"Revive Me" I wrote those 2 words on my left hand as the pastor preached his Sunday sermon. Later at the grocery, my mama saw the 2 words and asked if I was planning to choke . . . I had NO CLUE as to what she meant! Haha! She explained that it looked like a good way to let someone know they have permission to do CPR on you if necessary! She said, "Just hold up your hand and let them read those words!" She's so cute . . . and wise. The reason I wrote the 2 words on my hand to begin with is because I've gotten kind of tired, worn out, and spread a little thin recently. My heart is to serve the Lord in as many ways as I am able to on an every single day missional scale. It is rare that I say no to an opportunity to give . . .often it's giving my time and attention and now . . .well, honestly, I'm tired :)   My weekends are booked (Non WR events and WR events alike!) and I will just concentrate on breathing for the next 2 months, I suppose! Ha! Sunday morning, as I wrote those 2 words, I might as well have been doing exactly what my mother suggested. The only difference being that the One I needed to revive me was a heavenly being. I really was asking God to do CPR on my weary mind, heart, spirit. I lifted up my left hand to Him yesterday and asked Him to "Revive Me." I do not take my World Race opportunity for granted and I strive at fundraising and telling my WR story as well as I am able! I can hardly go an hour without sharing about it to someone! This is my current passion and as many of you know and for others of you, let me tell you . . . I am a passionate being! Haha! I love people, I love being on mission, and I just love to share God's truthful message of life, love, and liberty! Now you know the truth, I needed revival.  This weekend was the (in)RL conference through #(in)courage, a community of women online who desired to bring that community into Real Life. I chose to do the opposite of what others did and instead of getting a group of women together and building my local community (Which is my normal idea of ministry), I needed community with God and chose instead a 2 person gathering, me and Him. It was beautiful! I watched the videos, knowing He was right there with me, championing me on to revival of spirit! Blessed to have apersonal God. The conference was amazing and the stories glorious. The writers spoke to my heart and caused a great revival of my mission. I was also connected with a young woman through the conference in Kenya who I will meet on month 3 of my World Race at the #Mercy House she directs. Blessed, yes blessed. Now I look to the finish line.19 days until my WR Training Camp 60 days until I "go" on my World Race - Pray with me for God's deliverance of souls, His provision for the hungry & needy, His liberty for those enslaved, and His healing for the sick in body and spirit.  -Pray for me as I go? I could ask nothing more of you, my friend. I am nearing the finish line of my preparations and yet only the starting line for my race. The Apostle Paul spoke to Timothy and said, "...I give you this charge, preach the Word. Be prepared in season and out of season - correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. . .do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry . . .I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." My race will begin by meeting the physical needs of the people God places me in contact with. This is one of the main reasons I chose the World Race, we will focus on the physical needs of the people (as demonstrated by Christ) and then upon physical victory, I will openly share the hope I have in Christ and the eternal life He has to offer through the love sacrifice for the sins of the world on Calvary. I could not be more humbled then to deliver this message to 11 countries of the world. And so I go. TANAZANIA is my focus country this week: John Stephen Akhwari was a man from Tanzania who ran an Olympic marathon, many years ago. He did not win the race, or even earn a medal at all . . .in fact, he came in last place. However, John Stephen Akhwari finished the race. When asked why he was determined to complete his race, having already lost any chance of medaling, he said . . . "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish it." My beloved WR supporters . . .my "Go LO Go" team . . . my family . . .my friends . . . God is using you to send me on this race . . .and although I hit a weary spot on the track this weekend, God has revived me and I am ready to finish the preparation well . . .to start my World Race.  LOVED., Lauren!<><+ PS I have $3,900 towards my next goal of $6,500 . . .what can you give right now that will push my race forward towards the goal? A 1 time gift? A monthly offering? Do what you can, God will use every penny :)

Mid-week Mission: It's TIME for T-SHIRTS!

The 1st order of "Go LO GO" T-shirts is set for May 1st! ONLY 5 days left! I will need a LOT of orders to come in from you all for my goal of 45 T-shirts to be met!(45 shirts ordered = Cheaper T-shirt cost = More support earned) 

T-shirt ideas:

*Buy 1 for you and gift someone you love with 1 as well!

*Pledge T-shirts for your whole family and then set out a jar for your kids and spouse to toss change into to pay yourself back . . . or donate that too, of course ;)

*Decide as a youth group, dorm, or SS class to all buy and wear your "Go LO Go" shirts the same day as one more way of spreading the word about my race and God's mission!

I am thrilled to know that you will all be wearing your T-shirts, spreading awareness of my mission and remembering to pray for me for the 11 months I'll spend in 11 different countries!! 

My team ROCKS and are going to look super awesome in your T-shirts!!! 

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+


"And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]." 2 Corinthians 9:10

Moving Forward: For my Russian readers!

As told to me by my blogger statistics (From my personal blog "my story, His story" . . . I apparently have a broad readership in Russia! This of course I find fascinating! Why Russia? I have no idea! But I figured that whatever the reason, these faithful readers deserve a post dedicated to them!



Therefore, as tribute to my faithful readers in Russia AND because Russia happens to be 1 of my 11 countries with the World Race, this week's Moving Forward post is all about . . .



RUSSIA!!!!!

Russia is the country of vast landscapes, vibrant life, beautiful contrasts, and interesting people. Taking an immense space of 9000 kilometers from west to east and 5000 from north to south, being home to people of so many different nationalities and traditions, Russia is often called a "bridge" between Europe and Asia, both culturally and geographically.

Since the ancient times Russia has been transforming and re-shaping itself, its boundaries, its culture. In the ancient times, the Slavs, Finn tribes, Tatars, had made their way through Russia, and this mix of many different nations and their traditions has defined the unique Russian character and culture.



Now that you know a little bit about the country and its' people, I want to share something personal about Russia with you . . .

In Spring of 2008, my roommate and I were supposed to travel to Russia and were not able to go in a sudden turn of events. We were both quite bitter over it, to be honest! We both really felt led to go on this trip and were unable to, bottom line. We were both blessed, not even 3 months later, to travel with a wonderful group to Peru! We spent 3 weeks in the mountains and cities of Peru, sharing Christ and overcoming some amazing obstacles along the way. God had/has a plan. 2 years ago, I was unable to find the peace I needed from the Lord to travel to Russia with another group of my friends who were traveling there on mission. I stayed home and picked them up from the airport when they returned. My time in Russia has been delayed over and over again. I PRAY that the Lord's will is what I have been confident in and that is that I will indeed finally arrive in Russia for month 3 of my World Race . . .I am beyond thrilled! 








My missionary friends have spoken of a darkness there, a need for joy. God has been filling me with joy for 5 months and I can't WAIT to get there and spread a little around! Many of the countries I am set to travel to have a burden on my heart because of the ways in which I know God will use me to serve there . . . Russia is different in my spirit. Holds a different emotion/knowledge.

I will be changed in Russia. God wants to change my heart . . . something about me and He plans to use Russia . . . and Russians to do it. 

Sigh. 



The pics you have seen in this post are from a few of my friend's journeys to this country that our GREAT God surely loves. Russians, friends, family, know that you are LOVED. and that you have a great purpose. Blessings!




LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+

PS Will you join me in my mission? Here are a few ways:

1. Click here to donate online (1 time or monthly gift!)

2. Send check to Adventures In Missions at:

Adventures In Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470

*Be sure to indicate the purpose of your gift on your check: Lauren Clement (The World Race)

3. Buy a "Go LO Go" T-shirt for $20 (Post your desire to buy in a comment below)!

4. Inquire about my coming to speak about my trip to your favorite group of people by commenting below!