Global Family

It’s so fun to see how God leads his children to become involved in the Kingdom work. We’re excited for our friend, Steven Reed, as he leaves in nine days to begin the World Race! He is like a son to us. He and Emily have been good friends since the second grade. They have grown up together and have always been close, working together on school projects, student government, and now share a passion for missions and international work. Steven went with Emily and me to Guatemala last year to help in the orphanage where Emily had spent the previous summer. He fell in love with the people in Central America, and the next thing we knew, he took an internship in Panama. Now he is going on the World Race and was chosen as his team leader! He is compassionate and hard-working. We’re happy to support his ministry this next year and follow his journey. Follow along with us at www.stevenreed.theworldrace.org.

We are big believers in going to see what God is doing in the world and becoming a part of it if possible. It has been so great meeting online and following so many committed young adults on the World Race. We feel like we know Emily’s teammates even though we have never met them face-to-face. We read their blogs and pray for them daily. They have become family to us this year. Their joys are ours, and their heartaches and burdens are ours, too!

The biggest blessing for the World Racers seems to be their global family…the brothers and sisters they meet and serve around the world. Language barriers disappear, differences become invisible and are replaced by common dreams for a better world……a preview of heaven. I’ve learned a lot about myself through watching and hearing their messages through their videos and blogs, and feeling honored to be a member of their audience, but wishing I was along on the race.

And then I realize that I am a member of the global family, too. I’m just an older member who has run my own race and though a little further along in the journey, I’ve not yet arrived at the destination…there’s still so much work to be done, so little time left, and all of us are needed to accomplish the task. The Racers have paved a way….and in the process of praying for them and financially supporting them, they opened my heart to passions I had forgotten about, that I really care about…. but life got busy and I put things on hold…hey just because I am 53 doesn’t mean I want to make any less of an impact than the 22 year old on the race or that God is finished with me yet…so thanks for inspiring and reminding me to get back on track and in the action! For so many people, you have jolted our memories and renewed our confidence in what God will do with an individual’s availability and trust in Him….and you’ve given us fresh faith in the Lord’s goodness.

Fellow racers, I know you’re getting tired, and worn down, and homesick, and ready to take a break….but hold on and finish strong the race that is set before you…..then we’ll join you for the rest!