PB grad’s ‘race’ to take him to 11 countries in 11 months

YARDLEY BOROUGH -- To help the poor and to encourage them to have God in their lives, hevin Thompson, 22, will travel to 11 countries through a program called the World Race trip.

Thompson, a 2009 Pennsbury graduate, will participate in the mission trip for 11 months.

“The most important thing is that we will be meeting the needs of those we come in contact with, whatever that may be,” he said. “Also we will be showing them the love that God has for them by serving in a multitude of ways.”

This unique mission trip has been described by its organizers as “a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about you -- it’s about the hingdom [of God].”

Despite the name, Thompson will not be in competition with anyone or trying to complete his work in the shortest time possible, he said.

“The project is called ‘World Race’ because it sounds exciting,” Thompson said. “You’re not really racing to the next spot. It’s because you’re traveling to different countries. A lot of people think it’s a competition, but it’s not. It’s a short name for ‘international continental trip’.”

Thompson lives with his father, Tim, his mother, Nancy, and his sister, Sarah.

His father grew up in the house where the family now lives. The house is located in the old Maplevale section off of North Main Street, which is a long way from the 11 countries to which the young man will travel.

The places that the group will visit are: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, Nepal, Mozambique, Swaziland and North Africa.

Thompson learned about The World Race at a Christian music festival. He was so impressed that he was moved to participate.

“We will spend a month in each country we go to,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to experience different kinds of mission work. I’ve done some mission trips, but nothing this extensive.”

Thompson hopes to continue mission work throughout his life.

He signed up for the project because he had a good experience on a mission trip for two weeks in high school to Mexico. He went on the mission with his church, Bible Fellowship, when he was in ninth grade.

In order to go on The World Race trip, he needs to raise $15,000, which covers meals, lodging, insurance and wages for the staff.

Thompson may have to leave in January instead of September if the funds are slow coming in.

“I have a heart and passion for people hurting that are poor. I’ve had it easy all of my life,” Thompson said.

He looks forward to helping people build houses, working with orphans and teaching subjects like English to little kids and teenagers as well.

Thompson also wants to tell people about Jesus and to spread the Gospel.

His parents are happy about their son’s decision to participate in The World Race program.

“It’s very exciting,” his mother said. “When he first told me about it, I did the “mom” thing. You know -- what if he gets sick? What if he’s struck in some country where fighting is going on?’”

Then, she got over that. “He showed me some videos online,” she said. “I thought, this is a wonderful experience for him and I’m very proud of him that he would give up a year of his life to help other people.”

“We sure have a lot here in America, don’t we? Even right here in Yardley,” he said. “On the trip, he’ll get to see people who don’t have a lot -- who are in need of food and just basic things that we take for granted.”

The interdenominational non-profit mission organization focuses on discipleship. Prayer and relationships are part of the work amongst the poor.

You can learn more about Thompson and the World Race, as well as donate to his cause, by checking out his blog at http://kevinthompson.theworldrace.org/.

On the top left corner, there are a number of options. In the middle of them is a “support me” link that people can click on and donate through.

People also have the option to send a check to Adventures in Missions with Thompson’s name under who to support. There is a two-percent fee for donating online.

Checks can be sent to: Adventures in Missions, P.O. Box 5344T0, Atlanta, Ga. 30353-44T0. Be sure to make a note that the funds are going to hevin Thompson in Yardley.