Dear Friends and Family,
I hope you’re doing well! I have some exciting news to share with you! God is calling me to something huge and I would love for you be a part of it! For the past couple years, I have felt God calling me out of my normal, out of my comfort zone to do something beyond what I thought I was capable of. He has really been speaking to me about the things He’s placed in my heart, my potential and who I am in Him. He’s also been renewing passions that I had when I was younger; like loving on people who are hurting and broken. Specifically, showing the love of Jesus to people who haven’t experienced real love or cannot not see themselves the way He sees them. Which brings me to the big announcement!
In October 2019, I will be leaving home for an 11-month mission trip to 11 different countries; called The World Race.
In 2016, I went on a trip with my church to Honduras, to an orphanage that we sponsor. I fell in love with what we were doing, the culture, the kids; everything about it. One of the girls that went with us on that trip (a popular face and name in the Ada community), has inspired me in many ways to be more and do more for the Kingdom of God (even though we don’t know each other very well).
Around the same time, a friend of a friend was selling her car on Facebook so she could go on this thing called the World Race. That’s when I first heard about it. I thought, “good for her! I couldn’t do that…” God had different plans. I love to travel, and I love people and eventually, it came up again. And again. Finally, I decided it wasn’t a coincidence. I prayed, researched, prayed some more, researched, watch vlogs of “Racers,” read their blogs, grabbed some prayer partners, and met Mallorie, the girl who I first heard about the Race from, which just confirmed that this is what I’m supposed to do.
I know the World Race is what He has called me to do. And after online interviews, phone interviews, and lots of waiting; I finally received the call: I’m officially accepted to go on the World Race in October!!! Yay!!
The World Race is part of an interdenominational Missions organization called Adventures in Missions. Since 1989, Adventures in Missions has sent over 100,000 missionaries into the mission field. The World Race is an 11-month Christian mission trip around the world to 11 different countries. While on this journey, my fellow teammates and I will serve in partnership with different churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking and bring the restorative hope of Jesus’ love to many tribes and nations. The countries I will be going to are; Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Benin, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Nepal, India, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia.
I believe that the World Race is another step into the destiny and purpose that God has called me to, and I can’t do this alone; God is the true provider and I need a support team here while I’m on the field. I would love for you to be a part of my team! Here are a couple ways you can help me go on the Race.
- Prayer and Encouragement- This is the most important thing you can do for me and my squad. We need a team of loved ones who are dedicated to supporting us in prayer. Prayer is so important for this trip and God’s calling on me to go. If you want to receive updates on prayer requests and things that are happening in my life and the lives of my teammates, subscribe to my blog by entering your email and clicking subscribe. nieceyodom.theworldrace.org
- Financially- I want to invite you to be part of my journey; not only through prayer, but also through financial giving. I ask that you pray about helping support me on this journey. This is probably the biggest challenge that I am facing with going on the World Race. The total cost for the 11 months is $19,900. This will cover all airfare, food, lodging, insurance, and transportation once we’re on the field. This doesn’t include my gear (backpack, sleeping pad, tent, vaccinations, etc.), which is an extra estimated cost of $2,000. Please know that your giving is just as important as my going! If you feel like God is calling you to partner with me by giving or praying specifically for the finances, please read the following information:
Fundraising Timeline:
$5,000 due by 7/15/19
$10,000 due by 9/15/19
$13,000 due by 11/25/19
$19,900 due by 1/25/19
My goal is to be FULLY supported by October 2019, which is only 7 months away. Having all the money raised before I leave would ensure that I can completely focus on the tasks at hand and not have to worry about money while I’m on the field spreading the Word.
Ways to Give:
- Monthly: Pledge any amount of money for each month. You can set up a monthly donation at: www.adventures.org/dynapay
- Online: A one-time lump sum gift (of any amount) would also be a huge blessing. Go to my blog at nieceyodom.theworldrace.org Click on the “Support Me” tab on the left-hand side and follow the steps (note: there is a processing fee).
- Check or Money Order: You can also send checks or money orders, payable to Adventures in Missions. Please be sure to put my name (Janiece Odom) on the memo line. Also please fill out and send the Adventures in Missions slip with your check to ensure there is a record of your donation (if you need one of these, let me know).
Mail checks to:
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374
- Adventures in Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax-deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
If you’re reading this letter, it’s because you, at some point in my life whether knowingly or unknowingly, have spoken into and made an impact on my life. Thank you for everything!
I love you very much!
October World Racer
Niecey Odom
