Sean Smith - WorldRace 2009

In a life raft with a lion.

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

** This is something I wrote the other day. Just kind of spilled out of me, before I knew it this is what was on paper**

In a life raft with a lion!

I can't tell if the Lion is mine or if I'm His.... maybe it's both?

I know that I'm not His prey, which changes the dynamic completely. Well, most of it! There's still a slight fear, it's a lion, but not of Him necessarily. Rather, of whom He is! At any moment He could devour me, but He chooses not to!

Why is He here in this place with me? It seems, un-proportional.

As time persists, I realize that I'm comfortable with this Lion. He hasn't abused His power or the unspoken promise, "I will never hurt you, for what you sensed is true, I am yours and you are mine.'"

What do you do with such an epiphany, such a paradox? The storm around you seems, insignificant! The waves, wind, and sound seem to be "besides the point." I mean, you're in a LIFE RAFT WITH A LION! No matter how comfortable you think you can get you still can't escape His gaze; those deep, regal, and magnificent eyes. With every glance you're somehow brought back to the point. This smilingly bizarre paradox seems to make complete sense. It's fearing the storm that seems to be so unrealistic!

Can I carry the gift from this experience onto land once I reach shore?! Will the memory of this be as pungent as it is now?! Will I remember the details of His face as I do at this moment?! Will I remember how powerless yet favored I felt? How helpless yet cared for? How special yet how small I felt in comparison to the waves around me. How nothing mattered except for some reason the Lion favored me even cared for me! How this realization gave me a peace I've never known before!

Once I feared the storm. Now I fear loosing this awareness!

I'm in a lift raft with a Lion!

The storm is His, the life raft is His... and both are true, "I am the Lion's and HE IS MINE!"

Bullet-Proof Monk #4

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

My heart was heavy with joy as my friend, who I haven't seen in two years, was now sitting with me at church. Keyla was a Buddhist monk when I first met Him. Much has changed with Keyla in the past two years

I want to reintroduce you to him. I've mentioned him in a few blogs from time to time. Click here to read, bullet-proff-monk-3 I met Keyla in Cambodia on my first World Race. We've been in touch ever since and is a good friend of mine.

He follows every blog of mine and writes me e-mails every week. He's reading this one right now.

It was great to see you Keyla, my friend! I hope this blog blesses you! I will see you again!

Over the course of the past two years Keyla left his "Monk Hood." Since then he has been very proactive in reaching out to the people of his country. Specifically the children, he has started a school in a rural area in Siem Reap. Some of the students are orphans but in general the students don't have much money, so it's free for every student to attend. The school is also where Keyla's lives, it's his home. He works with another gentlemen, Mr. Ross, and they have partnered together to run the school for the 30 students.

Keyla speaks 3 languages and is finishing His studies at a university where he studies English. To put it nicely, Cambodian universities aren't like Universities in the West, nor Is Keyla's life. He has a very humble living and is doing all He can to make the most out of what he has. All he wants to do is create opportunity for the children in his country. He believes He can do this by teaching English. English is an open door for opportunity in Cambodia. It means you can have a shot at decent job, like a tour guide, and make decent money.

God has been doing something big in Keyla's heart. We spent a lot of time together while I was in Siem Reap. He told me one day, "I am half and half... I still believe in the way of Buddha, but I also believe in your God! I was a monk- Buddhism is what I know- but I believe in your God also, I want to learn more- show me how! You helped me in my life, and I watched your life and meet other Christians- I think one day I will be all the way for your God- but for now I want to study the Bible, and one day... yes I think so!"

Ahh... I love you Keyla!! =)

We had such an amazing conversation that day, if you can imagine! Such Joy and honesty between us! I admire his heart and passion to serve the people of his country!

I ask you all to partner with me in prayer over Keyla. He is an amazing man, and there is such favor over his life! I see the hand of God on him!! He has expressed to know more about the one true God, about Jesus! So let it be so! This is my prayer for my friend!

This is for you Keyla!

"Father, religion was made by man! You are not religion! You were before that! You are the beginning and the end! You are intimacy, you are relationship, you are love, you are power, you are He who made the world and man who lives within it! You are the creator, the one true God! You are not theology or theory! You are substance, tangible, and alive! You sent your son to make a way for us all! Thank you! I felt you all my life, but I didn't know what to call you, or how to get to you! But you made the way through your son Jesus! Thank for never stopping to bring me to where I am now! Thank you for giving me an encounter with you that I'll never be able to shake from my memory or spirit! God- you told me things, and you keep doing it! Thank you for not stopping! Thank you for being tangible! I want for my friend what you have given me, Hope and LIFE like I've never know! To now know the one who made me, you God! And to be on the journey of Greater things!. On the journey of learning the Heart of God, and the endless love that you have for everyone! I pray that Keyla has an encounter with you and your love for Him! An encounter with your spirit! I bind Him to the highest will that you have for His life! I pray He goes past where I've been or where I think I'm going! I pray that you would prosper Keyla in His nation and bring life and restoration to it! I pray that he would be a leader in His community and even country! I pray for %100 because you %100 p know and love him! I speak over His eyes and ears; "may you hear and see only Life and truth!!! May death, lies, and illusion be shown for what they are!" I thank you that you're patient God and that you'll always be with him, and that it never stops! I pray for Angels to be with Him and protect Him! I bind Hope and Love to Him! And I pray Destiny would be revealed. In Jesus Name"

********If you have prayers for keyla, write them in the comment box! He will read them!

Haiti--

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A few days ago the country of Haiti faced tragedy. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the capitol city, and thousands are feared dead. In 2008 they faced 4 different tropical storms/hurricanes. Floods. Mudslides. They've had political unrest for years. The spiritual climate is very dark because of the many followers of Voodoo. It's not an easy place to live. And now this.

Adventures In Missions and The World Race care about the people of Haiti and are paying close attention to the aftermath that has followed this earthquake. They are mobilizing teams to send out as you read this- and will be on a plane within a few days if all goes as planned. Alumni from the WorldRace and others a like are making their way to the country to assist with "on-the-ground" needs! I assure you there's plenty of it. We all remember Katrina and the great need for people and resources! Additionally, there are AIM missionaries already there!

It's hard to imagine all this because I'm so detached.... I'm on the other side of the world. But it doesn't change the fact that people are dying!

At the very least I hope this little blog helps to connect someone with the right people!

This video is from an organization that's on the ground right now, real time, assisting and helping the people of Haiti. They themselves are in great need. If you're like me, you like to know who you're getting involved with, or at the very least, know where your money is going! This video will give you incite as to who they are, and one of many options to help the people of Haiti...if this is your desire.

Haiti - Canaan Orphanage Malnutrition Initative from andrew hudson on Vimeo.

If you want to help here are some options!

:::::::Contact and Give through the Organization in the Video:::::

Canaan is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations can be given online through paypal at http://www.canaanorphanage.org. If you would prefer to send a check, you can use the self-addressed envelope included with this letter. We will continue to update our efforts, upcoming relief trips and stories of how God moves in the midst of this tragedy online at http://www.canaanorphange.org and http://www.haitinutritionproject.org/blog/. Thank you for your support of this ministry. God help Haiti.

::::::::Give a gift-through Adventures in Missions:::::::

Click here to give a tax-deductible financial gift for the purchase of supplies needed for first response (food, blankets, shelters, basic health care, etc.).

::::::::Pray::::::::

Continue to pray over the country of Haiti, over the ministry that we're establishing down there, and for physical and spiritual restoration.

::::Stay up to Speed::::

http://haiti.adventures.org/

And then there were three!

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Since I was a kid, I've dreamed of traveling the world with purpose! A pioneer of sorts! And it seems that everything has lead up to this! All my life experiences, everything! I don't know if I've made the most out of every day but I'm trying! The other night I was listening to childhood memories of mine! I've been so entrenched with those I'm serving or things I'm doing I sometimes forget to take time to step back!

Every time I step back, I become more aware and realize that God continually gives me my heart desires.-and it makes me want to weep!

I'm traveling the world, experiencing and seeing things I never would have imagined. Most of all I'm accompanied by rare and special people who carry the same heartbeat!

It's true, it's not where you go, it's whom you do it with!

Me Andi

Andi Wendel is rare women! In my opinion she is The Whisper of the Beloved Bride of Christ! What do I mean by that?? When you're around her you feel refreshed and loved! It's who she is not who she tries to be! She's one of rare strength and balance! Someone that will make you feel great but wont let you slide! She'll call you to greatness and will believe in you more then you'll believe in yourself! When you spend time with her you have thoughts like, "I wonder if everyone in heaven is like her, if they feel like her, love like her, have passion like her. I feel like I'm learning so much just by whom she is! I want to Love the way she does!" She makes you feel like the bride of Christ is truly something special. I honor you Andi!!!

It has been my rare pleasure to serve along side her! These past 4 months have been extremely life giving greatly due to her!

A common dream we both share is to make our ceiling the floor of those we come to serve. Part of our job description as squad leaders, is to develop leaders from within the group to take our place as squad leaders. Well...God gave us three! From this point forward Andi and I are no longer the squad leaders of L Squad!

A few days ago we arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The first two days were dedicated to an official handing over of our authority as squad leaders to these three amazing people!

The New: L Squad Leaders

Jory Katie Weston

Truth is, we just partnered with what God was already doing! These leaders were being raised up well before we met them! Years of life experience preparing them for this hour! They will take this squad where Andi and I could not! They are men and women of honor, love, and are heavily anointed by the Spirit of God! They are men and women of God!!! They are a 1 Thessalonians 1:5 people. "For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the holy spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake!" They're full of hope, passion, and love and are anointed!

What I love most about them is that they are for the people! They live to see others surpass where they've been! It's what gives them life! They want twice as much for the squad then they want for themselves. They have exceptional gifting but they also have character! I believe they're going to lead this squad better then Andi and myself could...and will continue to rise to the occasion!

It's what I hoped would happen. To leave the squad in better hands then my own! It's a dream come true! And to know Andi and I have part in it makes it all the sweeter! Everything I came to do and hoped to see, seems to be happening! Thank you Lord!!

Andi and I are spending one final month with the squad to help with the development of Katie, Weston, and Jory as squad leaders. Our focus in now on the three of them! After which Andi and I will leave the squad at the end of the month! We won't be "done" with "leading" the squad but rather in more of a coaching position for the remainder of the year! Every few months we will be joining the squad in whatever country they're in for debriefs, and we'll so do until the end of their year!

However, It's bittersweet leaving! I love this group!

Hard to believe this is my life when:

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"Experience has taught me that I connect best with others when I connect with the core of myself. When I allow God to liberate me from unhealthy dependence on people, I listen more attentively, love more unselfishly, and am more compassionate and playful. I take myself less seriously, become aware that the breath of the Father is on my face and that my countenance is bright with laughter in the midst of an adventure that I thoroughly enjoy." ---B. Mannining

Hard to believe this is my life,

When we're invited to meet the "Governor" of one of the provinces in Thailand and then allowed to pray for the King in the name of Jesus with all the government officials in the building in a Buddhist country!

I find myself in a country I can't mention! In a church I can't tell you about! Worshiping the Lord in an Illegal manner after being escorted and monitored by a government official- who's job is to monitor people just like me! Experiencing the Holy Spirit show up in that church during worship, then soon after being forced to stop because the police heard the sound from the streets.

When I get to spend my days clearing land for refugee children and finish everyday by jumping into a refreshing river in the middle of the jungle for my shower!

I find myself among the only foreigners at what seems to be a hidden a Muy Thai fight. Sitting right next to the most important government official (equivalent to a US senator) in the province along with the Governor we met a few days prior and all their families in the VIP section! Conversing,, laughing, and enjoying an evening together as people! Being allowed to take pictures with the fighters and go in the ring and goof off! The whole night cost a $1.50!

When I get to hike through a hidden cave that you could fit a house through in the middle of the Jungle and spend the afternoon exploring the river that ran through it!

When I wake up everyday in my tent, with the option of picking bananas from the trees, or eating fresh Coconut from the Palms!

When the local people in the middle of the Jungle cooked and served us every meal!

When I get to spend my Christmas with 46 of the most amazing and inspiring people in Bangkok Thailand!

When I didn't ask for any of this yet it keeps on happening!

I'm so grateful for the time I've been given in Northern Thailand and Neighboring countries! The people we've met will forever be in my heart! What a privilege it is to have been here!

A smoldering wick.

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A smoldering wick!

Christians who remain in hiding continue to live the lie. We deny the reality of our sin. In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds, out of fear or shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others. But when we dare to live as forgiven men and women, we join the wounded healers and draw closer to Jesus.

The more I draw close to him the more I become! "In love's service, only wounded soldiers can serve!" Thornton Wilder .... And so, "I shall be very happy to make my weakness my special boast that the power of Christ may stay over me!" 2 Corinthians 12:9

The first weak and a half of this month it was if I was a smoldering wick! Barely a flame! No one knew accept me and God! Praise God that He visits weaknesses and not strengths! Spiritually, emotionally, and physically I was tired. No excuse or real reason just tired and empty! I found myself not covering my squad in the way I needed to! My unacceptable lack of patience, grace, and love quickened my awareness and heeded a very needed repentance to my squad! This was crucial for my sake!

Then it was if He said, "Come to Me now," "Quit projecting onto Me your own feelings about yourself. At this moment your spirit is a bruised reed and I will not crush it, a smoldering wick and I will not quench it. You are in a safe place. You are loved!'

Running in pursuit of more with the Lord without taking a sober look And evaluation myself on a consistent basis would be a mistake! Brokenness, weakness, and honesty seem to be essential in my pursuit of becoming a better man!

"I knew there was only one place to go. I sank down into the center of my soul, grew still, and listened to the Rabbi's heartbeat."

Because I'm becoming more and more ok with not being perfect I'm becoming more aware of my selfishness and stupidity at times. God brings it into the light, reproves me, builds me and gives me more then I had coming in! He has strengthened me yet again and I feel I'm in the best place I've been since coming back on the race. I'm realizing how much I appreciate the Father's discipline- and that the scriptures are true. "He disciplines those He loves!" To convince myself that I don't need reproving or discipline would mean that I'm God! I'm NOT God! I'm desperate, broken, and just hanging on to the one I love! Yet my life increases and the testimonies He gives me!

Thank you Father my King for calling me to Greatness and not allowing me to settle!

" A bruised read he will not break and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out until he leads justice to victory." Mathew 12:20 ; Isaiah 42:3

Quotes and inspiration from Brennan Manning!- "The Rabbi's Heartbeat"

Sex not for sale!

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I've currently taken all 15 men from my squad up to Northern Thailand while all the women are working in the "red light districts" in different cites throughout Thailand! This is a recent story from one of the women on our squad! Jamie Neumann. Click here to visit her blog.

More to come about the men soon!

To Feel Human For A Day...

It all began with a dream. A dream to become a nurse. A dream to help people who are suffering with illnesses and give them a hope for a better future. That was the dream of a girl working the bars in Patong when she used to live with her family right outside of Bangkok. But then reality set it that she was going to be the one to provide for her family, she would be the one to send her sisters to university for a good education, that her own parents would send her 12 hours away to sell herself in order to provide. And this girl, being selfless, turned her back on her dreams to live a life of instant gratification for men and lifelong torment for her. Does she want this life? Absolutely not!

This is the woman we have been building a relationship with. She is 22 years old and works every night in the Bars. Her sense of humor lights up the room and her joyful spirit is an inspiration. People naturally flock to her and want to be around her. I know that is how we have felt about her! So day after day of going to the bar to see her we asked her what a perfect day would look like for her. She told us lunch, a movie, and then karaoke. We told her we would love to do that with her and we will take her out to do that. She agreed! New years eve day was going to be our day to show her a good time outside of the bar. A day to feel human again and free. We wrote on her hand before we left the bar that night to meet us at 11am back at the bar. So yesterday we got there at 11am like we said we would. 11:20 rolls around and no show, a thread of disappointment ran through us but we did not lose hope. We decided to call her, no answer. 10 minutes later the phone rang... it was her! She said she got held up with a customer but was on her way and wanted to see us! We couldn't help but jump for joy, while at the same time our hearts broke. Broke for what she has to be put through everyday because her family sent her to do this thing. Around noon she came down the street. She saw us and had a huge smile on her face. We asked her how she was doing? She told us she was tired, especially since she just spent the last week in the hospital with dengue fever. But we were determined to have a good day and spend quality time with her. The day started with some authentic Thai lunch at her favorite place in Patong. After we went to the mall and were going to see a movie. She was supposed to clean the bar at 2 and she told us she would call her boss to see if she didn't have to come in. That way she could spend the day with us. He told her no, that she had to come clean, especially since her customer didn't keep her as long as the rest of the girls from the bar. Again disappointment ran through, but still a sense that God had His hand all over her and her life. We walked her back to the bar, gave her a hug, and see looked at us with longing. Longing to stay and just feel alive, feel as if she doesn't belong to a man for a price, rather a human being who is truly worthy of love, time, and genuine affection. We told her we would come back to the bar tonight and see her then. She agree and off we went.

Last night we went back to the bar. We all got really excited to see each other. We ordered our cokes and just chatted with her for a while. I asked her what do I have to do so you don't have to be here tonight, so that you can just have fun and relax. She said she didn't know... so I asked her if I could buy her for the night, especially with it being New Years and she could come down to the beach with us to celebrate. She said sure! I just would have to pay the "bar fine" as payment for taking their her away, but at this point it is just money. Her life is worth so much more then that! I just desire for her to keep feeling human and not let this day end with her at the bar. She willingly left with us! SHE LEFT WITH US TONIGHT AND WALKED OUT OF THE BAR! We walked down to starbucks and met up with our whole group. We all walked down to the beach. Hundreds of lanterns and fireworks were in the air! It was beautiful and to top it off she was with us! New Years celebration was full of joy.

She got to spend New Years having fun outside of the bar, and have an awesome time. A night of feeling real and enjoying life. Life more full then the empty life at the bar. Life started with a dream and tonight Alison asked her to dream again. Alison asked her for her New Years wish...

She replied, "A new life..."

Part #2- Let Them Go!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I've worked with the youth/ young adults of my nation in various capacities and now as a squad leader on the race. Todayay I want to share with you a blog that Michael Hindes wrote, and it is a must-read. It touches on an important point that few address. Michael and Kathy are the directors of The World Race and believe we are the change we want the world to be. If you have a child on the race- I recommend reading this!

My wife, Kathy, and I have been married nearly 29 years. We have three sons ages 22-25, they are all in the middle of pursuing God's plan for their lives.

It often feels that their walk into destiny is actually a walk away from us. A recurring thought I've had as we raised our sons was that they were trying to move away from us. See when they crawled, they crawled away; when they walked, they walked away; when they ran, they ran away, we taught them to ride bikes, they peddled away, they got their licenses, they drove away. Now we see them in pursuit of independence and finding their voices. The problem we are having is they are fighting to get independence from us and their voices rarely sound like us. It's a painful job this calling to be a parent.

It's getting more painful all the time because the world is getting scarier and increasingly unsafe. On top of that we are the generation that has over indulged and over protected our children. We have cared more about their comfort than their character development. We have done everything we could to keep them from pain - every sharp corner covered, every outlet protected, "baby on board" signs in every minivan. We haven't wanted them to feel the pain of losing either, so now every sports participant gets a t-shirt and a trophy for just showing up. We call their bosses if they get harsh evaluations at work. I recently heard a professor interviewed and he said "parental intervention is getting out of control". He was further quoted as saying "that for the first time in 30 years he was having to regularly defend grades to parents of undergrad and grad students a like".

We must stop the madness of constant interference. These young people are actually God's plan to bring in the next great harvest. The work is going to be hard, painful, lonely, humbling, and even dangerous. We can't run behind our children any longer with pillows trying to soften the pain that God himself may be orchestrating.

Our young adults need an alternative to our interference. They need places that will offer initiation into adulthood. They need places to find their voices and independence. They need places to be exposed to real pain and have the Holy Spirit ask, "What will you do about it"? They need places with close community that will challenge the behaviors and attitudes that we have previously excused. In short, they need places to grow up and grow away from us.

The World Race is one of these places and it provides this kind of discipleship. It offers ministry in tough places internationally while bringing ministry to tough places internally.

Real discipleship should offer real ministry while providing a real invitation to real maturity.

The world needs our kids and we need to let them go!!!

Part #1 - My Heritage

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I don't mean this in an arrogant way, but for most my life people have commented on how I conduct myself and have often made the comment; "your parent's did a great job raising you!"

I think having confidence in knowing who you are can be mistaken for arrogance. This isn't about me, this is about my parents. It's true, my parents did a FANATASTIC job raising me! They are my heroes! There is no other man or women I have more love and respect for than my mother and father!

They have given me everything they didn't have to ensure that I would have every opportunity to "become" that they didn't have! If I am anything it's because I have a mother and father who have given me everything, and has given me the room to chase my dreams with their blessing!!!

The older I get the more proud I am of my heritage! I love being able to brag on my mother and father!

My father, Champ Smith Jr., is 73 years old from Littlerock Arkansas. Coming from extreme poverty his mother died while giving birth to his sister when he was at the age of 2. Living in a time of extreme racism my father was drafted in the military. He served in the tail end of the Korean war, and fought during the entire Vietnam war! He retired after serving for more then 20 years, met and married my mother while in the military! Had me after he retired from the military and became a police officer for more then 20 years. He is now retired twice and has been happily married for close to 30 years!! He is a man of rare integrity, honor, excellence, and character, and has seen and experienced more then most! I still have yet to meet anyone like him! He is my hero and has given me everything he didn't have! He has overcome all that has been thrown at him and has beaten all the odds! Because of my father I have a hope of being a type of man like him! He has made the way of integrity and rare character for my life! There is no one more fierce or gentle as my father! It's why man rarely intimidates me! He is an over-comer, a warrior, and a lover! This is some of my heritage as a man because of my Father! Thank you Dad for being what I hope to be!

My mother is 15 years younger then my father- but has much of the same wisdom and character as him! She has given me an example of a wife I would be lucky to have if it were ever possible to find a women like her! She is one of the most magnificent lovers I have ever seen- but also one of the strongest women I have ever known! Truly a rare woman! Like my father she is an over-comer! She comes from a life of unfair pain and circumstances- seeing those she loves hurt before her eyes everyday! She never allowed this pain or anger to overflow into her life! She broke the curse before it ever reached me! My mother, a white woman, met my father, a black man. For half of my mother's family, namely my grandfather, the idea of my mother marring a black man was unthinkable! My mother was warned if she married him- she would no longer be considered part of the family! Well, she did, and the family split! My grandmother and my uncles, Bill and Claude, were like my mother, unprejudiced and just normal if that makes sense. My Grandfather and other uncles and aunts never forgave my mother- and the family has never recovered. My Mother has worked in banking for over 30 years! With no college education my mother has climbed the ranks and is one of the elites for Wells-Fargo private banking in Seattle! She is one of the most dedicated workers I have ever seen! She was and is a superwoman of a mother! I will always be a proud mama's boy!

So many children see the shortcomings of their parents. But I see my mother and father as very rare, not because they didn't make mistakes, not only because of what they've done, but because of who they are! They understand covenant and what it means to be a husband, wife, mother, and father! I grew up seeing my father treating my mother like a queen and my mother treating my father like a king! They have sacrificed everything for me! There's no such thing as a perfect parent, but they sure are close in my book!! I honor them because the comments I receive are because of them! I have worked with the youth of my nation as an occupation in various capacities and I witness that my mother and father have set the bar! My parents are forerunners of what a mother and father could and should be!! As I find myself in positions of authority and responsibility I find myself trying to be like them!

They have given me a hope of who I could be as a father and husband, and what I hope to have in a wife! Thank you God for my parents! I love you Mom and Dad! Thank you for all your love and support as I travel the world! I hope my life honors you! It's because of you I have this opportunity!

From Nicaragua to BangKok: A Whirl Wind!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Wednesday the 2^nd

All teams arrive in Jineotepe Nicaragua to begin our debrief! 6:30 pm Andi and I make our way to Managua Nicaragua to pick up our squad coaches. We make it back at 10:30 in bed at 11:00 pm.

Thursday the 3^rd

8:30 Breakfast, 9:30-11:00 Meeting (Welcome Patti and Mike, worship, testimonies from the month)
12:00-1:00 Lunch
Andi, Patti, Mike and Myself debrief teams from 1:00- 6:00, Dinner from 6:00-7:00
Meeting from 7:30- 10:30- Worship and a Word, in Bed by 11:00- 11:30 pm

The next four days was a marathon of events mirroring Thursday the 3^rd. Might not seem like much but it was positively exhausting!! Not only physically but spiritually! None stop pouring of ourselves for our teams!

Debriefs are one of my favorite things about the world race! It's a raw time of incredible worship, building up of teams, and personal breakthrough. They are challenging and life giving all at the same time. Especially when you're a squad leader! At the end of each day Andi and I were completely drained. But every morning was refreshed and eager for the day! What a paradox!!

Living with the same people 24/7, traveling throughout the world, and seeing/ experiencing things you haven't before brings up a lot of issues, questions, and interesting dynamics! Our squad is constantly being stretched and these debriefs are a crucial component of processing, building, and equipping! And when were done at the end of debriefs we're released for another 2-3 months of a whirlwind of events and life in the nations! What a life we live!!??

I don't know if you can imagine traveling with 46 people, but I assure you it's quite the accomplishment when said and done!!

The very next morning after debrief we jammed packed a bus with 46 people plus luggage at 3:30 am for a hour bus ride to the airport. The following 48 hours were....."special!"

8:30 am.... 4 hour flight from Nicaragua to Miami. We have 1 hour 45 min to catch our connecting flight to LA.

While in Miami one of my teammates left his passport on the plane. I stayed back while it was retrieved. Sent the rest of the squad ahead. Two of my teammates and myself missed our connecting flight to LA due to waiting to retrieve the passport!
We were bumped to the next flight 2 hours later- After a 5 hour flight we arrived in LA with one hour to spare to meet up with the squad and catch our flight to Thai Pan- Thai-Wan.
14 hours later we arrive in Thai-Pan, and have 2 hours to our connecting flight to Bangkok Thailand.
4 hours later we arrive in Bangkok Thai land!!
And in a flash we transfer 46 people and their luggage to a WYAM base in Bangkok.
2 days of rest and orientation, and I take all the guys on a 12 hour bus ride to do ministry in the hill tribes of Northern Thailand for the month!! All the women will be split within 3 to 4 different locations within country to do ministry in the "red light districts"- Mainly women and men that prostitute themselves!

Only on the World Race!!

I have arrived safely in Bangkok! It feels so good to be back!!

Love you all!

Hope!

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hope.

I feel like I'm the luckiest man in the world! I spend my days traveling the world and seeing people come alive in Jesus! Not the idea of it, or the theory/theology of it, but the real tangible substance of it!

However It's not easy, I'm more challenged then I've ever been!! And today I feel exhausted, but in the best of ways! Not necessarily by the "job," but what I'm in pursuit of!! I'm after a dream that I've tasted and seen glimpses of! I believe God has a dream for His people! It's about becoming aware of who we truly are, dwelling in unity, and life abundantly- being made fully alive, that can only come from Christ! It's one thing to try to believe something- and another to have the substance of such an idea! To see it come to pass on a daily basis. And to have testimonies from yesterday, or last week of such things!

I met a man in Guatemala that was quite offended when I testified to the encounters I've had with God- and things I've seen all over the world- that testify to Gods power, love, and that miracles happen today! He couldn't handle it and thought I was crazy! It made me want to scream from the rooftops- "this is not a game- nor is it good idea's!! Jesus is alive- and He's moving all over the world and He loves you!!" I told him God loved him and that he's going to really like him when he meets him. That was too much for him.

This squad is ridiculous! I'm around the most amazing people. They come from every walk of life imaginable- with stories you wouldn't believe! They're not boys and girls but men and women coming fully alive and sharing it with the nations- and are in pursuit of life abundantly! Read their blogs!!! I see something with this group, that gives me such hope! A potential lies within them to be what so many have not been! A people of radical love- who actually believes what they say- and have the substance of Christ in their life! They are a tribe of Hope soon to be a Nation!. Make no mistake, at this point in our history my generation is done with good intentions, and good ideas! We are in pursuit of truth, life, and abundant freedom in Christ. We know He's real and alive- not because someone told us, but because we continually experience unshakable encounters with Him and His Spirit!!! We won't live short of what God intended for us, compromise, or settle! We are pushing past the mundane, and religion! We are becoming people of honor, character, integrity, and love. We have decided not to allow ourselves to be corrupted by pride, function, or the many temptations of life like money and fame! Doing church on Sunday is good, but there's more- and we're in the business of being the church everyday of the week! We will continue to be a people with gifting and character; gifting without character is futile!

What makes me feel so lucky- is I see this happening before my eyes- I see this group becoming! And I hear the rumors increasing. "This is the best group I've ever worked with! No group has ever been to us what this group has been!

l still have a holy fear about what I'm doing! As much as this may seem like a "trip" around the world- or a glorified vacation, I assure you- it's not!!! This isn't a game nor is this a "program!" It comes in the package of one- but It's really about life and death! And God's hand is all over this! The day I gave Micheal Hindes (The director of the World Race) my "yes" to the position and responsibility of being one of the squad leaders a holy feat fell on me! It hasn't lifted since that day!! Thank GOD! I think it keeps me humble, and helps to keep things in perspective!

I spend my days going from country to country pouring into my seven leaders as best as I can! I know If I do all that I can to make them great! They will be that to their teams- in hopes that their teams will be that to the nations! It's all about love however! Loving God- then my brothers and sisters! Something that I'm still learning!

Some days I look in the mirror and think how did I get hear- but at the same time this boldness and assurance rises within me- and I know that I'm meant for this! Even if it was just for these 46 people- it was worth all that the Lord did to make me ready!

The hope in me burns strong- but it's continually countered by holy fear that keeps me from running ahead of God (if that were possible)! It helps me to keep things in perspective! This path- or narrow road- is about being like royalty! I love who God is making this squad into! I've said it before- I'm more Sean today then I've ever been!!

I'm currently in Nicaragua with two teams! Starting tomorrow the other 5 teams are making their way to our location along with our Squad coaches from the states, Patti and Mike Pascall. We will then have a week long debrief and make our way to Asia starting the 8th!!

What a life! Thank you for joining me on this journey! I couldn't do it without your love and support!

In Costa Rica

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Everyone!

This is a very short update to let you all know that team "Increase" and myself have made it to Costa Rica and are safe and sound. The other 6 teams will be in Nicaragua for the month. I'm in La Carpio, San Jose, in the middle of the country. We are living in the center of a giant squatter camp in a slum area. We are living in what is like a "community center" for kids. A safe place where kids can come to be kids. We're doing all kinds of things; construction, teaching, playing with the kids and getting to know them. And anything else our contacts need help with! There is so much more we will be doing. We love it here! It's very humbling but already the kids have won us over!! Our Contacts are amazing and we all feel lucky to be here with them!

I have VERY limited internet due to my living situation! There just isn't internet. I'll do the best I can to keep you all up to date!

Love you all! Thank you for all your love and support!

Benjamin.

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I want to introduce you to Benjamin Garcia Lopez. I met Benjamin almost two years ago on the streets of Antigua Guatemala at the end of my first WorldRace. I was having a frustrating day, feeling sorry for my self, and I almost blew by him as I was walking until he stopped me.

He introduced himself and asked me if I would like to walk with him. I was surprised that his English was so good, and wondered what made him stop me. I said sure and began to walk with Him. I had to walk at such a slow pace do to the fact that He was in his 80's. Every 10 steps or so we had to stop so his legs could rest. However this didn't stop him from talking. In perfect English he proceeded to tell me his story that I haven't forgotten since that day.

In the midst of feeling sorry for myself Benjamin began to give me prospective just by sharing who he was with me. It turns out Benjamin used to be a very skilled soccer player...nearly Olympic level. He told me all of his successes and achievements. As he reminisced about his youthful days, he looked me in the eye and said, "that was my time, everyone has his or her time, and then it passes! I'm in my 80's now. I'm poor for the most part and have very little, but I'm happy and want nothing from anyone. I have everything I need, God takes care of me and I'm thankful for the life I've been given and for the years I've had. What do I have to complain about? And now I've met you...you're a sincere young man, I love to meet sincere people and to talk with them and to give them my time. In my old age I realize now how important time is. So let us talk."

Benjamin at that time was a volunteer schoolteacher with a few students. He believed if he could impact a few kids before he passed, it was worth his time. He asked me to help him that day with translating a few English words. He came back to my Hostel where I bought him a drink and spent the afternoon talking. Afterwards he took me to his home to show me a picture of his soccer team. His home wasn't much bigger then the room I grew up in. Very humble living conditions for a very humble man. Needless to say God used him to give me perspective on my own "situation" and to remind me yet again of how very blessed I am.

After a few days went by I almost thought Benjamin was an angel, due to the serendipitous nature of how we met!

I only hoped that I would bump into Benjamin again on the streets of Antigua! Since I've been back in Antigua I've looked for him everyday. And wouldn't you know it I bumped into him yesterday! He's a bit slower then I remember. But he's the same! We shared an afternoon together over a coke! He proceeded to tell me all the same stories he once told me...I laughed inside myself. But he actually remembered me! I had the chance to tell him how much meeting him two years ago meant to me, and that I never forgot him. I asked if I could take his portrait- so I could tell my friends . He said, "sure, but please send me a copy, it's all I ask." How could I say no?

A Legacy Being Established!

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I'm proud of this Squad! Already they have begun to establish a legacy of honor and respect with their contacts in Guatemala. I've been raised with a mother and Father who instilled the importance of honor and respect towards other people; "yes sir, no sir, yes mam no mam." It's become a part of my life message. Someone has said to me many times, "there is always something coming off you." It might be, joy, anger, sadness- doesn't matter- there is always something coming off of us. I encourage people to take responsibility for what's coming off them. As it relates to this squad they have been working with various "ministries" all over the country! I have witnessed first hand how they have blessed the people they have come to partner with. As these teams leave, they are leaving things better then they found them.

It has been said that World Racers can be like locusts because they are such a large number of people and can take over things and leave places almost worse then they found them! I refuse to ever speak that over this squad!! That comment has pained my heart every time I've heard it uttered. We're not only representing the WorldRace and set the tone for future teams but we are professing Christ and are representing Him!

May it be said that we are a group of people who are excellent in our ways. That we honor and respect those before us and behind us- and that we leave things better than we found them! I say it will be said of this group of young men and women! And I will continue to push this standard.

Over the past few weeks I have bounced between three teams in two different locations in Guatemala. As I've been with these teams I've had the privilege to work along side them in various ministries. Pastor Benjamin in Panajhchell Guatemala has been using the team to do various construction projects among many other tasks. The team helps run church and assist Pastor Benjamin with whatever he needs. He is a very motivated man who makes the most of everyday he has for the betterment of others. I've met few men like him. Pastor Benjamin and his wife are sold out and pour their lives into anyone and everyone.

In Antigua the two teams there are working with Carol and Forrest Kendall from the states who are making water filters and wood-burning stoves for families in the Mayan villages. Dirty water is a huge problem here in Guatemala, and is responsible for many unnecessary deaths and sicknesses every year. This ministry builds concrete water filters for people in villages that last a lifetime. They don't just drop off the filter and call it a day. They build relationships, and share the gospel. They have lived here many years They revisit the homes, and check in to make sure the water filters are working and being used properly. They teach kids about the importance of having clean hands, through washing them, and having clean hearts, washing them through the blood of Jesus. They also build wood burning stoves for people. Most houses have open fires inside, which blackens the walls and snuffs the clean air. Without these stoves, most people are in danger of having repertory problems, and possibly even burning down their house. We have been aiding this ministry by helping to build the cement filters, sifting sand, and helping out in other random projects. Only God knows how many lives they have saved with a simple $50 cement water filter.

The Truth of Love

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is an account from my co-leader Andi Wendel. Andi is one of the most incredible woman of God I've ever met. Truly rare! I'm learning so much from her in the way she loves people everywhere she goes. She's on the other side of the country with two other teams of ours. Please take a short moment to read this account:

This young lady is mentally handicapped. Her name is Ilsa. She is 26 years old. She lives in an orphanage that resembles hell. She sees in the spiritual realm. There is a battle raging in and around her.

We were there only to clean the grounds yesterday. But I could feel the Spirit leading me to the girl's dorm. I walked into the main room of the girl's dormitory at the orphanage, which looks like a 1940s psych ward at a creepy hospital. There are two old metal school desks at one end of the room. A chair in the absolute center of the room. And a TV barely hanging onto the wall at the opposite end. There was one person in the whole dorm. It was Ilsa. She was standing about 4 feet from the chair looking directly at it. Frozen. Tormented.

I walked in very slowly. She turned and saw me. She immediately started backing into the corner, terrified of me. (Note that we have been here before and have met her before. She knows me and has hugged me and played with me before). Not yesterday. She backed away abruptly. I stopped, dropped to my knees, and laid my palms open before her. She still backed away.

She got to the wall, and positioned herself directly under the TV, facing the chair still. I stayed kneeling on the floor about 5 feet from her. I started to pray. In English and in the Spirit. Nothing.

I started crying. I couldn't help it. She had such fear all over her. Her eyes kept darting around the room. She was seeing tormentors. I kept praying. I started singing. I was sensing sexual spirits. Harassing spirits. It was awful. I was in pieces before her. She just kept staring, eyes darting.

I said, in English, 'God loves you.' She shook her head, 'no.' I choked up. I said it again, in English. 'God loves you.' Again, a certain head shake, 'no.' I said it again, 'GOD LOVES YOU.' And again, a head shake.

I felt led to get up-- go to her. Slowly. Very slowly. Very humbly, low, peacefully, gracefully. She hesitated. I started singing. She stayed. I moved a little closer. She shook her head. I prayed in the Spirit. I cried out. PEACE! IN THIS ROOM IN JESUS' NAME! I sang.

She let me come closer. I reached out my hand, palm up, slowly. She shook her head. I waited. Sang. She looked up at me. Something was breaking. Leaving. I reached my hand closer. She shook her head more. I couldn't wait any longer. I rested my hand on hers. And an outpouring of the Spirit came off my tongue over her in tears and song. She started to cry. I kept praying peace. I stayed beside her for a long time.

Finally, something disarmed. She calmed. I felt a release. The atmosphere changed. Ilsa started to move, not frozen anymore. Another girl walked into the room. She started talking to me and Ilsa-- looked at me and made the hand motion for, 'she's crazy,' to me-- and my heart broke even more. I yearned to know enough Spanish to say, 'yes, but she sees more clearly than the rest of us do.' I could only get out, 'yes, but...' with some hand motions signifying more.

And I approached Ilsa again. Had my palms out once again, and she received me. Came to me. Hugged me. Clutched me. And clung to me. She smiled.

-----

So, I don't have a pretty conclusion to this. I just know that the spiritual realm and battle going on is very real. And I know that love trumps it all.

In Panajachel

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I arrived safely in Panajachel, Guatemala. I would like to introduce you to team"Ekklesia Epikos" or (E2). (Pictured to the right)

Below is a short blurb from the team leader, Weston Belkot.

"Today, after dropping off 6lbs of laundry to be washed, dried, and folded for about $5 I ran into Gregorio on the street. Gregorio is a local who speaks four languages yet stopped attending school in the fourth grade. He is friendly, charismatic, and a drug addict. I bought him una hamburguesa con queso, huevos, tomate, lechuga, y cebolla for lunch and we talked for about 40 minutes about life, the lack of fulfillment anything besides God brings, and the false impressions many have of Christianity as a rule book that can't be lived up to. My teammate, Will, had befriended Gregorio at church earlier in the week. While talking about the church, I was reminded of the analogy that church is more like a hospital than, than...it's like a hospital. It's not a place where people that have it all together go. It's for everyone who says, "On my own, I'm not ok. I'm not enough. There is more that will make me whole. I need help." ("Alex, what is: Jesus came to heal the sick?" "400 points and our new points leader.")

Last night we went to a Thursday night service at our church here in town, Mi Reto. It started at 7:00pm and went until 10:30pm. No, you read the times right the first time. As I walked out of church the thought occurred to me, "This is what church should be like." Warning: Pastors, please save yourself the airfare to send a team down in order to take notes to try to duplicate the organic, the sincere, the Spirit.

It was what you'd expect, yet it wasn't.

It was worship music using technology, but no instruments or "worship team."

It was a sermon, but it was in Spanish so I have absolutely no idea what it was about.

It was prayer for anyone and everyone, but it wasn't in the name of tradition or ritual.

It was greetings and celebrations at the conclusion, but it included dancing, laughter, and a congo line.

It was nothing like I'd ever seen, yet it was an ordinary Thursday evening for the families and congregation of Mi Reto in Panajachelo, Guatemala.

Thank you to those who have already been posting comments. It means a lot, seriously, to be far away and yet also feel attached.

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Fidel

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fidel

I hesitated writing this blog out of respect for Fidel! But he said it was ok. I met Fidel almost 2 years ago at the end of my first world race, and he captured my heart.

Fidel is 24 years old and is a quadriplegic. Although his body is almost nonfunctioning he is mentally %100. I can't imagine being trapped in a body like his and having the mind that I have!

Writing a blog and posting a picture of him seems so insensitive to me and I don't know why! Maybe it's because I feel he disserves more and that I really don't know if I did anything positive in spending time with him this week! I hope I did!

I've been in Antigua for 1 week with team (Hotmess) and during this week I've spent three days with Fidel.. Today was my last day in Antigua before I leave to be with team (E2) in Panajachel. As I left the hospital today I asked myself if I spent enough time with Him? Was I genuinely interested in him and the things he had to say!? Was I visiting him to appease my own conscience or were my actions really rooted in love?! Why does he have that body and why do I have mine? Will he ever have the gift of a female companion? Why have I ever felt entitled to such things when so many never get the opportunity?!

I know all the right answers, and I'm really not seeking any, I'm just being honest!

Fidel is amazing. He can do with his feet what I can't do with both hands! He can paint, use a computer, steer his remote control wheel chair and can speak two languages. But where he lives feels so dark and cold to me! He has no privacy and very little freedom. In the midst of all this he finds purpose and joy, even though it's not always easy! He chooses life and is thankful for what he has!

In the end, I have to admit, I visit Fidel not just for him, but also for me! I'm desperate to learn from him. He has taught me so much just by watching him.

As best as I know my heart, I have a deep respect and love for Fidel! But my heart aches as I leave not knowing when or if I'll ever see him again! Meeting him has helped me to remember to be thankful for what I have vs. what I don't have. To not compare with others but to live full and free with what I've been given, and that everything we have in life is a gift, even when it seems that it's not!

Antigua is a huge tourist destination! It blows my mind how within a world another one can exist. Fidel's world is a world that few people see. I m glad that he allowed me to see his!

I Love Fidel and will miss him!

Why we do what we do!

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This video was put together by Kim Daniels, one of the WorldRace Staff.

from those who have gone before from Adventures In Missions on Vimeo.

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Antigua

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I would say it feels weird to be back in Guatemala, but it doesn't. It feels amazing to be back in this country with such amazing people. I feel at home!

My co-leader and 7 team leaders are the most incredible people. I feel so privileged and honored to be with them! Sometimes I look at my life and the people in it and I can't believe this is my life and that I know such amazing people!

3 days ago I flew to Miami to meet my seven team leaders. I then brought them to Antigua for "Launch." Launch is the first week of the World Race where we reactivate, brief and train teams. I had the first day or so to train my leaders. Then 1 day later my co-leader Andrea brought the other 38 World Racers.

These people have such Hope and love! They truly inspire me! After being here with all of them there is no place in the world I' rather be but here with them!

One Saturday we will send all the teams out to various places in Guatemala where they will begin Ministry for the month. I will stay with two teams in Antigua for 10 days. Then I will head off to Panajell Guatemala to spend the rest of the month with another team.

Much love to you all! Thank you for following me this year, more to come soon!

Uncomfortably...comfortable

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It's been hard to find words for what I've been feeling with less than 2 weeks before I leave on the worldrace again, and nothing is the same! I don't expect it to be nor is it supposed to be. But what I feel can only be described as uncomfortably comfortable. Almost like the final moments in the waiting room before a boxing match. Or like the baby to the right. That's how I feel.

Andrew Sherman once said, "The more like Christ I am, the more like Andrew I am...and I'm more Andrew than I've ever been!"

I know us Christians can use funny language sometimes. I'm not trying to get all "Christian" on you! I know many of my readers aren't Christian. But look.... the more I draw close to Jesus the more Sean I become. Does that make sense? This makes me love God more and more!!! Nothing makes me more like Sean then Jesus. I am more Sean today then I have EVER BEEN. I feel like I've come so far, but at the same time I feel like I know less then I've ever known! The more I realize how big God is the more I realize how much Grace He has put on my life- and how much of a child I am in comparison to Him. What I've experienced and have been exposed to in the Nations, and the people within them, I'll never be able to shake from my memory or heart!- And I'm now accountable for what I know! On one hand it feels like so much and on the other I know it's just a fraction of the "big picture."

For this reason I go forward with trembling in my spirit! Not because I'm leading a squad, I have more confidence than I've ever had; But because I'm in a place of authority and influence. This is the place where so many people have gone astray and misrepresented God. The bible warns not to be eager to teach- for those who teach will be held to a high account. So, how or why would anyone profess Christ and choose to dilute Jesus, if that were possible, to a pale blue eyed pacifist!! Who are we to omit the prophetic, miracles signs and wonders, and the true spirit of worship!

You might be saying, "Sean, cool it a bit- do you realize you're using strong words?!?"

Yes I do. It's the point! I'm not setting out to offend, but this is the line I stand at and have crossed. It's the place I dare others to come. I admit I'm violently passionate about this stuff. But I promise you it's rooted in my love for God and for others! Truth is I'm more concerned with what God thinks! I love Him and take 100% of who He is! I'm on the offense not defense! We walk on dangerous ground when we think we can pick and choose what we want to accept or reject of God and who He is. In other words, when we put him in box. I'm 27, and I have so much to learn. But I know this, God doesn't fit in any box. He's smashes them!! He replaced all of mine with life and freedom. Whatever I have been given up to this point I want others to have...and I pray they go well beyond were I have gone up to this point!

--Graham Cooke once said, "Therefore we honor the past but we don't live in it. We live in the present with our eyes on the future. We see past events, successes, and failures as stepping stones, not stop signs!" I do not condemn or judge anyone, I know I have my short comings! But I will not relent or hold back my hope, love, and passion for who God is, what He has done in my life, or my hope for people to have a literal and tangible encounter with Him!.

When I think about this upcoming year I don't see countries, I don't see what we will do! I see 7 team leaders who are responsible for 6 to 7 other people! In total I see 45 people! I dream of what they can step into. What they will discover about themselves and the purposes God has for them...so they may give the same hope away to others in the nations! Many of them, if not all, are already coming in as incredible people with so much to offer!- But there is always more!! haha! They are my "ministry," if you want to use that term. I just say they are my heart focus and the reason why I've come back on the race!

Jesus took 12 and made them great. From those 12 the earth still reverberates with the echo from the lives they lived! Jesus said, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.(Mathew 10:8) It's pretty straight forward. I get excited when I think of what He can do in a year with 45 people!

I believe decisions we make can define us! One of my life decisions is to do all I can to REPRESENT God and to live for others. This stuff is real! It's not an exaggeration or mere theory/ theology. Again i have experienced and have seen too much- I'm accountable. I will not dilute, omit, or hold back!- and I dare to say nor will this squad! The more I talk with the leaders and teams the more I'm convinced that they have decided to be the one's telling the stories of God's power rather than the ones hearing about them!

I feel privileged to be with this Group!

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G42- Interviews

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is a short video I put together of the student's being interviewed from the G42 Leadership School in Spain.

Enjoy!

G42- Interviews from Sean Smith on Vimeo.

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You never know who you might be to someone!

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"If you go to Spain I will support you, I believe in you," is the last thing I remember Katey Brenemen saying to me 1 month before I

left for Spain. I remember sitting across the table from her listening as she said this kind of surprised. "She would really support me?" I thought.

Katey Brenemen is someone who has completely rocked me these past 6 months. I'm compelled to share what I've learned through her giving to me. It has had a profound effect on me!

I've always appreciated who Katey is and was so grateful to get to know her during the WorldRace. I believe Katey Brenemen learned my heart during the year. She would listen to me for long periods of time as I would share the revelations God was giving me. I remember one night in Guatemala where she listened to me for probably an hour. She said, "You're deep! You think too much!" haha =)

The truth is I didn't know if I was one of those people she wouldn't mind if she never talked to again after the WorldRace. I'm a tender guy, but I can be intense/passionate and abrasive at times. I don't think I ever really knew who I was to Katey.

However, Katey may not know who she is to me. She has become one of my hero's! Not because of the amount she has given over the course of 6 months, but because she has taught me something new about giving. It can come from someone or from a place you least expect it. It showed me everything I do and say matters...and there is always someone watching and listening.

Working as an ER nurse Katie is a woman who constantly gives. She showed me that she really cares and believes in me! She did what she said she was going to do and went far beyond anything I could have hoped for. She spoke life to me at a critical point in time. She showed me that she really paid attention to everything I ever said. It feels so different when one of my biggest supports is a peer of mine.

I've wept half time I've received a credit/check of support from Katey. Some days I almost wanted the support to stop- and I don't know why. Maybe because I feel she has loved me more than I've ever loved her. Or because I just feel undeserving. Katie has rocked me to the core. I've said thank you a million times and it never feels like enough! All she ever say's is thank God not me! I don't even know how to express my gratitude except to write a blog about her- and put her on display.

Love you Katey!!

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Ireland

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I never would have thought I'd ever see such countries in my lifetime. Sometimes it doesn't even feel like I'm in another country. This last week I was invited to assist the August 2009 World-Race Squad launch in Dublin Ireland.

Ireland reminded me of my home, Washington State. Very green, consistent cloud cover with the reminder that it could rain at any moment.

There were nearly 90 World Racers present. They were very excited and nervous all at the same time. I don't think it had hit them yet that they left home for an entire year and are embarking on a journey around the world.

We spent the week pouring into every single person. Helping them join as teams and embrace what God has in store for them.

The time I spent in Ireland was very life giving. I had the chance to spend time with my co-leader, Andi Wendel, and dear friends of mine, Allison Johnston, Jimmy McCarty, Scott and Carol Pitt's and Chuck and Selena Day.

This week gave me such hope. To be a part of peoples lives in this way makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world. It truly is a great time to be alive and privilege to spend it with such amazing people. I look forward to spending the upcoming year with another group of people who are truly amazing, the October 09 Squad.

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October 09 Training

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Due to living in Spain I missed the training week for my squad. This was a blog written by my co-leader Andrea Wendel. Summarizing the training week. Additionally I will be in Ireland for all of next week helping to launch the August WorldRace squad. I will return to Spain on the 16th. Much love to all- enjoy the blog.

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Many of you may already have heard, but I am on my way back out onto the field!

This October, I will be co-leading a squad of World Racers who are starting their journey around the world. God has been stirring in my spirit for about two months now, and He finally made it clear that the October 2009 squad is the one I'm supposed to be with. This is totally and completely outside my comfort zone, and I am absolutely not able to do this on my own--and that helps me rest in the fact that this is right!

My role as a Squad Leader will be one of creating and facilitating an environment where my squad will be able to grow spiritually and emotionally, while also looking after their safety, heath, and encouraging them in the whole process. Sean Smith (my co-leader) and I will stay out with the squad for 4-5 months with the purpose of raising up new leaders from within the squad to take over at that point. It is going to be an awesome opportunity to pour into this group of people as they go through abandonment and brokenness and see them walk further into their giftings, callings, and character for His glory!

This is me with the "L" Squad at Training Camp:

This week I have been in Gainesville, GA meeting my squad at Training Camp. It has been absolutely incredible. God has been growing my heart for each one of them, and I have seen some incredible freedom and breakthrough in a lot of their lives. God has shown up, the Holy Spirit has been thickly present, and this group of Racers have been diving in deep to what God is doing in and through them. (Read an awesome Training Camp story about a Strip Club).

I would absolutely love your prayers right now and in the upcoming months as I prepare to go out on the field again. This is a role as leader that I have never quite held before, and it is one that I do not feel fully adequate for-- needless to say, I will be relying a lot on His equipping daily.

Please pray for:

-The squad itself, that they would be able to dive into community, ministry, more empowerment in the Spirit, and their understanding of their identities in Christ.

-Their protection as they go back home for two months after Training Camp-- that everything they learned, saw, and gained freedom in would be protected and sealed in Jesus' name.

-The countries I will be going to with them: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam.
-My time with God, that it would be protected, and that I would be able to stay connected intimately with Him on a daily basis as I prepare and leave.
-God's glory to be made known and His love to be revealed in a deeper way to my squad and those we will minister to in the nations.

-My mom and dad as I leave again!

And as much as I hate it, going back out on the field means I need to raise a bit more support. I realize this is a really tough time for so many, and so I don't mean to press this matter. All I want to do is make you aware of the amount I need (about $6,000) and ask you to simply pray.

If you do feel led to give, thank you so very much. Your support will be sewing into me as I sew into this squad of 46 Racers. You can either send a check to Adventures In Missions, 6000 Wellspring Trail, Gainesville, GA 30506 (with my name in the memo line) or click here to give now.

Support Video

Sun, 9 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you for taking the time to watch this!

Untitled from Sean Smith on Vimeo.

To support me on the 2009 October World Race just click here and follow the instructions. Thank You!

Doing the WorldRace for a Second Time

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hello to all friends, family, and supporters!

Recently I've committed to leading the October WorldRace Squad. WHAT!?!

It may come to a shock to some of you that I'm doing another WorldRace and to others it may make complete sense. For over a year this has been a decision that I have been mulling over. I knew at some point timing would marriage with my heart and that this was going to happen.

Why are you leading another WorldRace?

My relationship with the WorldRace never stopped. If you've been following me you know It's only increased. I believe in the World-Race. However, the decision to lead a WorldRace was a sober one! It means I will carry 60 different people in my spirit for at least a year! That's 60 people with families and friends back home. The responsibility alone has kept me from jumping into the position of a leader. It means I'll be away from my own family and friends for another year. But at the end of the day it's simple. I want to make my ceiling in my life up to this point the floor for all those who come after me. I want to be a part of facilitating, activating, and releasing people into their fullness. That means serving in the capacity as a "leader."

Everything I have learned and am studying has everything to do with this decision. I don't know much =) but what I do know is I've been further equipped and my only desire is to give it away. I know through the process of giving, you receive. If I don't, all that I've learned is in danger of becoming mere intellect.

Albert Einstein said, "I wish to do something GREAT and WONDERFUL, but I must start by doing the LITTLE things like they were GREAT and WONDERFUL!"

To me every person is GREAT and WONDERFUL. There is a rumor increasing and spreading in their hearts! God has a purpose for their life!! Does it mean the WorldRace is for everyone? No! But for some it does. And for those who come you witness something amazing.... people are showing up for their own lives in new ways...no matter where they're at, life increases!

It happened with me!

Who are you leading with?

I'm leading with an incredible women, Andrea Wendel. She returned from her WorldRace this last year. Since then she has been on full time staff with the WR. Visit her blog here.

How long will I be gone?

I will be gone between 4-5 months. My job description involves developing squad leader(s) to take Andi and I position. Upon our return we will help coach from the home front. We will also fly out to most of the debriefs during the year. Debriefs are times of equipping, impartation, and coaching that happen every 2 months or so.

Where will you go?

We will launch in Guatemala then off to Nicaragua, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon- At this point I will hopefully separate from the Squad in West Africa.

I'm currently still at the G42 leadership school in Spain. In regards to my time here this decision changes nothing. If anything it makes me more focused. I'm fully committed to getting everything out of my time here in Spain. It's crucial and essential for me in moving forward.

I will keep everyone posted and updated on my progress. As you can imagine everything in my life has just got ramped up and there is much to be done before I leave. The Worldrace launches on October 5^th. To see the Squad I'll be leading click here.

Much love to all.

Final Results -Photography Contest

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Photo Contest has come to an end! Thank you to all of the participants, judges, and supporters of this contest.

The winners are listed below, but first, a note from our judges:

"We were all impressed by the range of high-quality images submitted for the contest. Judging was difficult, so we tried to stick with the criteria for this particular contest, which were: "the image should capture a soul, a moment, a place and a ministry." Virtually all of the images submitted by our 29 finalists did a terrific job of capturing a "soul and a place". So we looked for portfolios with a high percentage of pictures that captured a "mission and a moment". We also appreciated the technical quality and the variety of techniques used in the portfolios we selected as winners.

Because there were so many outstanding pictures, we also selected 15 Honorable Mention pictures from among the portfolios of those who did not place in the top 5.

Thanks for letting us judge this contest; we feel blessed to have had the chance to work with such talented photographers."

And the winners are...

#1 Katie Rowland (Photographer #128)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventuresinphotos/sets/72157620581728119/

#2 Megan Hale (Photographer #102)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventuresinphotos/sets/72157620676093937/

#3 Jacob Maentz (Photographer #114)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventuresinphotos/sets/72157621267230447/

#4 Natalie Montgomery (Photographer #129)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventuresinphotos/sets/72157621007802439/

#5 Ryan Stewart (Photographer #131)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/adventuresinphotos/sets/72157620816950500/

We also have 15 Honorable Mention Photographs from different participating Photographers:

Sean Smith.

April 2008, Antigua Guatemala, Standing on ruins giving praise to God.

Darin Dueck.

July 2008, Dominican Republic, Haitian man worships on bended knees and with outstretched arms.

Loretta Wang.

April 2009, Swaziland, An AIM participant (Sarah Keppinger) sharing her water with the children from her CamelBak.

James Milling.

2008 Aden, Yemen A friend praying over the people in the land.

Steph Connors.

March, 2009, Calcutta, India. A Hindu man attempting to absolve himself of sin by washing in the Hooghly River.

Paul Turner.

Sept 2008- Mozambique- Taken during a pastor's meeting.

Lauren Morris.

January 2008, Philippines. Beautiful dump-dwelling children finally smiling amidst the trash.

Lauren Morris.

Cambodia, October 2007. VBS children play games with a World Racer.

Nick Derington.

June 2009, Mozambique, Africa. A World Race member ministers to a child at a school

John Fracker.

Romania 2009, Gypsy Baptism Service, water rolls away from the Old man to bring in the NEW!

Allison Johnson.

February 2009, Freetown, Sierra Leone. They asked for some change, but received so much more: a lesson

about Christ on the beach.

Steven Siwek.

July 2007, Singorwet, Kenya outside local infirmary, baby waits his three month check-up clad in colorful clothing.

Jimmy McCarty.

February 2007, Guatemala, Crosses overlooking Antigua.

Tim Miller.

May 2008, Rast, Romania, Gypsy girl praying during vacation bible school.

Marissa Vignola.

Feb 2007, Swaziland, orphan boy crying.

G42- VIDEO

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The G42 School in Spain is not "all work"...but we also like to have a lot of FUN!

We shot this on our day off one evening...=)

G42 Music from Sean Smith on Vimeo.

Photography Contest

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

About 2 months ago I was informed that Adventures in Missions was holding a photography contest with a $3,000 prize for first place. I've never considered myself a "photographer," but I love taking photographs and I do my best to take good ones. Like cinematography, pictures tell a story. During my worldrace year I captured many faces with my camera telling many stories; some good and some not so good. Each photograph carries a place in my heart.

Friends of mine asked me to submit some of my photo's. I said ok and submitted the 20 allowed photos. The contest has three rounds. From the thousands of photos submitted they pick the top 30 to go onto round two. Those 30 photographers would then submit a 20-photo portfolio.

After submitting my photos for the first round I soon found out that I was one of the 30 photographers picked for round two. It was a pleasant surprise. Last night I submitted my portfolio, (photos below.) I would love your feedback, comments, and more importantly prayer. I'm really hoping I win to put my earnings back into photography/ministry. I'll be posting a blog to let everyone know if I made it to the final round or not.

Much love to all!

If you would like to see the 29 portfolios Click Here.

"WR Video" Photo Montage

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Well I've decided to end my Hurricane series. =) I think I added one to many categories when I began the series =). Instead I put together a video of most of my photos from my world race year. I wanted to do a video-montage and a photo-montage of everything I captured from my WR year. So, alas here is the photo one. I hope you enjoy it. It's the last thing I have from my WorldRace year.

WR Montage from Sean Smith on Vimeo.