http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org Jimmy McCarty - Soul Searching en-us Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:01:41 GMT 30 http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=fruit-of-our-labor http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=fruit-of-our-labor This is from Pastor Gift, our contact in Nsoko Swaziland.  This is why we do what we do... "Since the beginning of this year we have hosted World Racers Teams in Nsoko. They have done a wonderful job in alleviating suffering in this place. Praise God for the World Race. They have assisted care point teachers on how they can teach better. They have helped the gogo's understand that it is possible to make an income through local items. The World Racers have lived with our people in their ho Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=wow-what-a-month http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=wow-what-a-month Wow, what a month. I returned from a week in Mexico on July 10th after helping launch our new July 2008 World Race team. Though the launch had its logistical challenges, it was a fantastic week of training! The squad has already finished their month in Mexico and is currently moving on to their ministry placements in Guatemala and Nicaragua. 32 Individuals have begun an amazing journey around the world. On another front, our January 2008 crew has finished their three month s Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=squad-updates-and-last-day-to-sign-up http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=squad-updates-and-last-day-to-sign-up The last two months have truly been the exploration of making missions a lifestyle for our two squads currently out in the field. Here is a report for each squad (click the links to read featured blogs and stories): The September 2007 squad has been in Central America in locations from Panama to Costa Rica and through Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. They are doing everything from reaching out to orphans to church planting to prayer walking. The men of D Squad went to Guatema Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=5C1CD0ADF63F479E8445ABEF444ED8 http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=5C1CD0ADF63F479E8445ABEF444ED8  For me, my fascination with it became the most important Isaac in my life. I am forever changed by the Abraham sacrificing Isaac narrative in Genesis. As I was studying that last year, it became clear to me that God will forever be asking for my Isaacs until I am fully willing to live open handed and fully trusting in Him.   Going back to an earlier post, I talked about my sense of destiny and how I grew up believing anything short of impacting the world was just not good Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=waiting-on-doors http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=waiting-on-doors Ive been thinking a lot about this concept, obviously, and one has to wonder how it became so important. In my last post I talked about the significance factor and I truly feel this is a foundational principle that fuels the it myth. I mean, on paper, it seems too good to be true! I mean, who WOULDNT want to be doing something they not only loved but something that contributed immensely to the greater good. And not only would we all have the chance to do whatever it is to us, Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=why-it-is-so-important http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=why-it-is-so-important  I believe that every vice has a foundation that should be excavated before conclusions are drawn. As such, I look at the it myth and wonder where this is founded. I know for myself, I can track pretty accurately where this mindset came from.   I have the greatest parents in the world. I have been told and affirmed my entire life that God has a plan for my life. I have the kind of parents that say things like youre called to be a world changer, youre not me Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=exposing-the-it-myth http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=exposing-the-it-myth Im in the process of developing a philosophy on my generations fierce grip on it. The word itself is potentially the most ambiguous, definition-less, abstract concept imaginable and yet it is placed on a pedestal as potentially the greatest good there is in life.   My grandparents generation worked 60 years in a career happy to make a living, happy to feel the sweat on the brow for the satisfaction of a job well done. There was not as much emphasis put on the actual job it Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=celebrations http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=celebrations This past Wednesday, my family gathered in Sarasota, Florida for the marriage of my sister Joy!  She is now "Mrs. Youell" and is head-over-heels in love with her new husband Chris.  It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony at the botanical gardens in Sarasota with our families.  I'm so happy for her and love how our family is growing!   In my previous blog I cast vision for a "one-year challenge" - an opportunity to join my ministry for one year and see how God moves.&nbs Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-summer-begins http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-summer-begins This past weekend I went home to Florida for my brother's high school graduation.  In a week and a half I'll be going back for my sister's wedding.  Life just seems to be running at the speed of light and it's choc full of so many good things!  I had a great trip to San Jose, Costa Rica to meet with our squad there.  This squad, in particular, began their journey in September of 2007 when they met my team in Bangkok, Thailand.  Having not seen them since, it has amaz Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=beyond-desperate http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=beyond-desperate Some of you may be reading this post thinking I'm referring to the devastating cyclones in Myanmar where over 100,000 people are declared dead.  Or maybe you're thinking of the earthquakes near Chengdu, China that have been devastating to the people there (including some of my friends). While these things truly depict better than I could ever explain true desperation, I'm talking about the status of my heart and what God's doing in me right now. There's a worship song I've led a thousand Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=jaunt-to-guatemala http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=jaunt-to-guatemala  April 30 I returned from an 8 day trip to Panajachel, Guatemala where I was helping bring to a close the June 07 World Race year for 21 World Racers.  The began their year in Swaziland Africa and ventured from there to South East Asia, the Philippines, China and Central America.  Their stories were amazing, their experiences unparalleled and their lives changed forever.  As I reflected on a year long journey being brought to a close, I thought back to April 413 where 34 ne Sat, 3 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=opportunity http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=opportunity From Seth Barnes:I want to personally tell you about something new that we are doing at AIM. I've been asking God, "How do we help young people live in community and find mentoring?" Something profound happens when a Jesus-follower gives his life to ministry for a year in the context of communal living. I've seen that element with great coaching to be a powerful combination. That's why I'm starting this new program called Community Life. I came up with the concept over a month ago and want Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=guatemala http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=guatemala I've arrived into Panajachel, Guatemala in Lake Atitlan.  I consider myself blessed to even be able to be here right now - it's beautiful and I get to do the kind of ministry I love.  I'm here with 21 World Racers at the end of their 11 month experience.  In 5 days they return to the United States to re-enter American society and the tone is, in general, bittersweet. I've had a great time catch up with these guys, we were able to meet them right as they arrived into southern Af Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=i-guess-id-rather-know http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=i-guess-id-rather-know So the C Squad Racers decided as a final squad experience to all get screened for parasites.  It's only a few dollars here to get "tested" so today the group is busy turning in their "samples" and getting their results. For those of you that don't know, parasites are incredibly easy to get in third world countries.  They can reside in unpurified water, on/in raw vegetables and fruit and some other miscellaneous ways.  They reside in the intestines and cause a littany of various s Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=rebuilding-gods-way http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=rebuilding-gods-way Resolution to "Does God Love Africa's AIDS Orphans?" I honestly can't put anything resembling a "resolution" here.  It's heartbreaking, gut-wrenching and every other terrible emotion you can imagine.  It brings me back to the Father and causes me to ask "why?"  I must choose to believe that God is still good, still in control and still loving.  There is some explanation for this that isn't some textbook seminary diatribe.  What I do know is that I was broken by it.&nb Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-17-does-god-love-africas-aids-orphans http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-17-does-god-love-africas-aids-orphans Response to "Conflict is the Only Way" This was a scenario I experienced last year.  The answer was neither a) for Chrissy to shut down emotionally nor b) for Jill to start exploding.  There needs to be a very honest conversation where both girls feel safe.  Jill in particular is in danger of not feeling safe if Chrissy reacts aggressively.  On the other hand, Chrissy may not believe Jill's sincerity unless there is some emotion tied to it.  Both sides must give and thr Tue, 8 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-16-conflict-is-the-only-way http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-16-conflict-is-the-only-way Response to "Responsibility" Sadly, the girl ended up leaving the ministry and returning to her old life.  The pressures of home constantly delivered the messages of her worthlessness and how their lifestyle must "keep up with the Joneses".  Her increased income didn't seem to make a difference in her family's mind but at least she was doing her best.  The ministry was devastated to see her go and pleaded with her to return to her job.  To my knowledge, she still has not ret Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-11-what-really-matters http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-11-what-really-matters Resolution to "Spending God's Money" There is a personal conviction of where the line of "extravagance" is with all of us.  Some missionaries choose to live in gated, guarded compounds, others choose to build a hut and live with the people.  The judgments on this are so unique I question whether a principle can be gleaned here.  We would all agree that there is a line that is blaringly obvious when it is crossed.  Luxuries such as Starbucks, movies, etc. are all personal u Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-12-when-god-closes-the-door http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-12-when-god-closes-the-door Resolution to "What Matters Most" The general consensus is that the children are the most important factors here.  God was gracious enough to save her out of a life of blind following of a Satanic religion.  The hope here is that her influence may impact the children.  If she leaves, the children stay and thus have no Christian influence - the life isn't easy but it ultimately serves a greater good. When God Closes the Door There is a harsh reality that we all live under that Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-13-grace-maxed-out http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-13-grace-maxed-out Resolution to "When God closes the door" Bridgette did end up coming off the race and going to stay with another missionary friend.  There was an "agree to disagree" ending though the relationship between Bridgette and the organization is still in tact.  Life has moved on and the team ended in a very healthy place.  Things improved after her exit and leadership decided to make the decision ultimately on behalf of the other racers who were neither emotionally healthy enough themse Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-14-when-not-to-evangelize http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-14-when-not-to-evangelize Resolution to "Grace Maxed Out" Dave ended up receiving yet another round of grace and it proved initially wasted.  He continued on without much interaction and blended in to the point of being forgotten.  Five months into the trip, however, something changed.  Dave was impacted by the Holy Spirit in an inexplicable way and the change was unbelievable.  He began to read great books and Scripture constantly.   He moved into relationship with other guys on some of th Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-15-responsibilities http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-15-responsibilities Resolution to "When NOT to evangelize" Greg and Donna chose the path of the long-term vision.  Women were available for ministry, love, relationship and care but evangelism was not to be a familiar conversation.  Greg and the visiting male missionaries would spend much of their time with the men evangelizing whenever possible.  The tribal  chief was of particular attention - for if the chief would endorse the message, the whole tribe's future could be changed in an instant. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-10-spending-gods-money http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-10-spending-gods-money Resolution to "Saving Face" The man, unfortunately, would not back down.  Steven began to change his tone to a more negotiating manner of offering him what we all knew the meal was worth.  He directed us to leave the amount it was worth (plus a little extra) on the table and to get up and begin walking down the street.  He was still in conversation with the man who was now getting agitated.  Steven tried reasoning with him, even accused him of taking advantage of the "ignora Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-9-saving-face http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-9-saving-face Resolution to "Taking Responsibility" Leadership chose to take the humble road and apologize for the broken expectations.  Responsibility was taken and restitution was made.  The gesture was appreciated but trust had been broken to quite an egregious degree.  Action had to accompany the apology if any trust was going to be rebuilt.  The laboratory of the second experience ever didn't facilitate the rebuilding well, but for most parties involved, things improved. Saving Face Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-6 http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-6 Response to "Elephants in the Room"                 The best scenario we've been able to see played out is a preemptive strike per se.  Building a solid relationship with these individuals and communicating acceptance and trust before the need for confrontation occurs seems to make all the difference in the world.                 Secondly, Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-7-when-to-obey http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-7-when-to-obey Resolution to "Drinking Games" Our teams did end up taking liberties with the alcohol offerings.  There were a few moments of indiscretion, but nothing overtly offensive occurred.  Our primary contact, however, opened up to one of the teammates while out in the community doing ministry and confessed how disappointed he was that our racers were "just like every other young adultplaying drinking games around the world".  He failed to see any relevance to our "ministry" because ther Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-8-taking-responsibility http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-8-taking-responsibility Response to "Implied Authority" The team was unable to reason with her and despite the apparent overwhelming need and ministry opportunities, they ended up severing ties with Gladys and traveling to a new location. One of the challenges here was the lack of relationship on the front end.  Gladys was never fully educated on the World Race and what the participants were expected to do, trained to do and desired to do.  Having no good understanding of the vision, she over-reacted and en Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-5 http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-5 Response to "Asking the Lord"                 AIM has, for nearly two decades, incorporated "ATL" into their program.  There is distinctly no forcing of God's hand - in fact, if God doesn't lead, the group doesn't go out.  There is a fundamental belief, however, that God desires to speak to us more than we care to listen.  The lives that have been changed through seeing evidence of God's personal atte Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-4 http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-4 Response to "Supporting it when it's wrong"                 The encounter spawned quite a bit of discussion on spiritual warfare, deliverance, manifestations of the Holy Spirit and of demons and an overarching theology of the authority we carry in Christ.  It was a great teaching tool but one that broke our hearts.                 God provid Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-3 http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/?filename=case-study-3 Resolution to "Romance on the Race"                 This particular couple responded well to boundaries put into place.  They eventually saw how their actions were affecting those around them and finally were able to admit their attraction to one another.  There is still a close friendship but nothing further is currently being acted upon.  An appeal to their conscience, contract with World Race and c Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT