RJ: The short version of the story goes like this: One day on our lunch break I asked Micah, “What did you actually DO on the World Race?” His stories opened my eyes and lit my ears on fire. I sent Kayla one of the videos he made in Mongolia, and she was immediately captivated. Six months, 100+ questions, and hundreds of prayers later, we decided to go on the Race.
Micah is an out-of-the-box thinker, financial advisor, minimalist, and, I believe, a gift sent by God into Kayla and I’s life. Every time we talk I feel like I learn something. He has given us so much through his friendship, support, and counsel leading us to the Race.
Without further ado, one of my best friends and past World Racer, Micah Roeder.
Micah: One of my favorite childhood activities was skipping rocks on the lake.
I enjoyed the process of finding a smooth stone, trying to throw it at the proper angle, and watching it skip across the top of the water. It was always a challenge to see how many times I could make it skip.
My favorite part, though, wasn’t actually skipping the rock, but watching how the rock affected the surface of the water. The impact the rock made would create a massive ripple effect, affecting the lake in a way that went far beyond what one would think a small rock is capable of doing.
The “Ripple Effect”, while being a cool phenomenon, also describes each of our lives.
Christ has given us wisdom, discernment, and agency to make decisions in our lives. Each decision that we make and each action that we take affects our lives and the lives of those around us in ways that we will never fully comprehend, creating a “ripple effect” on the world.
Take the World Race for example.
My experience with the Race began when I was in college, as I had some friends who decided to do it. It intrigued me, but it was never really something I considered doing at that time.
Yet, a few years later, in large part due to the “ripple effect” of my friends having gone on the Race, I made a decision to go on it myself.
As I began to fundraise for the trip, it was humbling to get to see how my friends and family rallied around me with prayers and financial support. I hated asking for funds, but I began to see how incredible it was to be able to partner with so many people who couldn’t do something like this, but could provide for me to have the opportunity to do it. By going on the trip, I was creating an opportunity for these partners to make a “ripple” for the Kingdom as they supported my ministry.
On the race itself, with my team and my squad, we were able to partner with local ministries to encourage and influence the communities we visited. Our time in those places led to personal growth in our faith, many people coming to know Christ, and many Kingdom building breakthroughs for communities around the world, thus furthering the “ripples.”
Since coming home from the World Race, I have been pretty outspoken about my experience and how it has shaped my life. I started a job working at the same organization where RJ was employed, and he and I became fast friends. RJ was always incredibly kind and supportive, and would often ask about my experience.
Eventually, after much prayer and counsel, RJ and Kayla decided to go on the Race for themselves. The past 10 months RJ and Kayla have been on the race, I’ve been able to see them grow as individuals and as leaders. From team leader and treasurer to squad leaders they are using the gifts that the Lord has given them, challenging themselves to grow and develop in their walks with Christ, and loving on their teams and their squad. It’s truly been a joy to be able to partner with them.
Thinking back to how this story started, it’s amazing to see how the “Ripple Effect” of the World Race has had such a profound impact on the Kingdom, just in the ways it has played out in my own life.
To recap, I knew some people who went on the Race, (who undoubtedly decided to go on the race due to someone else’s ripple effect) which indirectly impacted my going on the race, which led to partnering with people who supported me, which led to Kingdom work all across the world, which led to my sharing my experience with people, which indirectly led to RJ and Kayla going on the Race.
Now, not only have RJ and Kayla been able to be Kingdom-bringers to all the people they have worked with in other countries, they’ve also been able to influence their teammates, squad mates, and supporters.
We aren’t always able to see the harvest of the seeds we plant or the decisions we make. For me, it’s been emotional to cheer on RJ and Kayla and be able to see even a few of the millions of small ways God is working all things for His good. Because of their experience, I truly believe that they will be better employees, spouses, parents, friends, and Jesus followers. They have already influenced so many people for the Kingdom on the race, and I can’t wait to see their “ripple effect” for years to come.
Now think about your life. Think about your decisions. No matter who you are, we all have the opportunity in life to create a ripple effect. Everything that we do is causing some sort of impact on the world around us. What sort of Ripple Effect are you creating?
Micah shares his knowledge about financial independence and minimalist living here: mementomorimoney.com
You can see the videos Micah made each month of his Race here: https://micahroeder.theworldrace.org
*August 2017 in Colorado at a retreat with our home ministry, Revel.
How inspiring….the ripple effect has hit us at home when we are able to share how proud we are of these grandkids and their heart for God. Trusting in their safety knowing God has their backs and is guiding each step of the way. Always excited to hear of the divine appointments!!!!!
Great intro. Micah. We have enjoyed seeing RJ & Kayla’ s dream beginning to mature.
Love you all
Grampa Bill
This brought tears to my eyes! So thankful that God used you in this way, Micah, and so excited R.J. and Kayla, that y’all were led by the Lord to be “World Racers” and have the awesome opportunity to impact His Kingdom in an amazing way through this experience!!
WOW! The ripples each of you are making are reaching more people than you realize. I’m so thankful that God allowed your paths’ to cross Levi’s. God is using all of you in a mighty way!