Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 5/15/2012
It is about 3 days til training camp, which seems like the official beginning of the World Race experience. Its crazy thinking that this moment I've thought of for so long is now coming to fruition! It was last August when I first heard of the World Race and after watching some videos of training camp I felt at peace with the trip.
So now is when the time of conversion is happening. Time for the hard goodbyes to start happening. Time for warm embraces of new friendships to occur.
This is a time I have thought much in the past year, preparing myself for it all. As it comes, I realize how unprepared I am, and I'm totally ok with it.
Ecclesiasties 3 teaches that there is a season for everything under the sun, and man is this season coming fast!
In the next few days I will be buying all my gear, meeting a 50 new family members, and experiencing some life changing moments in training camp.
The best way of describing it is I am unprepared, but my heavenly father's name is "I AM". Time to lean on all the promises the Lord has made to me:
I am never left or forsaken. (Heb. 13:5)
I am strengthened when I am weak. (Isa 40:29)
I am never separated from the love of God (Rom 8:39)
This is an exciting time, but more exciting knowing the little control I have in the midst of the a season that is full amazing challenges.
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Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 4/30/2012
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish
As you know I'm taking an 11-month journey around the world starting in July. I'm blown away by the support that has been given so far, but the goal is still not yet met.
As important as fundraising is in this process, its what is required to accomplish the tasks. While the exact jobs we will be doing in each country has yet to be revealed, I thought I would share with you the vision that the World Race has per country.
Bulgaria-
This southern-central European country is the 16th largest in Europe. Its geography is varied with mountain ranges, plains and a coastline along the Black Sea. Its economy is growing, but among all the European Union members it ranks lowest in terms of income. Organized crime is an issue as is human trafficking. Bulgaria is mainly a source of trafficking in persons yet also, to a lesser extent, a transit point and destination of trafficking. Here, about half the population claims to be orthodox and over 10% are Muslim. You can bring light and hope to this nation caught between "developed" and "developing."
Romania-
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, you will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group you may not have known even existed.
Rwanda-
Many who hear "Rwanda" immediately think, "genocide" - it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you...
Uganda -
Once a kingdom and British protectorate, for most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
Kenya-
Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, participants help bear lasting fruit with current ministry partnerships (ministries like evangelism, orphan care, and community development), and build foundations of future partnerships.
Thailand-
According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Malaysia-
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Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Cambodia-
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Nicaragua-
This location is always a World Race favorite. It's a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you'll have the opportunity to bring God's love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
Honduras
"Hondo" comes from the Spanish word for depth and there's lots of depth to Honduras. It's home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather's as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There's a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they're loved.
Guatemala
A country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the volcanoes help yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to initiate your World Race experience. Outside of its aesthetic appeal, Guatemala needs God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala hunger for the kingdom of God to pervade their lives. You’ll have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and to these people in the form of relationships through incarnational ministry (read: living just as they do), reaching out to the people in the fringes of society, hard work, and maybe even a miracle or two.
There are many different ministries where myself and my team will be used. Now I ask you, do you see what I see?
There is a world out there that is oblivious to the loving relationship found in Jesus. I encourage you, if you share in this vision to change the world, to join me in this journey through both prayer support and financial support.
Fundraiserwise I am over halfway to the goal, but if financially you may not be able to give, there are some items I need for this journey that you may donate (in working condition please).
Items needed include:
2-person tent
airporter
packing cubes
sleeping pad
inflatable pillow
If its in your heart to join me in this journey, press the support me tab on the top left of this page. If you have equipment to share just comment on this blog!
Thanks and God Bless!
Gabe #Gsquad
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Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 4/3/2012
If you sang yourself a lyric to the famous Bone thugs song that we are on the same wave length!
This past Sunday was incredible and very revealing to what my next year will look like!
The majority of my prayer life recently has been that God prepare my heart for what is to come since, you know, this year is going to be NUTS!
While worshipping Jesus to the tune of "The Lost are Found", God whispered in my ear that the lyrics I was singing to is what I am going to see.
Wait what?
For those that are not familiar with this song, the lyrics go:
The lost are found,
the blind will see,
the lame will walk,
the dead will live,
and you our God forever you will reign
Now this is where things get interesting...the moment when what you know and what you believe in converge. The bible teaches moments where Jesus did all of these, and I believe that He did, but can God use me to do this?
Think about it, praying over a blind person and they be healed before you or someone paralyzed to get up and walk or reviving the dead in prayer...this is a bit intense!
Then again, we have an intense God who loves His people intensely!
While this sounds like verses in the bible, this is also becoming a reality in my life.
So here I am at a crossroads of what I know vs what I believe...
At the end, all I can do is lean on His promises and that if He could use a donkey to do His will, then He can use me too!
I believe that through Christ I can do these things, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
Keep praying for me
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Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 3/26/2012
I recently came back from a missions trip to Cuba with my church. This was my 2nd time visiting and my first time leading a team on the missions field which came with its own anxious moments!
I didn't necessarily go into the trips with any expectations outside of being used by God, little did I know what He had in store for me and my team!
For those not aware(maybe u live under a rock?), Cuba is under its 54th year of communist dictatorship. And while oppression chokes you at every turn, the freedom of Jesus is found everywhere hearts are open to him.
Day one of our trip was kicked off with a bang! As a team, we found ourselves going through many fears and issues. For example, some feared lack of preparation time, public speaking, family in the country acting erratic, and even getting arrested. My personal fear was preaching in Spanish, a language I grew up around but never invested the time to perfect. While fear and doubts clouded the team, Jesus's presence was felt all the more! 2 Cor 12:9-10 tells us to take joy in the moments we are weak, for when we are we He is strong!
God used our fearful team to come into an oppressed nation and shine His glorious light! A weeks worth of ministering led to many accepting Jesus and many more strengthening their faith.
In the old testament, the Israelites, despite the issue at hand, could always turn to the moment that God saved them in Egypt as a beacon of hope. Likewise, when I feel there is an obstacle to great to overcome, God placed the Cuba trip in my life to lean on. I am so grateful to Jesus for all He continues do for me and I pray that you reading this step out in faith to do something you fear and watch how God comes through!
Phil 4:13 I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me
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Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 2/20/2012
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This the 2nd time I'm doing this
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I am persistant
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I am born and raised in Miami Fl
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Unlike the stereotype, I have neither done or sold drugs in my life :)
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I dislike movies/shows about Miami because most are way off base
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I'm an avid sports fan
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My favorite pro football team is the Miami Dolphins
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My favortie college football team is the Michigan Wolverines
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My favorite baseball team is the Baltimore Orioles
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My favorite basketball team is the Houston Rockets
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I also support the local teams as if they are my own (Miami Heat, Miami Hurricanes, and Miami Marlins)
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I have a dog named Machito Jones
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My roommate is my best friend
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Oh yea, I'm a follower of Jesus Christ :)
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My favorite verse is Luke 1:19 (look it up)
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I love reading the bible
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I read the entire Bible in 6 months
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My favorite book in the bible is Judges...lots of action
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I play just about all sports
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I think I'm best at football
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I'm not coordinated on wheels
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I have a 5 minute rule for most things...
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except if food falls on the ground, thats 10 seconds
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I love my church family sooo much
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Those in my inner circle have helped develop me into the man I am today
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I love watching movies
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favorite actors are mark wahlberg and the rock....most of their movies are up my alley! (except the tooth fairy and gameplan)
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I love mafia movies
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favorite movie ever is scarface, which contradicts fact number 5, but there's always exceptions i guess
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My comfort food is ice cream
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i hate eating soup
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I think i'm a man's man
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I've been shaving since 7th grade
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I've always been the biggest guy in my class
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I love meeting new people
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I love investing in new and old relationships
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My love language is quality time
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I have a bible highlighter, literally a highlighter made for the bible
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I have been on 5 missions trips in 2 years
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I've only ever traveled in North America, Central America, and the Carribean
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Favorite destination in the US- San Francisco
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Favorite Destination International- Havana
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My parents are of Cuban descent
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I was raised speaking spanish as my first language
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I forgot most of it, but have gotten better recently
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I love playing dominoes
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Double nine is my personal choice
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I always choose heads
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My favorite number is 78
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I dont tan well, I burn more often in the sun
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I've been in over 10 hurricanes
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I dislike being on a boat in the ocean, sans cruises
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I love jetskis
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I grew up watching wrestling
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I also grew up playing video games
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I have a strange attraction to the sport of curling
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I dont cry often
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I love Chuck Norris facts!
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I like to drive...fast
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I'm allergic to cats
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I'm not musical at all
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My music preference is hip hop
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Biggie Smallz is my favorite all time rapper
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I love Jesus more than anything in the world
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I'm a fan of the UFC
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I can watch any two ppl fight (UFC only)
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I'm a natural protector and peace keeper
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I have a heart for hurting people
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I used to drink alot
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I havent drank alcohol in almost 3 years
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I suffered through some sort of depression for 2 years after high school
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I appreciate Jesus' love more after that period of depression in my life
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Jesus gave me a new hope on life.
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I never thought I'd live to be this old
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I have no idea what I 'm going to do post-race
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I have no expectations for the World race, except to be used to do God's will
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I'm amazed at my new WR family as I get to know all them little by little
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I've seen snow 3 times in my life
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I've played in snow once
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I've held different financial service licenses in the state of Florida
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I'm wanted in 7 states for jaywalking
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the last one is not true, just wanted to wake u up :)
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I think some Christians are more concerned with their theology than loving God and loving others
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I think when we love each like God loves, then we are showing the world who our heavenly father is
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I enjoy evangelizing
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I'm not very musical
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I'm not much of a shopper at all
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I'm pretty cheap, I save a lot
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I prefer purchasing experiences over material things
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I'm not much of a handy man
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Also not much of a car guy
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I'm pretty good with injury care for anything at the knee or below
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I tend to zone out and stay quiet when I'm upset
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talkative=happy, quiet=upset, tired, or thinking
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I enjoy deep questions and willing to answer almost any question
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I can sometimes be insensitve to feelings and more concerned with completion of task
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I prefer things told to me bluntly over sugar coated
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I can grow some epic facial hair
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This is the first time I've answered so many facts about myself
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I'd rather have others fill this out about me than myself
Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or comments about these facts
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Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 12/14/2011
I am typing this blog on my lunch break at work. For those who do not know I work at a sales center in Miami. In this world of business everyone is a number, a bunch of calculations that ranks your worth to the company. In this world, answers are found in numbers and relationships are valued less and less.
Yet I can't help but think of Jesus' teachings and goals to be in the heart of people. In this world of sales, $$ is the only god being chased. The need to have money is never quenched and is like "chasing the wind".
Jesus walked this earth not as a man looking for a sale, or as civilian chasing the "secure" life. Jesus lived radically! He spent His time in worship with God the Father, spreading the good news of salvation, and raising up disciples.
I know that the World Race is going to change the way I do everything, but I cannot wait to leave behind the idea that the true worth of someone is a man-made calculation and live for God-created relationships.
Take the world, but give me Jesus!
Mark 8:36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
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Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 12/10/2011
Me and my friend Steve did a bible study on John 3:16-21 yesterday. It's interesting studying these verses since they can sometimes seem numbing. I believe John 3:16 is the most known piece of scripture as it is quoted at sporting events and billboards. However, when studied in the Greek language, the words come to live! Let's take a look:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- God's love for the world is agape, or unilateral. He loves the world unconditionally.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
- Condemn in this passage is like putting some one on trial or take them to court. Save in the greek is to heal, cure, or to mend the relationship between man an God. How does that change the way you see evangelism? Jesus didn't come to point the judgemental finger at sinners but to mend the relationship between them and God!
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
-back to that agape love thing. The same way Jesus describes his love for the world is the same way Jesus describes the worlds love for evil. Wait what? Humanity has an unconditional love for evil, or all things against God. This should show the mission of Jesus. I think in light of this verse, Christians should be in prayer for those who do not love the Lord, that they may see the light and desire it more than the evil they serve.
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:16-21 NIV)
-We are known by our fruits. The way we live will determine if we are truly walking in the light or imposters. The truth is plainly seen by everyone, however that light is hated by those who live in the darkness.
All-in-all, Jesus came to cure the sin of the world trough love and grace and not though judging the actions or pasts of the world. We are to model that style of evangelism of loving others without taking them to trial for their sinful nature. God Bless!
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Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 11/11/2011
I realize I do not blog nearly enough, so I will make a concentrated effort to keep everyone up to date more often. I'm so excited about this World Race that I cannot keep it in! I know throughout my experience that God will reveal His nature to me more an more. This is what I have learned so far.
God is providing me with everything I need!
1. The biggest concern I have about going on this trip is leaving my family and close friends behind. Missing a year of birthdays, fellowship, joyful moments, and times of mourning is not going to be easy. However God is taking me around the world with over 50 NEW family members! I cant describe how much I love my teammates and how excited I am to do ministry together.
2. The financial goal of $15,500 seemed like alot when I first started, now seems to be within reach! God has been moving in the lives of those who have donated and to those who are planning to donate. God is showing me that I just need to rely on Him. I struggle trusting that God will move in the hearts of others, but He has proved me wrong. I need Jesus all the time!
So far I've made my first goal, and am working on putting together a fundraiser for the next goal! Can't wait!
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Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 9/27/2011
The air conditioning at work was not working today. One fellow employee said, "Its so hot, I feel like I'm in Africa!" Now this person has never experience the African heat, however it made me think that in a few months I will know the feeling.
The Gospels teach of a rich young ruler asking Jesus the cost to follow him. Jesus replied, Sell everything and follow me. While I do not consider myself to be monetarily wealthy, globally-speaking, I am considered wealthy. I have a car, well-paying job, and my own place(albeit renting). However as I prepare for the World Race, I cant help but think of the things I'm selling to follow Jesus. Here is an example of what will not be cominig with me in the daily routine: no bed to wake up from. no air conditioning to stay under the covers from. no refridgerator to search for breakfast. no tv to keep up with sports and news. no couch to lounge on. no washer/dryer to do laundry. no shower with hot water. no car to get to work. Get the idea?
There are many things that we take for granted daily that i've been noticing. The cost is great, the reward will be greater. God has created us for greater things than what we are doing. Excited to be like the rich young ruler, sell my belongings, and follow Christ worldwide!
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Posted in Pre-camp by Gabe Sanchez on 9/13/2011
My brother helped me put together a missions fundraiser video. It came out legen- wait for it- dary! As I continue to pray over the hearts of those who watched and are considering being a part of the giving team, I just find the loving nature of God around me. Not knowing who will give or how the funds will be there can be a bit nerve-racking, but trusting in God to provide is deepening my relationship with my Savior king. I feel more and more that this is where God wants me. Someone asked me what I expect on this trip, in short, to be used by God, however that may be. I will probably write more detailed about that in the future. God is great and I appreciate you reading this! God Bless!
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