World Race coaches are a different breed. We’re empty nesters who, having reared our own children, apparently loved it so much that we’ve come back for seconds. Truth is, we care deeply about raising up the next generation and we do crazy things to back up the commitment.
So Karen and I are coaching our fourth World Race squad. We flew three jets to Hyderabad, India, where we’re rendezvousing with the T-squad. 44 racers have given up everything for a year to minister to the poor in 11 countries as they go around the world.
Their leaders are Noe Rivera and Hollis Johnson. We have high hopes for them and for the squad their leading. In a recent blog, Noe shares his passion to follow God and touch the world:
“I’m stirred again. Stirred enough that even though my life is great, a future here in America is great, to whisper back to God… “I love you. I love you, so use me. Take me wherever. More than anything, and above all, I choose you. I’ll die for you. I love, You!”
Missionary work today, in this generation, looks different. I am the new different. And the 43 other young adults I will be with, we are different. We are on fire for God, and nothing will stop us. We will look at the conditions of our world and we will not be silent. We will rise up, we will raise our voices, and we will declare to the nations that the victory has been won, that Jesus is alive, and that they matter, their condition matters, their heart matters, and that we will fight the devil with everything we have to declare boldly God as king and lover of this world. Amen?! Well to this I shout in my heart…..AMEN!”
Who wouldn’t want to raise young men and women like this? Karen and I find such life in pouring into them. It’s a privilege to watch them be tested in the world’s slums and muddy backstreets. It’s incredible to watch them grab onto the kind of passion that Noe exudes.
Comments (4)
Leave a Reply
coaching a world race squad sounds like an incredible opportunity, the ripple effects enormous.
jealous! 😉
Praying! Enjoy! GO T SQUAD!
xoxo
The world is truly Blessed with young folks like these ministering.
We at home are blessed to see a smiling loved one in the center of this photo, and know she is well. Everyone in the photo are embarking on an incredible journey of Christ’s will.
My heart is glowing.
God Bless,
John
Good stuff.
I’d encourage them to know their mission history too though- to be inspired and encouraged. Noe writes:
“We are different. We are on fire for God, and nothing will stop us. We will look at the conditions of our world and we will not be silent. We will rise up, we will raise our voices, and we will declare to the nations that the victory has been won, that Jesus is alive, and that they matter, their condition matters, their heart matters, and that we will fight the devil with everything we have to declare boldly God as king and lover of this world.”
There have been a lot of ‘on fire’ missionaries before him who have not backed down, who have not been silent, who have declared Jesus’ victory to the nations and His love and value to the neglected, and who have fought the devil and given their earthly lives in the battle. Many many who did not back down and without internet and other luxuries of today, have a lot to teach us and the younger generation about giving it all for Jesus.
The ones who have gone before might not be as ‘different’ as Noe imagines. Clothes maybe, but their passion and commitment is at least beyond what I see in today’s generation. I have respect for the generation of believers like Noe, but I don’t see too many of them packing their belongings in a casket- a common practice of earlier missionaries. Don’t get me wrong- I see great potential in these young guys, but I respect the missionaries before me- and walk in humility knowing there is wisdom to gain from them.