World Race:

What is The World Race?

The World Race is a program for ages 21-35 that travels to 11 countries in 11 months while focusing on three main areas: mission, discipleship, and adventure.

The World Race currently serves in and partners with ministries in dozens of countries, spanning from the tip of South America to the vast wild of Mongolia.

How does it work?

Upcoming routes are announced one year prior to the departure date, giving time for preparation, which after application and acceptance includes fundraising and spiritual and emotional development. The earlier you apply, the better chance you have getting your desired Route and the more time you have to prepare.

What makes the World Race different?

The World Race currently serves in dozens of countries, spanning from the tip of South America to the vast wild of Mongolia, and focuses on three main areas: mission, discipleship, and adventure. The World Race is different because it’s the only missions program that allows you to go to 11 countries in 11 months and learn by doing.

Jesus taught His disciples by having them pray for the sick, evangelize, and numerous other things they didn’t study for. They were just normal guys, who stepped out in boldness, allowing God to use them for extraordinary things. In this sense, the World Race is an opportunity to live out both the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20) and the Greatest Commandment (Matt. 22:36-40).

What do we actually "do" on the Race?

Every day on the World Race looks a little different. Some days will be packed full with construction, VBS, building relationships with orphans, or praying for the sick at a hospital.

Some days could be slower — shopping for groceries at the market, cooking for your team, and spending time praying for the community you walk through. Much depends on our ministry partner’s needs in each country, and specifically during your team's month with them! Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God's kingdom work.

Do I have what it takes?

While ministry and travel experience are helpful, they're not a requirement for the World Race. In fact, any lack of ministry experience, or your experiences / struggles do not disqualify you from becoming a World Racer. There are, however, a set of characteristics that World Racers are expected to have, including being a follower of Jesus and having a commitment to spread the Gospel, an open mind and good attitude, physical fitness and more. Read through each one here as you complete your application.

How old do you have to be to go?

World Race encompasses ages 21 to 35. Age range is based on the launch window. For example, a Racer launching in January 2020 must turn 21 by January 1, 2020.

World Race: Gap Year is for ages 18-20 and takes college-aged students on a journey to 3 continents in 9 months. Click here to learn more.

World Race: Semesters is for ages 18-22 and has trips ranging from 1-3 months. Click here to learn more.

Can I afford it?

We understand raising money can be intimidating, which is why we pair you with an admissions advisor who will guide you through the support raising process. And we only require a portion of the money to be raised before you leave; the rest can be raised while you're on the field. If you're worried about finances, don't be. Over the years, we've learned time and time again that when God calls, He provides.

Here’s a closer look at the numbers:

Only 4.6% of participants who start the Race have raised 100% of their funds by training camp, 20.8% typically raise their funds by the launch.

You will need to meet the following deadlines for your trip:

The trip fundraising amount now includes an estimated $800 to cover the cost of a required MissionSafe medical insurance plan, and $300 to cover your entrance to Project Searchlight, a month 10 debrief for your squad. It focuses on re-entry and will take place at our headquarters one month after you return home.

When you look at the trip’s fundraising amount, the amount needed for the World Race averages to less than $62 a day – and you’ll be fundraising that money! The average cost of living in the U.S. is $65 a day.

We have a plan, a process, and tools to help you fundraise. We take every Racer through our fundraising process built around relationship-building. We give each Racer a fundraising coach who will equip you with practical tools to help you set and achieve your fundraising goals.

What if the route I want fills up?

Because we offer a variety of routes for each launch window, these routes will fill up unevenly. We can only launch a limited number of Racers on each route. Although we will allow routes to exceed capacity, we do expect some people to drop before training camp. If routes remain unbalanced, we may ask some Racers to switch routes within the same launch window prior to training camp.

What if the route I want fills up while I'm in the middle of applying?

Your route reservation is determined by the date you pay your $200 trip deposit.
This happens when your application is completed, you've had your interview, your acceptance has been confirmed by admissions, and your first deposit of $200 has been made.

Applying for a route does not guarantee there are or will be available spots by the time you pay your deposit.

Routes will be marked "Join Waitlist" when we reach capacity but are still accepting applications in lieu of anticipated drops. If you are accepted after the route is full, you will still have a spot on a route leaving the same month.
Routes will be marked "Full" when we are no longer accepting applications.