Friends,

I am so excited to share with you that I leave for The World Race in 40 days! It is amazing to think back to January when I was first accepted into this program. I remember the intense prayer asking for the Lord's direction in my life and his wisdom to wash over me. At the time the Lord brought to mind the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River in Joshua 3. Unlike the parting of the Red Sea, the Jordan was still rushing with water when God commanded them to step foot into it. It wasn't until after the Israelites took a step of faith with the ark of the covenant in their hands that the Lord paved a dry path through the rushing water. While in the process of praying through this decision, I recognized that God might not clear the path until I've trusted him enough to take a step of faith toward the race. I praise God that now, seven months later, he has not only paved the way but provided for me through it all and he has continued to show up!

As my launch date approaches I have some exciting news to share with you all! Another country has been added to my route! Instead of 5 countries in 9 months we will now be doing ministry in 6! I am so amazed to tell you all that my squad and I will now be headed to Jamaica as our first stop this fall to do disaster relief from hurricane Melissa which devastated much of Jamaica last October. The unique thing about this addition is that last fall I was leaving the Dominican Republic as hurricane Melissa was hitting the islands in the Caribbean and almost a year later I am returning, not to the Dominican but to another country that was devastated by this same hurricane. What a God thing! Along with this exciting news we also received some specific information about our squad. Each squad is identified at launch by a letter and a color: We are S squad and our color is yellow! Which to be symbolizes light and joy! What an amazing thing to declare over our squad!

I want to thank you all for your love and support these past few months in my World Race journey and I want to ask for your continued prayers and support! I am very grateful to tell you all that I have hit 50% in my fundraising goal which means I can officially launch on August 28th! However I still need to reach the other 50% by February so I can finish my race strong next spring! Please pray that I would receive the support I need and that God would continue to provide the way he always done. Please also pray for me as I prepare to leave in a little over a month and continue to pray in advance for the ministry we will be doing! It would be such a blessing to be supported and uplifted in prayer and for any who feel led financially supported! I CANNOT wait to continue to share how God moves! I am incredibly grateful for the people God has placed in my life to follow along with this journey!

Much Love,

Ruthie