Racers!! Our latest project here at the World Race is called
the World Race Update Report, or WR update - still looking for the perfect
name, but you get the picture. We just went live with our very first one and
here it is, please take a look so you can get a feel of what it is we are
doing:
Our goal for this project is to create a monthly update for
the website that will put people at ease and draw them into the World Race
website by using humor, creativity, compelling stories and information.
This is where you, the racer, come in - I need your help.
Here's how:
1)Whenever
you come across something that would make for great TV-email me.
(rustyajackson@gmail.com)
2)Upload
your video and interviews to Vimeo, or another site that allows me to download
from it. I'm not always interested in the final production because most people
put in music and edit in such a way that it makes it very difficult for me to
re-work the piece for my use on the WR Monthly Update. So always be thinking
raw video and interviews.
3)You
can put all your raw video and interviews in a folder nicely labeled on your
desktop. Then when someone from the WR staff shows up at your debrief you can
transfer it to their HD which they will deliver to me.
I appreciate any help you all can provide, but please know
that when you give me your video, you are giving me free reign to do with it
what I want. Most of the time you will get credit for your work in the WR
update, but I don't want to promise anything.
I'm interested in most any type of story - so be creative.
Show me what God is doing in the lives of those around you. I love "God-did"
stories. I love features on the locals, as well as stories that show the type
of work you are doing in the nations. Fun stories on how you live and what you
eat is cool too. I'm rarely interested in music videos unless they are under 45
seconds to a minute.
Remember, the whole point of this is to draw people in and
ultimately get more folks out of their comfort zone and into the nations. God
is using the World Race to awaken and transform a generation - how cool that we
get to be a part of this!
Leaders, I need you guys to pass this out to your teams.
Right now I'm not exactly sure who will be my point person
in this effort. But at some point I'll have someone working with me to get
these elements from the field (so that person will be sending leaders and
racers emails). Once I know who the person is I will pass the info along to
everyone.
Some of you may have seen fees showing up on your support account recently. I apologize that we did not explain this in advance... there were a few technical errors and clarifications to make. Let me explain now how you can get the most out of your donation.
1)Credit Card Donors. Our society loves the quick and efficient. Most donors will appreciate being able to click a simple link, put in their info, and be done. Donors love even more to set up an account to automatically donate on a regular basis and forget about it. However, efficiency comes with a price. Credit card companies make their money by charging fees to be able to use this service. When a donor gives via credit or debit card, you will see a 5% fee deducted from your support account for that convenience.
2)Bank Draft Donors. In order to reduce the fee for donations, we have added a Bank Draft choice to your online giving. Donors can choose this option online and then they may enter the information from the bottom of a check rather than a credit card. By choosing this option, you will only see a 3% fee deducted from your support account.
3)Written Check Donors. One of the cheapest options is to have donors write a check or money order and send that to Adventures In Missions, P.O. Box 534470, Atlanta, GA 30353-4470. This sends the check directly to our bank where it is deposited. The bank then sends an image of that check to our accounting department to apply toward your support. There are no fees for checks mailed this way. However, please allow 2 weeks from the date you mail the check before you expect to see it in your support account. Also please note that you cannot receive letters or any correspondence at this address. It is only for checks or money orders.
4)DynaPay Donors. This last option is to try and combine the convenient and cheap options as best as possible. By signing up for DynaPay, a donation is automatically deducted from a checking account each month with no fees. To sign up for DynaPay, request a form by emailing info@theworldrace.org. Have your donor fill out that form and return it signed with a voided check to Adventures in Missions, Attn: Accounting, 6000 Wellspring Trail, Gainesville, GA 30506. IMPORTANT: The downside of DynaPay is that the donor MUST contact us in the office to stop the automatic withdrawal when they no longer wish to keep giving. DynaPay will continue to deduct each month unless the donor directly says "Please cancel my donation now." Should your donor sign up for this option, please make sure they clearly understand that.
When speaking with donors, we recommend that you succinctly explain each giving option, allowing them to choose which option works best for them.
Just letting you know that our database systems are going through a major overhaul tonight. If all goes smoothly you'll see a new, easier system coming live this week. We don't plan on losing any information, so there's nothing you should need to do. However, as with all computer fun-ness... anything is possible.
We are maintaining your folders with all of the paperwork you have sent in. You will not see these documents on your new profile page, but they are not lost. Your support account should stay the same and the info there should be unaffected.
Over the next few weeks when you access your support account or profile online, if you notice anything out of place or broken, please just drop me an email and let me know. We'll get things fixed as soon as possible.
So I'm about as far from a filmmaker as they come, but the Lord moved me hard today to make this for all of you. I'm sure all of us have been feeling that roller coaster of emotions lately-the second-guessing, the never-ending tears. Trust me when I say, nobody is alone in any of this. Anyway, as I was driving in my car today, the song "Speaking Louder Than Before" by Jeremy Camp came on the radio. Now, I'm not sure if you're familiar with this song or not but, regardless, you need to look up the words and reflect on them. God spoke to me through these words today and He asked me to share them with you all so I am. As much fun as it was to make the video, I ask that you concentrate on the words to the song and the fact that you personally are a part of this Race. Oh and you may recognize some of your photos in the video...I borrowed oh so lovingly from many people :)
So let's rise up men of God! And let us rise up women too! Let's go out and speak louder than before! There are people out there who are waiting for us, each and every one of us. Have you thought about that? There's a child of God somewhere who is waiting for you to enter their life. This child has never smiled and they never will until they see you! I'm not talking about you in general here. I'm talking you specific. You are going to change someone's life just by being in it. You are meant to be right where you are. God has destined you for this since before you were even in the womb, before you were even a thought in your parent's minds. You are going to change the world for somebody. I promise you that. I know you're scared but you don't have to be. He told me so Himself. He told me you're anxious; He told me your nervous; He told me you don't even know where to begin. He simply asks that you trust. He is NOT going to place you in harm's way. He will cradle you in His loving arms throughout this entire year and for your entire life! The Lord loves you and has called you for this. Rise up, my brother. Rise up, my sister. Let's go out there and shout. Let's go out there and speak louder than before!
As I was looking through songs on my computer and listening to various ones to see what I wanted to use for my 'Monday's Music Meditations" tomorrow, I came across a song that I felt called to share with you all. It's by one of my all-time favorite artists, Brett Dennen and the song is called "Don't Forget." As you listen to the song and read the lyrics, imagine that God as singing this song to YOU. Don't mind the video, it's not the most popular song so I didn't have many to choose from and well, the ending is kind of sad.
don't forget, don't forget
mhmm
that I believe in you
should you forget
should you forget
let me remind
that I am behind you
you were a secret,waiting to be found out
soon be what everyone is talking about
may you spread your love like laughter
find whatever you're after
open all your windows and let the music spill out
don't forget, don't forget
that I believe in you
should you forget
should you forget
let me remind you
that I am behind
may you dance like rain upon a still lake
you make this world a beautiful place
no more crying, don't shun your light, keep shining
wipe your tears from your sweet face
don't forget, don't forget
that I believe in you
should you forget
should you forget
let me remind you
that I am behind
don't be afraid should things happen to change
'cause change can be a beautiful thing
should things fall apart
be patient like a rainbow
life is loving and letting go
Guys (and gals), I just wanted to remind you all that we're not going at this alone. As August 11th (or August 9th for you leaders) draws closer and closer, I know I'm not the only one who's starting to get a bit anxious and nervous. Just remember that God believes in each and every one of you. He is behind you and He has prepared you. And if you ever need a reminder of this, I'd be more than happy to be there for any of you because I also believe in all of you. I truly feel that I am lucky and blessed to be going out with the group of people I am (and I'm not just referring to goodness.gracious....though we are pretty amazing). Each and every one of you is an amazing child of God. Don't forget. So as you go forth to "spread your love like laughter" and "make this world a beautiful place," may you remember that "life is loving and letting go." Let's do this and do it for the Lord, our God, who loves us enough to send us!
Don't bargain with God. Be Direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we are in.
The first time I heard of this was at Training Camp last year. To be honest at first I thought these people were kind of crazy. They believe that God responds back to the questions they asked him. I was uncomfortable with that, but my real problem was that I didn't think that this wonderful amazing God would really spend that time speaking to me! God loves us SO much. He wants to communicate with me and you. He wants to show us what we want to know, he wants to answer our prayers. He wants to know us, and us know him. He wants us to have a PERSONAL relationship with him. He wants me & you and your grandma to all have a different, special relationship with him.
Think if you could ask God what his will was for you and then hear his response? Wouldn't that be life changing! Well, he does want to speak to us, we just have to listen.
We don't have to pray these prayers with thousands of words, we don't have to think about what we need to say or worry if we are praying the correct way,
Listening Prayer is asking God a question and waiting for a response. It's not complicated, or saying the right words. It's about being willing and waiting. You might already be hearing God, but you don't want to put words in God's mouth and dishonor him if it isn't him, but have you ever stopped and thought maybe you were dishonoring him by not crediting him? So don't be afraid to give God the credit!
So, here is what I encourage, challenge, want you to do. I want you to give this a try. You might not hear anything at first but keep trying! What do you have to lose? What if you had the opportunity to hear God's voice but never tried?
Take a ½ hour a couple times this week and try!
Ÿ Quiet Yourself.
Ÿ Ask for protection from deception.
Ÿ Ask for clarity to hear & understand.
Ÿ Wait & Listen.
Journal your questions and the responses that you get so that you can record what you heard. Then you can look back on it later. Get guidance from someone more spiritually mature then you, so that you can make sure what you hear is from God. Journaling also helps you keep focused about what you are doing. Don't worry if other things pop into your head, like your English paper or that you forgot to feed the dog, just have another piece of paper to write down these things, because by writing those down you both dismiss them from your mind and remember to do them.
Don't worry if you don't hear anything the first time. Practice is the only way you will see results.
When you get an answer, clarify that it is from God by going through these steps.
Ÿ Ask: Is it Scriptural?
Ÿ Ask: Will it produce good fruit, or spiritual growth?
Ÿ Don't be afraid to ask someone (who is a mentor, or who is more spiritually mature)
Ÿ Apply it! Don't be content to hear from the Lord, but do what he tells you.
EXERCISE
Journal about this: Take your Bible, journal and two different colored pens. Use one to write what you are thinking, and another to write what God is saying to you.
Spend a few minutes thinking about this scripture:
2 Chronicles 7:14-15 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.
Ask God these questions and wait for the Holy Spirit to respond.
There are several kinds of "fasts" that we can practice. Many times the intensity of the need will determine this. I hope to answer some basic questions about the practice of fasting. Remember I am not an expert on this.
What are different kinds of fast?
1) There is a limited fast. A person limits their diet for a time as a part of seeking to do the will of God. An example is found in Daniel 1:8-13, where Daniel and his three friends asked for a limited diet in order to follow God's law and God's will.
2) There is a standard fast. A person eats no food but does drink liquids. This is the most common fast in the Scriptures.
3) There is an absolute fast. A person does not eat or drink for a period of time. Esther called for a three-day fast of this kind. (4:1-17) A person normally cannot go without liquids for more than three days.
Who should fast?
1) A personal fast. A fast done by an individual.
2) A partner fast. A fast done in which two or more enter in. This could be a small group or a leadership team (Acts 13:1-13), a congregation coming together in a heart-to-heart seeking of the Lord (Ezra 8:21-23).
3) A community fast. In which A city tribe or nation all are called to fast as in Jonah 3.
When should a person or group fast?
There are no regular fast days commanded in the New Testament.
How is a fast to be done?
First of all, the heart attitude and motive must be right. Fasting is directed to the Lord not to people. (Matthew 6:16-18).
Secondly, let the Lord lead you as to the timing and length of a fast. Remember, it is the heart attitude. We cannot go on a "holy hunger strike" and expect the Lord to "give in" to our desires.
Thirdly, there are some practical guidelines:
• Keep your focus on the Lord, trusting Him in the situation and need (Hebrews 11:6)
• Stay in the attitude of prayer throughout the day. Set aside segments of time for specific prayer. Pray often.
• Read Scripture much during your time of prayer and fasting. Praying is as much listening as talking. Record any insights you gain.
• Drink plenty of juices and/or water as you fast.
• For those on medication or who have been ill, be cautious and get an OK from your doctor.
• Some are not able to fast because of a physical condition. They must have regular meals. The Lord may lead you to "fast" from certain food, etc. Remember, the important thing is the heart attitude not the calorie count.
• Sometimes, there may be a little dizziness, headache, or nausea from not eating. Do not be alarmed. Remember to drink extra liquids.
When it is all said and done, may we have the testimony of Daniel, "So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting" Daniel 9:30
I wanted to share with you a story that has touched my heart.
A worker in China writes: "I am a single woman working in a Chinese city alone, but God is with me in everything! When I first arrived in my city, I moved into my apartment and called my family to give them my new phone number. My mother's first statement was, "An ambulance has just picked up your sister. She will be dead by the end of the week." (She had been suffering with cancer for some time.) I didn't know what to do.
After investigating a way to get to the states, God led me to call home again. I said, "God, I can't. I know my sister is gone." However, I called and found out that my sister had just died. I talked to my mom for a while and then sat on my couch alone. I asked God, "Why am I here? I should be with my family!"
Immediately there was a knock on my window. A young lady said, "I was told that I should come and see you. May I come in?" Totally unaware of what I was going through she plopped down on the couch and said, "I have been searching for God. Can you tell me about the true God? She accepted Jesus as her Savior that day.
I thanked God for reminding me why I live overseas and that I am never alone. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of grief, He is with me. Those who think I am a team of one can't see the One who stands beside me."
Psalm 23:1-4, "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside the peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me."
God has called each one of you for a specific purpose. At this time in your support raising some of you may be asking, "Will I get enough raised?" Please do not get discouraged, work at it with all your might. Get your prayer teams to pray. This is when you need them around you the most. Don't lose sight of your goal.
Don't miss the opportunity that God has placed in front of you, like the woman in China, she was obedient to God and look what God did for her. Don't get discouraged, if you are, please let us know. We want to encourage you and pray for you.
Why do we fast? Why should we fast? What is fasting? Who is to fast? There are many questions about fasting. I am sure you have many questions and hopefully we can answer your questions and guide you in a fast that will work for you.
There are several reasons that we should fast, I am going to focus on three reasons.
ONE is a humble admission of need. The need may be forgiveness of sin, comfort over some grief or sorrow, concern over the situation of an individual, a city, or a nation, or the need for guidance and direction from the Lord. For example, when Nehemiah heard about the condition of Jerusalem, he immediately began to mourn and seek the Lord in fasting and prayer (Nehemiah 1:4-11). He poured out his heart to God and admitted to God the needs of the people. Nehemiah had a great need. Take time to read the passage. His prayer is powerful. For other examples see Daniel 9:3, 1 Samuel 7:6; 31:13, 1 Kings 21:27-29, Nehemiah 9:1, Esther 4:1-3, Psalm 35:13; 69:10; 109:24, Isaiah 58:5-6.
TWO is a humble request for help. This is closely linked to the first reason. Before we will ask for help we have to admit we have a need - a need we know we cannot meet. God alone can give the needed help. Our requests can include seeking the Lord's guidance for a decision (Judges 20:26), for healing (2 Samuel 12:16-23), or for safety and protection (Ezra 8:21-23). Ester 4:16 records Esther's plea for the people to fast for her for three days concerning the deliverance of the Jewish people. In Jonah 3:3-10, the entire city of Nineveh entered into a fast to repent of their wickedness and to seek deliverance from certain judgment.
In the New Testament, we find examples of those who sought the Lord with a whole heart at a time of great need or as an expression of humble dependence on the Lord to guide or provide in some way. In Matthew 4:2, Jesus revealed His dependence on His Father during the wilderness temptations. The forty days of prayer and fasting were a time of intense focus on the Father and submission to all of His will and His Word. When Jesus taught on fasting, He clearly showed that it was a matter of a heart-to-heart focus on the Father, a submission to His will , and an act of trusting in His supply for the need.
THREE is a haughty attempt to get one's own way. Isaiah 58:1-4 is one of the clearest rebukes to a proud heart full of selfish motives. This type of fasting is of no benefit.
God looks at the heart not the outer man. He is concerned that we are walking humbly before Him with a desire only to do His will. He delights in us seeking Him with a whole heart, and sometimes a whole heart requires a time of fasting. This thought brings us to the practice of fasting. How do we go about a time of prayer and fasting? What are the procedures? Answers to these can be found in the next posting.
After your support letters go out, should you follow that letter up with a phone call? I believe you should.
What should you say in that phone call? Ask them if they received your letter and let them know what you are going to be doing. Let them hear from you why you are going and why God placed this trip on your heart. Let them hear your passion.
Should you ask them to give to this trip? Absolutely! Don't straight out ask them but ask them to prayerfully consider giving to this cause.
Many of you never realized that you needed to ASK people to give your cause. Most of you think that once you sent out your support letter your part was finished. That is not true, ASKING is a necessary step. Always keep in mind that you are not asking for money for yourself, but you are asking for money for the poorest of poor all over the world.
How do you feel about the asking?
Spiritual people don't ask for money. They pray and God moves people to give.
AIM should raise the funds for you.
Raise support? You have to be a great salesman to succeed.
Christians should only give to their local church.
There is a big fear factor is raising support. Ninety-two percent of all Christian workers experience fear of asking for money and the other eight percent are liars.
Here are a couple Bible studies that will help you face some of those fears and help give you the confidence in God that you need. They helped me when I first started in the support raising process.
Deuteronomy 8: Moses Explanation of the Wilderness Journey
What are the Lord's main commands in the chapter?
What did he want Israel to learn by wandering in the desert? (vv. 2-6)
What does he now promise? (vv. 7-10)
What are his warnings? (vv. 11-20)
How are you in a similar position to the Israelites?
1 Kings 17:1-16: The Lord's Provision During Depression
What would your reaction be if you were Elijah when the brook went dry?
What happened as a result about the Lord's care and power over "the economy"?
When were you sure of something God called you to do, but it looked impossible? What did you do/ What happened?
Matthew 7:7