Time is running short, send me, free me, use me.

For this is the cry of my heart to be used in a mighty way.

To see you get all glory, honor, and praise.

You are my Father, Abba, Daddy, you are my King.

Who do you say I am? Who am I to you Oh, Lord?

Humble me, brake me, let me be righteous before your eyes.

Take me out of the silence, it's lonely here.

Put my life on display for you, use me til my last breath.

May I awake at your throne, may I cast my crown of iron at your Holy feet.

May my tears bring you joy. May I spend an eternity with you only to stay

And worship at your feet. For even that sight I am not worthy of.

I delight in you, I rejoice in you,

I live for you, I die for you.

I love you.

I love you God, full my heart with your heavenly love.

Let it overflow to those around me.

That they may know you are my God

Nothing compares to your great and everlasting love.

You are worthy God.

Worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.

I am not worthy, but you use me anyway.

I love that about you.

Send me to the nations to do your work.

As I go expand my heart so it never gets too small

to see the smallest injustice.

I Love you God.

- Michael

Journal entry (Part 2)

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Journal Entry # 2

After dreading the 1^st day at this "House of Prayer" the next day was a completely different

story. I looked forward to it, and as words came to me I think the writing reflects the overall state of mind I was in. I'm still kind of learning this way of communication when it comes to God. I've always enjoyed writing but never knew Him to communicate through writing and giving me images as I pray or worship.

Check it out and let me know what your thoughts............

Journal entry #2:

Thank you my Lord for awakening me today.

You watched over me as I slept last night.

You placed your angels at the right & left of my tent.

The aroma of your presence filled the room as I savored who you are.

Can you show me who I am today?

Part of my journey is finding out who I really am in YOU.

How do I take steps & at times leaps of faith to become more like you.

Set my heart on fire for you.

Strip everything from me that stands in the way.

Show me more about your Spirit because right now I can't get enough

I desperately want to know who you say I am my God.

Who do your angels proclaim me to be?

All of creation shouts who you are.

You can't be fully known but I love that about you.

Each day I can learn & grow in whom you are.

I lay myself at your feet my God and cry out!

Make me & shape me into this warrior others see in me.

I am lost; I do not know what my gifts are.

I can draw a little, play the guitar a little, play sports a little

And speak your word a little.

I feel like I've had experience in many things

But mastered none.

I've yet to find any gifts that shout & proclaims your glory.

I want that.

- Michael

Journal entry (Part 3)

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Journal entry (part 3 Final)

Journal entry # 3

In the morning you wake me

As my eyes open you are there.

You counted how many hairs are on my head

as I lay fast asleep.

As I rise from my bed the hope you provide rushes over me.

For a new day has come.

A day with new mercies, new joy, new beginnings.

Your love flows so deep

It never ceases to wash over me

And fill my empty heart once again.

What would I do without your love?

I could not love others nearly as well, without it.

What does it look like to love others the way you do?

I need to know.

Your word is like honey on my lips, it is so sweet

It brings life to my soul.

Take your chisel and your hammer

Strip me of the things that are not of you

Not an easy process but once I need to endure daily.

Give me eyes to see people as you see them.

May every person I lock eyes with walk away

knowing how much they matter to you.

How great is your love for us.

Your mighty hand is always outstretched to us.

If only we could remove the pride that stands in the way.

Remove my sinful pride God it does nothing for me

except cause destruction in my life.

I want to sing & dance before your throne.

I want to lift my hands in praise for what you have done in my life.

Send your vision for my life.

The great & unimaginable things you hold for your son, me.

May they settle upon me as a feather finds it's way to the ground.

Who is like you? You made me alive!

I will sing to you, and proclaim your goodness.

You've given me strength when I grow weary

Carried me my feet could walk no more.

Given me words to speak life into others when my mouth could not open.

I lift my voice to worship you my King

I will find my strength in the shadows of your wings.

Your righteousness is like a mighty mountain.

Your justice flows like the oceans tides.

The birds outside my tent sing of your love

The tree's sway in the wind and whisper of your Majesty

The waves crash against the rocks & shout of your Glory

You made the heavens & the earth.

Great is your name.

Father, God, Abba, Protector, Provider, Mighty, King, Everlasting, Alpha & Omega, the Great I AM. The God who was, who is, and is to come. Mighty warrior, loving Father, perfect Judge, our Rock, our Redeemer, our Savior.

Ready to Launch

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Ready to Launch

I arrived in New Zealand just the other day after enduring a 13 hour plane trip from Los Angeles. The country of New Zealand is full of beauty and I have yet to see all of it. The people here called Kiwi's are very friendly and I love the culture, which thrives through the country. I am excited for what God has in store over the next month here.

Our first 5 days in New Zealand we attend what is called a "Launch" which is basically a time of preparation for not only the ministry which we will do this month but all year. It is located at a YWAM base in Matamata. So far it has been a great time of fellowship and preparation for things we will be involved with like preaching, teaching, and bringing the kingdom in what ever way's God chooses to use. I know my small team, (Team 91) will be doing ministry in a place of New Zealand called Bay of Plenty. The locals say it has some of the most amazing beaches in the country, I will find out what kind of ministry we will be doing on Friday. I believe it will involve working with kids because it is summer time here and there are many activities going on which involve younger people. Whatever we do, pray I do it with joy and God is glorified through it.

On the bus ride to Matamate from Auckland I had two hours to do some soul searching. Questions began to pop up in my mind like "what will I do with my life when this World Race comes to an end?" It seems to be a resounding question for most people who are on this world race mission trip. Being that I am the oldest guy who is not married who is on this trip, I have done a few more things career wise than some of the other people. To abandon all of that for the sake of pursuing whatever God has next for me put's me in an uncomfortable position. I guess it's time I learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Being in a "comfortable" position in my short 28 years has gotten me nowhere when it comes to the matters of God and eternity. I think I've learned that God doesn't dwell in the comfortable situations or with the people who seek comfort outside of Him.

He didn't create us for a life of being ordinary and comfortable beyond all measure to store up our bank accounts, to pride ourselves in the degree's hanging on our walls, to gaze at our accomplishments outside of Him and think "This is the life." I knew God and did all of those things I just listed and thought this is what God had for me. To be happy, to have a nice Christian family, to work a nice job, to go to church on Sundays, to one day retire and look back only to say "I've lived a good life" A pastor once referred to this kind of thinking in a very great illustration of someone walking on an Olympic balance beam. He started to walk on it, and when he started to lose his balance he got down and clung onto the balance beam with hands and feet wrapped tightly around it. Then soon jumped off, stood tall and turned to his left and to his right and put his hands in the air to the audience as you have seen most Olympic athletes do when finished with their routine. He posed the question " Now what are the judges supposed to put down on the score card?" because you didn't do anything of real significance, how can they judge something like that? That's how I feel my life was looking back, clinging to comfort (the balance beam) and thinking I was living life until I was awakened. I soon found out there is a better life, the life God calls us to and has prepared for us to live. The only question is are we willing to give up our comfort and control to God and live in the uncomfortable, take the kind of risks that where only God meeting you on the other side of the risk could make it a happen. I have to admit I've started to do this, and I want more.

So having said this without a doubt in my mind I am ready to Launch around the world, into the unknown, into the uncomfortable, take leaps of faith and see God work in and through me in ways I never could of imagined and may He get all the glory, honor, and praise.

The World Race Journey- Follow along

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When I made this video I wanted to capture as much as I could in a short amount of time. I wanted to show the beauty in each country as well and not just make it about the perceived injustice going on there. It's easy to look at a mission trip and say what will this missionary do in a country like this? Who will he/she serve? I want to encourage you to explore more about each country that I will be visiting this year to get a greater, broader understanding of where I'm going and who I'll be serving in 2010. This is my 2nd video I have ever made I hope you enjoy.....leave your comments below

World Race Training Camp 2009

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FREEDOM

I arrived at this world race training camp in Georgia over a week ago not knowing fully what to expect. In fact my first night sleeping in the freezing weather in a tent I thought " What did I get myself into?" that quickly faded as I dozed off to sleep. I tried my best not to have expectations coming in and I'm glad I didn't because each day took me by surprise and allowed me to experience God in new ways. If I had to sum up camp in one word, I would choose FREEDOM. I came in not realizing I was being held captive by some things in my past, the major one was the spirit of Rejection which occurred from my parents divorce when I was fifteen years old. I never knew so many things in my life were a result of this spirit of rejection still in my life. When I heard the speakers talk of this, I immediately knew this was the major thing in my life that had been holding me back from stepping into the man I KNEW God was calling me to be.

The Holy Spirit and some amazing people here at AIM who prayed over me and spoke some incredible truth into my life during my time here at camp. I was able to let go, and be FREED from that bondage. The feeling was incredible. A huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I felt a new spirit of power and freedom reside over me. I feel more confident now to begin to take steps towards the man God has been calling me to be, to take up the position of leadership in my life that He has been preparing for me this whole time.

I am excited to see how God will continue to draw me closer to Him as I get back home and prepare for leaving my family, friends, and life for a year to set out on this world race. I have met some of the most amazing people here at camp, they are beautiful inside and out and I am excited to share this journey with them over the next year as we see God move in ways like never before. I can clearly see now why God placed this World Race into my life, the other racers, the staff, the experience has already brought so much restoration in my life, broken the chains of bondage, and allowed me to be FREE and now I can confidently go home and live that out.

I'M FREE!!!!

VH2 "Fabulous life of a missionary"

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey guys,

So as some of you know in 2009 I have sold or given away most of my things to people who need them way more than me or sometimes things that I just needed to get rid of before this mission trip. One of them was my car, I was making payments to it and needed to sell it before my mission trip January 2010. After being for sale for 8 long months I finally sold it. I set out to try and just capture a few photo's and a little video on what kind of a car I'm currently driving around for the next few months.

Yet somewhere along the way I discovered I have a knack for editing video and fully enjoy it. So what set out to be something small turned into a big production. Given the amount of effort and time that went into this project I have decided to share it with all of you. This video is meant to be funny and I love to make people laugh so hopefully you do, I know I did several times of watching it. Most importantly the reason I'm posting it is to show all of you reading this a little bit more about who I am as a person and not try to hide that. May God bless it and bless you.

Watch. Laugh. Enjoy. Share with others:

** Directors note: If you click on the "HQ" button on the bottom right corner of the YouTube video player once you hit play it will give you better video quality. Wait until it fully uploads to play so you don't get any brakes in the film.

Just Stop & Think

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So I recently met up with a friend of mine today, an old friend who I have a lot of history with. We talked for two hours catching each other up on what has happened in our lives over the last 5 years the good and the bad. As I told my side of what had been going on I couldn't help but pause and take note that the guy I described was no longer who I am today. On the drive home I thought of a friend of mine who this week asked me " how do you have a relationship with God?" As I began to answer I remembered a video I once saw that explained it so much better than I ever could. How do you have a relationship God? Why are we put on this earth? What am I doing with my life????? I am reminded of how much God loves me and how amazing the love story is that God loves us so much and what He did and still does for us............

I contemplated how far God has brought me just in this year alone. The relationships built, the one's restored. The selling of my car, the earthly stuff, resigning in my management position. Those are all well and good things in and of themselves but the real thing, the purest thing God has done with me this year in 2009 is allowed me to truly see Him to get a glimpse of His glory. I thought how did I get here? How did I get to this point in my life that I feel so in love with God and enjoy a real relationship with Him? I remember it all started with the message in this video, just watch and see for yourself :

Your help is needed.

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Need your help!

The total amount needed for this trip is $16000.

Which I know seems like a lot but if you consider this will cover all my travel expenses, food, health insurance etc and in turn allow you and I to impact hundreds of lives around the world it doesn't seem so bad.

I am currently at $7000 and the support continues to grow. I only need $8200 to leave on the trip with the rest being covered through monthly support donations but I firmly believe God will provide the full amount through my family, friends, and perfect strangers.

Please watch my video and if you felt lead to give today please click on the "Support Me" link to the left of the page. You can become a monthly or a one time generous supporter. Partner with me today and impact the lives of others for an eternity.

Thank you so much. God Bless.

Expectations of my Mission Trip

Sat, 9 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Expectations of my Mission Trip

I go back and forth of what my expectations are, if I should have any at all and if so then to what degree to I hold them to. A year ago I could never of told you I would be preparing to leave on an 11 country, 11 month missions trip. I am floored at where God has brought me when it comes to missions and just the maturity my faith has reached at this season of my life. I am excited, nervous, scared, happy, joyful, curious the list could go on. I was the very first person to sign up for the January 2010 team and I remember being on there by myself for a good 4 weeks and thinking who will I meet on this trip? Will I have enough time to raise support? Will I be able to handle living out of a backpack and traveling in close community for almost a year? Being that it's mothers day tomorrow I stood in the kitchen writing in the card, and then it hit me. This is my last Mothers day with my Mom until 2011. I stopped writing and stood there motionless. I began to think how surreal this trip really is, and how long a year ...... really is. I will miss birthdays, holidays, intimate moments with friends, miss out on jokes, I will be absent from being a part of people's lives whom I love and care about. I will come back in November 2010 having missed out on a lot, I will come back and try to re-connect with people and have the catch me up on an entire year of their lives and yet I will do the same for them knowing that it will be hard having either of us not been in the others shoes for the past 11 months. It's a very new feeling but I weigh all of that versus what God will do with me over the course of this trip.

I know God will bring me back to the states a changed man. Actually I take it back, if it is His will I will come back a changed man. See over the course of 2009 I have realized something, that in the midst of traveling to 11 countries sharing your faith even though things are planned out, you always take a risk don't you? I mean there is a certain element of risk of the unknown, the unforeseen things that could happen and how quickly do we assume we will come back safe and sound. I know I do, maybe more often than I should. I have made it my hearts prayer that should something happen to me on this trip I will gladly lay my life down if it meant my family coming to know and have a relationship with Jesus Christ. That is a prayer that has been on my heart and lifted up to God for over 12 years now. I have come to a point in my life and faith where losing my life in order to gain it means everything to me, even if it means in the physical sense I am willing if it means a family member or a person who doesn't yet know God coming into a relationship with Him. So if my team could pray for the salvation of my family and close friends that would be huge. Also please pray God would continue to use me here in Orlando in a big way for the remainder of 2009. Pray He would continue working on my heart, molding my character and continually show me the next step to take in my faith so I can be more and love more like His Son Jesus. The only thing that can keep me from reaching my full potential on this team is....... me. I pray I would decrease so that He may increase.

I wish to see God move on this trip in ways I have never experienced before. Being raised Catholic, transferring to a Christian school accepting Christ at the age of 15yrs old, attending a baptist church, a missionary alliance church, and a non-denominational church I have never experienced seeing God heal anyone before my eyes. I have heard of it happening, I have seen it on TV which leaves much to debate, but I genuinely believe God does heal people using His people. I have lived in Florida for most of my life and not traveled too much. I have a very limited world view and I want to see and experience what God is doing all over the world. As I am out there in the field serving people, I also wish to see God move in a big way in my own life. I hope to come back from this trip having learned a lot about myself, who God's called me to be and what I feel called to do with my life after the trip. I want to come back a changed person who is more sensitive to the issues of injustice and suffering that plague the world around us. I want to just be the hands and feet of Jesus on this trip, have Him create in me a stronger heart for those around me and come back ready to pursue His calling with everything I've got.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" - Romans 1:16

How I was called to the mission field.

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How I was called to the Mission field

I was never the type of person that felt called to do missions. I was always into youth ministry and my job and felt that they were my mission field within the U.S. I mean sure we took a trip or two and did some inner city missions work but nothing to extensive. However soon after finishing my degree I became consumed in the business world. Working 10-14hr days, having more money than I knew what to do with, buying a different car each year, blinded by my own ambition. This lifestyle was fun, but unfulfilling it left me wanting, and even though I had been a Christ follower for 11 years at this point in my life I felt I had Jesus in my heart but He was not found too often in daily life. I had put a suit and tie on Jesus and made Him fit my worldview so I could feel justified in how I was living my life.

This lifestyle came to an end when I decided on March 31st 2008 to be "re-baptized". I had wanted to get baptized again because the pastor of Summit Church Isaac Hunter had radically changed my life over the year previous and helped me get out of the corporate track I was pursing at the time. God used him in a big way in my life, and the second reason was more symbolic. I had always wanted to get baptized in an ocean and I had wanted to give my life back over to God because living it my way was literally ruining my life. After I was baptized, over the next few months God began to reshape my heart and transform my mind to seek more after the things His heart beats for. God placed a man by the name of Erwin McManus in my path whom I got to see speak at several different events over 2008. I also read his book "Chasing Daylight" which radically altered how I view my faith and it helped me to realize the freedom I had within that faith to make decisions.

So in August I began to pursue the things I knew God had called me to pursue, the kind of things in the past I knew I was supposed to do but let fear and guilt stop me from pursuing. I got myself plugged back into youth ministry by signing up to be a High School volunteer leader at my church to mentor the kids who are going through so much at this stage in their lives. I also signed up to lead a bible study which has turned out to be an incredible blessing in my life. The next step I felt God calling me towards is missions. This freaked me out a little because whenever I had the opportunity to do missions in the past I would always think to myself " Wow how cool, but that is the work for someone else not me, I'm comfortable right where I'm at". God had changed this thinking in me over the last few months and so when I saw an opportunity to go to Africa with my church I attended the volunteer meeting.

As an ice breaker question the man leading it asked everyone " If you could go anywhere in the world for 2 weeks all expenses paid, where would you go?" I was the first to respond " I would go all over!" He replied " What do you mean? Explain?" I said " well I would start in Europe, go down to Africa, over to Asia and if there was time go to Australia". See I have never felt called to one particular place but after reading "Chasing Daylight" it doesn't matter, what matters is I lean in and pursue the things I felt called to do. The location of where I pursue God's heart is of little difference.

The next morning I woke up, checked my e-mail, and then browsed my face book as most people do now days because we all know how much we love face book. To my surprise there was an ad on the right side of the page that read " The World Race - Missions" As I have clicked on these kinds of face book ad's before for bogus free scuba gear etc I decided what the heck I'll give it a shot let's see what this "World Race" is and if it's even real. As I came to the website I was blown away! I was reading the blogs and watching the videos , I became consumed so much in fact I realized I was late for work and had to rush out the door. All day at work The World Race was all I could think about, I couldn't wait to get home and read more about it. As I came home that same day I finished looking at the website and began to pray for the next 3 days. After the third day in prayer, I knew this was my next right step in my walk with God. I knew this was the next adventure He was calling me to.

So that is my story in how I was called to missions. Once a guy like many others pursuing the "american dream", God took hold of my heart and shifted it in a new direction. Now my heart is set on fire for the broken, the lost, the hungry, the homeless across the world and I can't tell you how excited I am to be the hands and feet of Jesus and being a part in His story as He sends me out to serve hundreds in the 11 countries I will be visiting.

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

A Trip of a lifetime

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

January 2010 World Race Route

"Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of ALL nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world. " - Matthew 28:18-20

Here's a look at the adventure that awaits me.....

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.

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.

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.

New Zealand

Even in the midst of a paralyzing atheistic culture, the Maori people are experiencing revival like never before. Ministries and outreaches from those burdened for this island nation are contributing to the reclaiming of this people group for the cause of Christ. We go to speak the truth and reap a harvest to the glory of God.

Australia

From the Sydney Opera House to the Aboriginal Tribes of the Australian Outback, World Race will seek to partner with ministries, churches and missionaries who are spreading the hope of Christ to the rich and poor alike. While Australia boasts a more westernized culture, the marginalized, impoverished, destitute and lost still exist and live each moment for the hope of hearing the good news.

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.

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.

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.

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 regimeand 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!

PIONEER EASTERN EUROPE

Twice 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.