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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 8/28/2008
30 days. 30 more hot showers. 30 more nights in a real bed with a real pillow. 30 days to love on family and friends. 30 days of anticipation. 30 days of excitement. 30 days of waiting.
I remember my last 30 days in the States in May 2007 and still consider them to be the hardest 30 days of my life. It seemed that in a blink of an eye my entire life was packed up and stripped away. I remember the hand of the Lord being on me during that time and gently guiding me to the Atlanta airport to meet the squad. I remember how terrified I was the night before I left and how I unpacked my bag convinced that I had changed my mind and wasn't really going to go.
I also remember my last 30 days on the Race in April 2008. I remember wishing that every day would last forever and that time would stop flying. I remember cherishing every meal, every prayer, every laugh with my precious teammates. I remember wishing it really wasn't coming to an end.
And here I sit. A weird mix of both. Terrified at the thought of sleeping in a tent again, being dirty all the time and dealing with the challenges of community living. Excited beyond belief at chasing the will of God for my life. Thrilled at the opportunity to once again live for something bigger than myself. Ready to pour myself out into 52 new amazing teammates.
All I know to do is to embrace every emotion. Every laugh and every tear are from the Lord and He is the King of my heart. He asks me to continue to walk forward and I will be obedient.
I am reminded of David's words in Ecclesiastes 3:
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
He has made everything beautiful in its time."
I was made for this time and it is beautiful.
I continue to be in need of both financial and prayer support for the Race. If the Lord prompts, please consider supporting me by clicking on SUPPORT ME on the left side of the screen or CONTACT me for mailing instructions. God Bless you.
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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 8/23/2008
Because it is impossible for me to stay put in any one state for more than a few days, I hopped in a car last weekend with my new teammate Aaron Darlington and we set out for West Virginia!
In a funny case of randomness my college roommate's brother has been following some blogs and asked if I could swing by his youth group and church to share about the Race. I only say it is random because it eventually gets comical when I hear about all the blog readers that have been following these crazy posts and I had NO idea. (so..if you are a blog stalker this is my challenge to you to post a comment and come out of the blog-stalking closet!) It also kinda stresses me out to realize just how many people read the ramblings of my heart. Pray that my heart and fingers don't cave under the pressure!
 Anyway...a quick jaunt down OH 23 and we cross the River to arrive in the great tri-state area (KY, OH, WV). Some of my favorites in the World live nearby and we late-night crashed at their new house and spent a quick few hours catching up on life. We set out early Sunday morning to see what we would find in WV. Honestly you guys, I have NEVER been so blessed and humbled. I was greeted at the door with a steaming Peppermint Mocha (thank you JAY!!!) and the opportunity to share at the Word of Light church in Hurricane, WV. I have spoken at quite a few places here recently and have never been so warmly welcomed and embraced. The spirit of the Lord hovers over the church and Pastor Doug in incredible fashion and it is so clear how anxious they are to live like Jesus in their everyday lives. I was humbled simply by the fact that perfect strangers welcomed and loved on me like we were long-lost friends.
I look forward to sharing the World with them and shining light on places all over God's earth that could use some extra help. Thank you Word of Light for living Kingdom. Jesus is so proud to call you sons and daughters.
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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 8/23/2008
 Have you ever noticed the difference in your driving when your gas tank is empty? You are a little slower off the line at red lights, coast a little further down the hills and accelerate a little slower up the hills. You pray you hit the cheapest gas station around every bend, and have no problem giving "Betsy" a pat of encouragement on the dash board and maybe even find yourself using a little vocal encouragement when normally that is totally not part of your relationship with your car.
Magically, you find a gas station in the middle of nowhere offering gas at 20 cents cheaper than usual and pay at the pump! You praise Jesus for the good fortune and maybe even indulge in a little fountain coke while you are at it.
As you pull out of the gas station you accelerate and hop back into traffic from 0 to 60 in twenty seconds flat.  You no longer coast into red lights, but accelerate and hit the pedals fast and hard. Instead of driving defensively, you suddenly become Mario Andretti and are offensively taking on every old man in a Buick. Bottom line: we just drive differently when our tanks our full.
The same can be said about our walk with God.
As I came home from my year-long adventure my spiritual tank was on empty. I had been through abandonment, brokenness and restoration, but I was absolutely tired. My heart had seen so much pain through the year and I really wasn't sure I could handle any more. One more orphan, dying child, or beaten woman might possibly put me over the edge. I had pressed in hard all year and the Lord was so faithful to replenish me every time I asked, but there was just the underlying empty that I couldn't get past and was grateful for the break.
I have jokingly referred to this summer as my spiritual retreat, but in all honesty it has been a summer of filling. I feel like I have parked at the spiritual gas station for the past few months and have been filled. The Lord makes us a promise in Matthew 5:6 that I have found to be true in my life this summer.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
 I have consistently put myself in a position the past few months to hunger and thirst after His righteousness and have been filled. It has looked differently at times, but I have found myself at the beach in NC, at the Revival in Lakeland, and most recently in CO Springs at the G42 Summit. In each place I have been surrounded by God-fearing men and women who would give their lives for Jesus. There is just something about being surrounded by people who are living KINGDOM that will encourage and edify us. My tank is on full and I know I will drive differently this year.
The Lord has increased my spiritual authority, re-affirmed my identity as a child of God, and intensified my passion and love for HIM. I have a deeper understanding of who he has made me to be and how he would like me to worship. I knew I could not go back out on the field the same way that I came in and have been dedicated to filling my tank. I have so many to thank for their open homes, generous giving, and their desire for me to grow. Many blessings have been prayed over my life the past few months and I am forever indebted to many of you.
I will walk back on the field in a month filled and ready to roll for the Kingdom!
"You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise." Psalm 119:57-58
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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 8/18/2008
The second half of the dynamic coaching duo comes in the form of Chuck and Selena Day. Two better people in all the earth could not be found. Chuck and Selena have been doing ministry together as a couple and a family (they have 3 awesome daughters!) for many years and it shows as they navigate the World Race with us.
Chuck has an amazing prophetic gifting as well as his musical talents, and was always ready to share a prayer, a word, or an encouragement and I still draw often on his ear for the Lord. His heart for us as Racers was always spiritual development and he had the trust of many a June racer.
Selena was the voice of reason many times and somehow always has a story and testimony for every situation. They have walked through some fire in their lives and are always willing to empty their hearts into us. She is also our resident girly girl and has no problem touting around hair straightners, gel and make-up just for us!
To say that we were blessed by Chuck & Selena would be an understatement. They consistently listened, prayed and laughed with us and it continues to this day. I have spent some time with them post-race and their level of commitment and love to us is unsurpassed.
Chuck & Selena: You are amazing!! You are two of my favorite people in the World and absolutely the most fun! Thank you for opening your hearts and home to us time after time. Your home church has blessed me immeasureably and I look forward to coming again when I get home. Love you!
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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 8/16/2008
There are no words to describe how precious these two are to me. All year long MAMA CAROL and PAPA SCOTT so faithfully commented on blogs, prayed for me, cried with me, and loved me unconditionally. It was only recently that someone asked me "who is Mama Carol??" that it dawned on me that many of you out there in blog-land might not know this amazing couple!
The Ptits and the Days were awarded the pleasure of being our team coaches for the entire year last year and met us many times out of the field for our monthly debriefs. They would arrive touting extra suitcases full of candy, christmas presents, bug spray, and anything else we might want from back home. They would sit for hours and listen as each one of us processed through the month and helped solve many a team miscommunication. M&M's were always provided too :) There were a few times when they showed up on the field and were faced with some tough decisions and communications and provided a much-needed outside perspective. I am forever grateful for their smiles, prayers and encouragement.
As the end of the year approached they decided to forego coaching another team and committed to helping the June squad through re-entry. I don't think any of us imagined how much we would continue to lean on their prayers and support. I personally have spent more than 3 weeks with them this summer and it is truly my home away from home. Their door is always open and and we have spent hours on their boat and raiding their pantry. :) Their family has become my family and I have experienced true hospitality. They continue to challenge me, encourage me, and love me.
Scott and Carol: Thank you will never be enough. I love you both to pieces and can't wait to share the next adventure with you. There is a special place in my heart for your whole family. All my love!
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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 8/15/2008
"My grace is sufficient for you..." 2 Corinthians 12:9a
I have just returned back home after a month of being out and about at various and a sundry adventures.
 I spent 10 days down in Lakeland at the Revival with Julie and Nicole and it was absolutely fantastic. The Revival has continued under so much scrutiny and I am saddened because I only had positive experiences down there. For me it was a time to re-charge and re-focus and I found it incredibly full of the Spirit of God.
From there I spent a week in Gainesville, GA hanging out with some AIM friends and WR buddies and preparing for Training Camp for the October racers. I can't explain how good it was for my heart to have this time. We went boating, ate good food, watched movies, prayed for each other and just generally enjoyed each other. It was a sweet time of reunion and fun.
Training camp for the October squad was amazing. I have so much to say about it that I am not sure where to start.  Watch for more blogs to come. I have 52 new awesome teammates for this year and I am absolutely convinced they are some of the best. It was humbling to hang with such a great group of people and pour into their lives for a week. Completely my blessing to be with them and I can't wait to do it for a whole year!
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and it was time this week to return back to reality. I have some commitments this week at home and it was time to head back north. I was heartbroken as I said goodbyes to Sean, Julie and the Pitts (my hosts for 2 weeks!!!). We are all heading to different parts of the country/world and it could be a bit before we rendevous again. There is just something special about people who see you for who you really are and love you anyways.
 7 hours later I found myself driving through what I consider my "home", Lexington, and being pressed for time, I didn't stop and say hello. Tears flowed again as I thought of all the people I would love to hug and spend some time with. On the phone with Nicole (the craziest best friend a girl could have) she said something that really touched my heart. She said that it must seem that I am always homesick because there are pieces of me everywhere. We paused and talked about it a minute and as I continued driving I realized how right she was.
There are two ways to think about it and depending on my mood I go back and forth. First off, I can live in a constant state of heartache and wishing I was somewhere else, with someone else, doing something else, but that really doesn't seem to be very productive. I am a big fan of living in the present and enjoying the moment. My heart definitely hurts at times, but I would rather think about how lucky I am to have so much love in my life. To think that I can spend the summer traveling all over the place with some of the most amazing friends and then get to come home to more amazing friends and family is pretty darn lucky!
As I reflected further I thought about how I essentially lived this way for a year. We would pour our hearts out for a month in one location and then have to pack up and move on, only to do it all over again. There was always the choice to either invest in the ministry and love on the people, or check out and just survive the month. As we got further and further into the year it became increasingly difficult to continue to open your heart knowing it would just be hurt again in a few weeks, but we came to a place of sufficiency in God. It is only by His grace that our hearts could be so open and yet so broken all the time.
I feel like this summer has been a reminder from God of His grace all over again. There is absolutely no reason that the same grace that covered my heart all year won't continue during this time in the States; I only need to be aware of it and walk in it. The Lord has gently reminded me that though my heart hurts sometimes His grace is always sufficient.
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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 8/8/2008
Dear Friends:
In June 2007 I began a life-changing journey that continues to this day. The 2007 World Race took me literally around the world and into the hearts and homes of people in 11 countries. I witnessed firsthand the devastating affect of AIDS on millions of people in Africa, the bondage that the sex slave trade has on the people of Asia, and the religious spirit that has hardened so many hearts on Central America.
It was a powerful year on every level and my heart overflows with thankfulness to all of you who helped make it possible. 
I am honored to have been chosen to chase God with another group of radicals. This October I will embark on a year-long journey leading a team of 50+ as they follow the commands of Jesus and leave everything behind to be the hands and feet on the 2008 World Race.
I am committed to building the Kingdom. I am committed to the nations. I am committed to discipleship. I am committed to my generation. I am committed to the World Racers, and I am honored to serve them and grow alongside them as we trek throughout the world.
There is a movement being birthed and I want to give you the opportunity to partner with us to mobilize a generation. I will spend the first 5 months or so out on the field with the October team. I spent the last year learning lessons that I can't wait to impart to them and am excited to share in their journey. After that I will return to the States and do leadership coaching and encouragement from here.
I will be considered as a staff member of Adventures in Missions and therefore, will raise my support as a staff member. My goal is to raise $24,000 which will cover the expenses of racing with the team as well as travel expenses to meet with them and provide coaching at debriefs after I have left the official "Race' part of the year.
It is a daunting task, but I am confident that the Lord pays for what He orders. Paul speaks to the church at Corinth about supporting their ministers in this way:
"Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what was offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the Gospel should receive their living from the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:13-14
My excitement for the Nations has overflowed to so many of you this year and I am honored that you would partner with me to share the Good News once again.
As the Lord prompts, please consider supporting me by either clicking on SUPPORT ME on my blog at allisonjohnston.theworldrace.org or I have enclosed a response card and pre-addressed envelope, which invites you to share in this ministry. Please make checks payable to Adventures in Missions. You may write "appealed by" and my name in the memo section of the check if you wish. Including the enclosed card will provide AIM with all necessary information. In turn, they will send you a receipt. All gifts are tax-deductible.
Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers. A generation is walking into their destiny because of YOU!
God Bless you!
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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 7/31/2008
Due to technical difficulties the normal WORLD RACE website is temporarily down.
For now you can see the same GREAT blogs at www.theworldrace.net!! Simply substitute .NET for .ORG on any racer's blog and you will see our smiling faces. :)
I am currently in Gainesville, GA preparing for TRAINING CAMP that begins on Saturday! Your prayers are most definitely needed as we prepare the October squad. Pray that myself and the entire serve team will minister as the Lord directs and that hearts are open and ready to receive. I can't wait to see what HE is going to do with this awesome new group of radicals!
Talk to you soon!
Allison
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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 7/29/2008
The January 08 Squad says a great BIG THANK YOU to all of you who so generously gave to help them out last week!!!!!
I am continually humbled that I can post a blog and within minutes have emails flying with people ready to help. This whole missionary gig is truly a corporate effort by the ENTIRE body of Christ and I have never been so proud to be a part of it. I am so encouraged by your genuine care and concern for brothers and sisters you may never meet this side of heaven.
I am happy to report they are safe and sound in India with some great coaches to help them process through the events of last week. A few lost absolutely EVERYTHING and the $1,450 you ALL gave so quickly will help to purchase things like Bibles, clothes and shoes.
Thank you all for your faithfulness and generosity. I am praying the words of Jesus for each one of you:
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into
your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38
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Posted in General Articles
by Allison Johnston
on 7/25/2008
Dear Friends:
We are so heartbroken to learn about your hard week. We are continually lifting you up to our Father and know that He will provide for all of your needs. We immediately went into action mode on your behalf and that of course led us to TARGET!
We shopped our hearts out of you and ran to the UPS Store to send it to Michael to bring to you....but, alas, it was going to cost a small fortune to send you our love and kisses. Instead...we will use that money for a little surprise that Michael is bringing for you and
we ate the hershey kisses, we hope you don't mind! We did write you this nice card, but it wasn't going to make it in time either, so here it is! We love you friends and are fighting this battle with you!
 
 
Our prayer for you: (everyone reading please join us in this prayer)
Father, we lift before you our brothers and sisters who are in the field carrying the Good News of the Gospel. We lift those in the Body of Christ who are suffering persecution. Father, we know that you watch over Your Word to perform it, that Your Word prospers in the thing for which You sent it. Therefore, we speak Your Word and establish your covenant on this earth. We pray here, and others receive their answer there by the Holy Spirit.
Thank you Father, for revealing to your people the integrity of your Word and that they must be firm in faith against the devil's onset, withstanding him. Father, you are their Light, Salvation, Refuge, and Stronghold. You hide them in your shelter and set them high upon the rock. It is Your will that each one prospers, is in good health, and lives in victory. You set the prisoners free, feed the hungry, execute justice, rescue and deliver.
We commission the ministering spirits to go forth and provide the necessary help for and assistance to these heirs of salvation. We and they are strong in the Lord and in the power of Your might, quenching every dart of the devil in Jesus' name.
Father, we use our faith, covering these in the Body of Christ with your Word. We say that no weapon formed against them shall prosper, and any tongue that rises against them in judgement they shall show to be in the wrong. This peace, security, and triumph over opposition is their inheritance as your children. This is the righteousness they obtain from you, Father, which you impart to them as their justification. They are far from even the thought of destruction, for they shall not fear, and terror shall not come near them.
Father, you say You will establish them to the end--keep them steadfast, give them strength, and guarantee their vindication, that is, be their Warrior against all accusation or indictment. They are not anxious beforehand how they shall reply in defense of what they are to say, for the Holy Spirit teaches them in that very hour and moment what they ought to say to those in the outside world.
We commit these, our brothers and sisters in the Lord, to you, Father, deposited into your charge, entrusting them to Your protection and care, for You are faithful. You strengthen them and set them on a firm foundation and guard them from the evil one. We join our voices in praise to you, Most High, that You might silence the enemy and avenger. Praise the Lord! Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world! AMEN
(adapted from Prayers that Avail much by Germaine Copeland)
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