Team EK!

Hi, Friends! I thought I’d introduce you all to my first team!

 

 

We are Team EK!

 

Can you guess what EK stands for? Be sure to check out future blogs for the answer!

Just so it’s clear, I am part of the World Race January 2021 Expedition Squad (aka I-Squad). We travel from country to country together. However, we are broken down into smaller teams. Teams may work together or separate within a country, working with different ministry partners.

 

Meet Mary Grace Ervin!

Mary Grace is 26. She is from is originally from Winchester, TN, called Seattle home for the last few years, but currently lives in Hawaii. 

Mary Grace first heard about the World Race 10 years ago and has been crossing paths with lots of World Race people and connections ever since. She finally decided to take that leap of faith to live an adventurous life with and for our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary Grace loves to tell people anywhere and everywhere about Jesus, but has a deep desire to share with those who have no access to the gospel. Her heart is for everyone to have the opportunity to know the abundant hope, joy, and peace of our Savior. She also finds it beautiful to interact  with and learn from so many people and cultures around the world. Mary Grace is passionate about people truly knowing what it’s like to love life with Jesus. She wants people to know that they have a voice and wants to empower them to be their full selves in the likeness and image of Christ and encourage them in confidence to do what the Lord puts on their heart. Mary Grace is also passionate about community, justice and equality, and that every person feels truly known and loved. When it comes to the World Race, Mary Grace is most nervous about being sent back home again from the race because of the pandemic. However, she is most excited for simply being on the field, to meet so many new faces and to witness the amazing, crazy, wild ways the Lord moves and works around the world wherever she goes! She is also excited to see what the Lord has in store for her and is holding everything with open hands, listening for where the Lord will guide her. 

She asks for prayer for clarity on decisions to make now and in the future; for the team and squad and others going out on the field; and for God to lead her every single step of the way and courage and confident to follow.

 

Meet Jenna Burton!

Jenna is 30. She is originally from Missouri, but has called Florida her home for the past 8 years. 

Jenna first heard about the World Race from a church friend who is a World Race alumni. To grow in who God has created her to be, to deepen her relationship with Christ, and to live in Christ-like community with other believers is what drew her to the World Race. Jenna is both excited and nervous for the growth that comes with such a challenging adventure; however, she is ready to step out in faith and depend on Jesus as her Rock for all the trial she will face and lessons she will learn along the way. She is scared and excited, but so ready to trust God in this adventure and to grow. One thing Jenna is passionate about is the healing for emotional pain that comes from Christ. She seeks to help others know that the love of Christ is true and brings peace, joy, and freedom. 

Jenna asks for prayers for safety from Covid while traveling and all traveling safety.

 

Meet Abbey Spiker!

Abbey is 21 and from Cheyenne, WY. 

Abbey first heard about the World Race when her mom’s friend’s daughter did it and loved it! Not yet knowing what she wants to do for school or for a job, Abbey thought that the World Race would be an incredible experience. What a better way to spend this time until she do figure it out what comes next in life? Since applying, she has also felt God calling her to surrender everything: life, comfortability, all the things. Surrendering everything is one thing that makes her nervous about the World Race; however, she is more excited about learning to hear God’s voice more clearly. Abbey loves relationships and photography. She is passionate about loving people well and being able to capture God’s creation. 

Abbey would love to just thank everyone, for loving on us, praying, and supporting our journey. She also asks for continuing prayers for peace that God will provide in this season and comfort in her own season of singleness. 

 

Meet Antoinette Johnson!

Antoinette is 31. She is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, but currently lives in Denver, Colorado. 

Antoinette first heard about the World Race through friends who are alumni. She then chose to go herself to deepen her relationship with her Papa (God). She is excited to get to know her squad mates and teammates throughout this adventure and to share the gospel with unbelievers and unreached people. Antoinette is passionate about loving people who are outcasts in this world and showing them what a welcoming and caring relationship they too can have with the Father. She wants to remind everyone she meets, “Please don’t ever forget that you are LOVED by God… because with this truth you can walk freely.” 

One thing that makes Antoinette nervous is that we might not be able to go overseas due to the coronavirus. She ask for continued prayers that the squad will be able to leave the country to share the good news about our Father! She also asks for prayers that each team, that each individual, will see each other the way God sees them. 

 

 

Meet Raquel Portillo!

Raquel is 28 and from Caracas, Venezuela.

She first heard about the World Race when one of her cousins did it a couple years ago. Called to be a full time missionary in the 10/40 window, Raquel felt like the World Race would be an amazing opportunity to make new ministry connections and get to know different cultures and religions. She hopes this would lead to possibly make a long term commitment. Raquel is passionate about relationships and serving others with the gifts God has given her. One thing that makes Raquel both nervous and excited about the World Race is living in Christian community 24/7. As an introvert, living and traveling with others can be daunting, but she hopes that the Christian community with call her higher. She is also excited to show God’s love through serving people that have never heard about Him. 

Raquel would like to thank her friends, family, and supporters for their prayers and support. She asks for continuing prayers, that God opens our eyes to see every opportunity He gives us to share the gospel. That He gives us His heart to love everyone we encounter. Pray for unity in our team, that we may be set apart and people draw near to us because of our love for each other. That everything we think, say and do glorify God and God only.

 

I’m Karis Kononiuk!

I am 26 and from Springfield, MO.

I first heard about the World Race about 8 years ago from someone at my church. She mentioned the program knowing that I love traveling and telling others about the love of Jesus. There are many reasons why I chose to go on the World Race, but simply living in Christ-Like community 24/7 and sharing how awesome our Creator is is at the top of my list. I am passionate about teaching and helping young children learn and grow to be the men and women God has created them to be, all while reminding them of the love God has for them. When it comes to the World Race and being an introvert, living and traveling with others non-stop for 11 months makes me a bit nervous; but I know that God is going to use this time to grow me ways I don’t even realize I need to grow in. However, I am very excited to experience different cultures and meet new people, and keep my eyes open for the incredible ways God is going to work in the lives we encounter. 

I would like to thank everyone who has prayed and supported me and my team so far through this journey. We couldn’t do this without you! I would also like to ask for continuing prayers for peace and protection during this season of Covid, strength and courage for the challenges we are sure to face, and abundant joy through all aspects of the Race. 

 

 

We just had to take a port-a-potty pic! And yes, Abbey is holding a banana!