Do You Have What it Takes to be a Missionary?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12: 1-2

In today’s society, we often compare our value to that of those in power or celebrity. We see the perceived perfection of lives around us and so easily discount our own worth. We are warned of this in Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

As humans we ask if we are enough.

Am I good enough? Am I loved enough? Do I have enough?

As Christians we are often questioning whether or not we actually have what it takes to be a missionary. Who am I to tell the world about love, hope, and goodness?

We so easily question our own abilities and even what the Lord has prepared for us.

At Adventures in Missions we know that every follower of Christ is called and equipped to pursue and expand the Kingdom of God. Each and every one of us have both the ability and responsibility to proclaim the name of Jesus, whether at home or around the globe.

The Great Commission is for you. It is for all of us who claim to know and follow Jesus!

Let’s look at Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

We have the opportunity each and every day to proclaim the name of God and share all He has for us. At Adventures in Missions, we use the model set by Jesus. We go into the nations to experience and practice life on mission.

We know there are a lot of avenues you could take to grow in your faith and serve the Lord. But the question you have to ask yourself is …

“Can I make this transition while I’m still in my normal, day to day life?”

We’ve found that going on a mission trip is an incredible way to step into this calling.

Since the beginning of the World Race in 2006, thousands of Racers have discovered their own role in the Kingdom. On this 11 month journey, we experience the glory of God in different and wild ways.

But, as you might know, following Jesus is not the easy path. He calls His disciples to die to themselves, because He knows if we’re motivated by our own agenda, we will never experience the fullness He has for us. While it is not the simplest way to move for life, it is worth every challenge and moment of doubt.

Are you ready to step out in your faith? Want to see if the World Race is right for you?

Take the quiz!

What are your results? Do you think this is your chance for a life on mission?

This quiz doesn’t completely encompass all you might need to go on the World Race. But it does give you an idea of some real obstacles you might face.

So let’s dive deeper into it.

We have outlined the qualities of a World Racer. This will paint the picture of what a Racer can expect to experience, what we desire to see in our Racers, and can serve as a guide to see if the World Race is right for you.

As you read through the list, ask yourself – am I willing to grow in this area?
Because, trust me, a journey like this will stretch and transform you!

Here are the qualities of each World Racer:

A Follower of Jesus. You have a relationship with Jesus as both Lord and Savior. Your beliefs and actions are in line with the Bible and the character of Christ. (Romans 8)

Desire to grow. You are committed to becoming more like Jesus. Racers run their Race with a “yes” in their spirits and an openness for all God has for them. We are looking for people who are ready to process and grow from their past and move forward. We want to see you walking into the fullness and fruitfulness God has for you. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Kingdom Mindset. As a World Racer, you are committing to going and spreading the Kingdom of God with your words and actions. (Matthew 10:7-8)

Community. You will serve and submit to each other in teams and squads. By loving each other you will be an example to the the world around you. (John 13:35) You will form relationships that are emotionally safe and vulnerable. We expect you to disciple others according to 2 Timothy 2:2, helping each other to grow while speaking truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Abandon. Racers follow Jesus on a journey that begins by leaving comfort, friends, and home. Abandonment isn’t a one time thing — there is much you will need to leave behind along the way. God’s plan for abandonment is for us to realize the fullness we have in Him & His plans for us. (Luke 14:33)

Feedback. Racers speak truth in love by giving and receiving encouragement and correction from one another. This unifies us as one body in order to do the work of Christ. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Positive attitude. We ask you to leave negativity behind and to live without complaining or arguing. (Philippians 2:14-15)

Telling Your Story. We ask you to commit to share your journey through blogging and social media. Sharing the stories of how God is working is an impactful part of your ministry while you are on the World Race. (John 4:39) 

Relationships. Unless you are married or were in a committed dating relationship before being accepted to the World Race, we ask that you pursue intimacy with the Lord and service in His Kingdom. Romantic relationships tend to distract and the exclusivity of romantic relationships usually hurts team unity. We ask you not to pursue, engage in or give the appearance of a romantic relationship with other Racers, ministry contacts, locals or people at home from the time of your acceptance through your completion of the World Race.

Fitness. The World Race is physically demanding and every Racer needs to prepare themselves physically for the journey. We are looking for you to be healthy in every way. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Self-governance. You are expected to take responsibility for your behavior. You must be willing to enforce healthy limits on yourself without being policed. Such areas include manners, time management, personal hygiene, tattoos, alcohol (if 21+) and tobacco consumption (if 21+), etc. “I have the right to do anything,” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” — but not everything is constructive. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

The World Race is a journey, and you will find yourself challenged in many – if not all – of these areas. However, if you are willing to press in the difficulties and truly experience the beauty of abandonment and freedom in Christ, then the World Race may be exactly what you need to kickstart or redirect your life on mission!

Are you ready to apply for your World Race journey today? There are just a few more days for you to get in before the Early Registration Deadline for our October 2019 Routes! Could you see yourself setting off next October to pursue intimacy with God, while sharing the Gospel across the globe? Then you have until Jan. 15, 2019 to reduce your total fundraising goal by $700 for the October 2019 Routes.

Are you ready? Apply here!