The World Race - A Story Still Being Written
From a vision that began in 2006 to a new Chapter in Canada
Where it Began
In 2006, 22 young adults stepped away from everything familiar and embarked on the very first World Race and 11 month 11 country journey.
Launched through Adventures in Missions, the World Race was built on a vision to raise up young adults who would pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, grow through authentic Christian community and learn to live out the gospel through serving others.
It wasn’t simply about travelling the world or participating in missions projects. It was about discipleship, learning to recognize the Father’s voice, surrendering our own plans, and allowing God to shape who we are becoming. Learning along the way that following Jesus isn’t always easy or comfortable but always worth it. Also learning that sometimes the greatest work God does isn’t through us, but within us.
Over the years thousands of young adults have stepped into that journey, including young Canadians who had the privilege of joining with young Americans racers. Along the way, a vision began growing in the hearts of many of us to one day see the World Race program established here at home where whole Squads of Canadians could be launched out to the field.
More than just a Mission Trip
In 2009, I had the blessing of entering into the story.
I went on the World Race with a heart to serve and a desire to know Jesus more deeply and very little understanding of how much those 11 months would challenge me, and shape me. My faith was tested. My expectations were challenged. I had to confront parts of myself I hadn’t realized I was holding onto tightly.
There were moments of incredible joy, deep friendships, beautiful encounters with people from all walks of life around the world and the blessing of being a part of ministries that were making a real day to day impact.
But there was also many moments where we learned what it truly meant to die to self. Laying down comfort, preference, outcomes and choosing honor, humility, and obedience.
Somewhere along the way I began to realize, Missions isn’t where you go, or what you do, its simply living a life surrendered and choosing to love and serve the people God puts in your path no matter where you find yourself. It took leaving, to see the mission field I had at home.
A Dream For Canada
During that season in 2009 a dream took root in my heart. “What if more young Canadians could experience this together.
For years it was just that a dream. There was seasons of waiting, closed doors and times when the road seemed unclear but the heart behind it remained and the gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit was undeniable.
Everything in its season and in 2024 the shift between dreaming to building began. Solid Foundation Missions Canada began the work to pilot the first all Canadian World Race Squad.
September 2026 after years of prayer, perseverance, and preparations, we reached our first big Milestone.
Our first World Race Canada Route officially opened for applications.
Racers will travel for three months through Guatemala, Nicaragua and Belize partnering with well established partners and serving in the day to day needs of the ministries.
A whole new generation of young Canadians will have the opportunity to step beyond the familiar, deepen their relationship with Jesus, and discover what it means to live out their faith through intentional discipleship, authentic community and service.
Our deep hope is that they return home with more than memories and experiences, but with their hearts shaped by the people they met, the lessons learned, and a deeper understanding of God’s heart for the world. But most importantly that they would see that home is their most important mission field and they would have the faith and courage to carry on their mission once their plane touches down back home.
A New Chapter
No one knew what would happen in 2006 when the first squad stepped onto that plane. They were the start of a story, one that has spanned over two decades. No one would have predicted who would apply, and where the journey would go and now as we prepare to send out our first all Canadian Squad in 2027, we find ourselves excited about who these young people will be, what their own experiences will be and how they will be written. We can’t wait to meet you
With love and gratitude
Melissa Glasel
Director of Solid Foundation Missions Canada