I had a recent brush with death.
On January 28, 2025 at around 5pm, my brother and I were in a car accident. A really really really bad car accident. 2 out of the 4 people involved in the accident were taken by helicopter to the nearest trauma hospital. One of those was my brother. I will spare you all the details, but we hit another car head-on, and our car rolled and spun in ways I didn’t know were possible. We were trapped in the car for a long time, while my brother’s arm was crushed beneath the car.
There were so many crazy miracles that happened that day, but one of the weirdest things that happened for me was that I never felt alone. Even when I was trapped in the car before any first responders arrived, when my brother was unconscious beside me. When I was in the ambulance and didn’t know what my future held. When I was in the hospital bed, waiting for the first update on my brother next door. I always felt like God had everything completely within his control, and that everything was going to be okay. Which I know sounds CRAZY because who goes through trauma like that and comes out the other end saying “oh man, God has been so good to me!”
The only people crazy enough to say something like that are people who have a real relationship with Christ. And I am one of those crazies! (I am so blessed!)
The point of this blog is suppose to answer the question “Why am I going on the World Race?” For about a month and a half before the accident, I had been deciding on if the World Race was right for me. I had applied, interviewed, officially commited, told most of my friends and family, started writing this first blog post a dozen times, and prayed and prayed and prayed. I wanted to make sure this trip wasn’t me running away from something, wasn’t based on my own ambitions, and that the Lord himself was the one calling me to it. I’ve been scared, and I’ve had my doubts. It’s scary to leave your life and loved ones behind.
In the days after the accident, while my brother was still in the ICU and I was walking around the hospital, I had a few moments of intense clarity. Clarity that brought about feelings of being ALIVE. I realized first hand that life is too short, always. That you dont ever know what your next moment will look like. That if you’re scared to do something… just do it scared. It sounds corny, but man oh man is it all so true.
At church the next week, my friend asked me “So with all of this that has happened, are you still going on the World Race?” My answer was simple. “How can I not?”
How can I not tell people about the God that was SO close to me in my moment of need, and how he will ALWAYS be with you in your moments too? How can I not tell the people of the world that the creator of the entire universe holds every part of their life in his hands? How can I not tell everyone that He LOVES them, that he has made a way to KNOW him, and to live with him FOREVER?
I must mention (and remind myself too) that this calling is not based on my feelings or emotions. Jesus himself has given us the great commission. In the book of Mark, Jesus says “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). In the book of Matthew, Jesus also says “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus has commanded us to reach the entire world with the gospel, to teach everyone the love of Christ, and tell others how to walk in freedom. It comes straight from the source himself…
WE MUST TELL THE WORLD.
The World Race is one way I will be able to do this. I know it will give me the discipleship tools that I will be able to use for the rest of my life to evangelize to the lost, encourage other believers, and enounter Christ in an entirely new way.
So what is the World Race? It is an 11 month mission trip to 6 different countries. I will be travelling with a non-profit organization called Adventures in Missions, on their World Race Expedition trip. I will leave August 30, 2025 for a two week training camp (basically a missionary boot camp), and after that I will be heading to the nations with a team of 15-30 others! As of right now, the countries we will be going to are Cambodia, Taiwan, Japan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Guatemala, though these could change based on a number of factors. I will be doing ministry work, in whatever way the Lord sees fit for that to look like. Many racers put on VBS, teach English, work with anti-human trafficking organizations, work with women and children who have been victims of abuse, serve with organizations that help refugees, intercede with prayer, do physical labor such as building or gardening, and evangelize in the streets of various cities around the world. These are just a few of the possibilities that my ministry work might look like, but there are countless other ways that the Lord may use me and my team.
Above all, I’ll be sharing the gospel and the love of Christ to the nations.
I am asking for the biblical partnership of my brothers and sisters in Christ for support for this trip! If you’re reading this, I have specifically identified YOU as someone who can help put my feet on the ground of a foreign mission field. I desperately NEED your prayers for guidance from the Holy Spirit, safety, health, opening of hearts, and unification of all the people I will be working alongside!
This trip isn’t free, and I would love it if you would prayerfully consider partnering with me in giving any amount you’re able to with the link I’ve provided below. Share this blog with your friends and family as well! All donations given through this link are tax-deductible, but if you prefer to give through venmo, my venmo is @Ressie-Owen . The cost of this trip will include ALL flights, travel within the countries, meals, housing, ministry materials, training, and mentorship on and off the field. If you or anyone you know would prefer to give via check or cash, just message me or leave a comment and I will be sure to get in contact with you! I will also keep everyone updated on other fundraising opportunities that come up!
You can subscribe to this blog, and it will notify you every time I post. I will aim to post every 1-2 weeks when I am on the field. I highly suggest subscribing, because through your prayers and giving, you are a partner to what the Lord is going to do over these 11 months! And this blog will keep you updated with all the miracles he’s going to do! Feel free to follow me on Instagram as well @ressiemaeowen . I will be posting as many pictures and videos there as possible!
Thank you so much for taking time to read this, and for praying and partnering with me.
Link to give:
With love,
Ressie Mae
P.S. If you’re reading this and do not have a relationship with Christ, please reach out. To Him, and to me. I would be MORE than happy to tell you about my amazing heavenly father that loves more than you can imagine.
Check out this awesome merch Adventures in Missions sent me 🙂
Im so excited to see your adventures!
God is using you in big ways!! I can’t wait to follow along and see how God moves! 🤍