Hmmm.. Something seems different.. What could it be? That fundraising bar looks different. It used to be all blue cause Philip is fully funded.. What the heck?!? Why does it say $3000? I thought we gave the turd almost 16k!! What is this? Does he need more? Where did it go and why is this stupid gray bar here?
Philip here to answer all your questions!
Are you still fully funded?
Yes! God pulled through in amazing ways back in January. I still needed almost $4,000 at New Years. By January 14, I was not only fully funded but the last $1500 came in a span of 3 hours. Wow.
If you ARE funded then why is the bar gray with that $3000 sign?
Well, family and friends, I am funded for my Race but I’m not funded for the next.
What?
The World Race has greatly impacted my life in ways I could have never anticipated. It has changed the way I live day to day. And although from my perspective it is easy to be possessive and think about the Race as mine, it’s not. The World Race ends for me in June. However, in September, it starts again for 200+ more people.
Get to the point.
Ok, ok. Back in January I was given the opportunity to continue working with the World Race and my Squad Mentor Kate Goeler in September. I will be going on the Race again, but this time as an Alumni Team Leader! You may remember last week when my friend Kori (who is also team leading) mentioned that in her blog about me.
What does that mean?
I will be with a new squad for the first three months of their Race as a leader of one team, to help guide them, pour into them, and help them fully utilize the Race for themselves. My team leader, Elijah Bontrager, was probably the most integral person in my life at the beginning of my journey, and I can only hope to be there for the next gen of Racers and show them the identity and freedom that they have in Christ.
What do you get out of it?
It’s true. I’m going because it is an opportunity to serve people with my experience, but I will gain from it as well. It will teach me new levels of leadership, humility, and honesty. I will have to point out the hard things, call others higher, and be vulnerable. I can also encourage others in ways that will push them closer to the Father and help them see what He sees in them. I will learn deeper integrity. And I will make new friends. Sounds like a win-win to me.
So where are you going?
Well after 3 months in South America, 3 months in Central America, 3 months in Asia, and 3 months in the States this summer, it seems like I should spend the next 3 months somewhere new, right? We’ll get ready, Europe, because I’m coming to ROMANIA!!! The land of cabbage rolls and Transylvania.
What does this timeline look like?
Well, I’ll finish my Race here in Cambodia. At the end of May my squad will head over to Phuket, Thailand for our final debrief and then we’ll fly home. Then after traveling around for a wedding and some family visits, I’ll head back to TX. At the end of June, all the squads will come back together in Georgia for Project Searchlight. It’s a program that checks up on how you’ve been transitioning back to State life and helps set you up for success. It is the final goodbye. On July 6 Training Camp starts and I’ll meet my new squad! I loved my TC so I am excited for this one. Then I get the month of August to spend at home before heading back to Georgia again (again) on the 30th and launching to Romania in early September.
How can we help?
Pray that I finish out my Race strong with perseverance and intentionality. Pray that I use my time home wisely and I don’t revert back to old habits and apathy but continue to live out in a way that praises our Dad and draws more into deeper relationship with Him. Pray that I can connect with the newbs. And support me. Fortunately, I have lot less to fundraise and more time to do it. I would love to have some monthly supporters! You can choose the option to have automatic donations put in every month at a set price like $25 or $50. You can donate to the blog or send me money on Paypal/Venmo to help me pay for all my flights. Love y’all. I thank God for a powerhouse of people who are constantly encouraging me and calling me higher.
If you have any more questions, drop a comment or contact me privately!
This is Kate (my mentor), Kori (friend, logistics partner, and fellow TL), and Brenden eating a pickle. 😛
i laughed the entire time. also SO STOKED. i’ll donate 4000 riel to ur cause.
I have some Quetzels left from Guatemala that I can donate. ?? We’re happy for you! Look out, Romania.
yeeeeeessssssss. so freaking stoked for you and all that the Lord gonna do in and through you. proud of you my dude
Congrats Philip! Gods got amazing plans for you.
That’s great news Pastor Phillip! And it looks like we will continue as a family unit at least through Romania!
philip this blog is hilarious – i love your humor! also wow you are going to be such an amazing team leader – i’m excited for all that you are going to experience in Romania!
…*and brenden eating a pickle* hahah
Thanks Kyla! Thanks for impacting me enough for me to want to be that for others lol. See you in 2 months!
Thank you for all your support! I’m praying for you and your family.
Yay!! Time to get further into that river..
Thanks Jacee! That means a lot. I know God has plans for all of us that are just bigger than we all know.
Philip this is awesome. Eat some cabbage rolls for me – I love cabbage rolls.
Seriously, on PVT it was clear that you are not the man we spent the day with at the Coca Cola on launch weekend. You have allowed God’s voice to break you and mold you. I look forward to reading your blogs from Romania.
Mrs. Petterle