World Race America 2020

Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a missionary. It was my dream to travel the world and tell people about Jesus. I loved the stories of adventure and exploration, while helping people along the way. Little did I know, the journey would unlock something so much deeper for me. In 2013, I launched on the World Race and everything started to change. I learned that I was so loved by the Father. He loved me, not because of what I could do for Him, but because of who I was, His beloved daughter. I began to see His deep love, not only for me, but also for His bride and His world. I saw that nothing could possibly make Him happier than having His kids back together with Him. This transformed me and I know that I will spend the rest of my life telling people about His extravagant love for them.

While I have found there to be 'seasons' that I have grown in intimacy with Christ, second to my conversion in my early 20's, my first engagement with orphan and vulnerable children in Vietnam produced one of the most significant periods of growth in my faith and obedience to Christ. It played a large role in my wife and me adding 3 adopted children to our 3 biological, starting a foster focused ministry in our hometown and eventually transitioning from a 20 year business career into occupational ministry. As I worked with vulnerable people all around the world it became clear to me that discipleship and the Body of Christ present the greatest solution to the challenges faced by people in communities that are struggling. In my roles at Adventures I get to wake up each day with the opportunity to push people towards intimacy with Christ as they journey to reach the world for Him all over the world. It is a privilege to get to journey with people as they discover how to live out a fully integrated, Christ dependent Kingdom Way of Life while reaching the world.

Mark and Kathy Hodge have been engaged in teaching and training others, for the majority of their 35 years of marriage. Kathy is a teacher by training and Mark lectures internationally to dental professionals. This passion for empowering others as taken many forms over the years, including: 5 years as missionaries to Swaziland, Africa; conducting various classes on marriage & family; plus multiple short term mission trips. In addition to enjoying their four adult children and eight grandchildren, the HodgeȹƑƉs leisure activities include gardening, hiking, jogging, cycling, and kayaking.

Mark and Kathy Hodge have been engaged in teaching and training others, for the majority of their 35 years of marriage. Kathy is a teacher by training and Mark lectures internationally to dental professionals. This passion for empowering others as taken many forms over the years, including: 5 years as missionaries to Swaziland, Africa; conducting various classes on marriage & family; plus multiple short term mission trips. In addition to enjoying their four adult children and eight grandchildren, the HodgeȹƑƉs leisure activities include gardening, hiking, jogging, cycling, and kayaking.

Hey. My name is Austin. My father is a big Dallas Cowboys fan and wanted to name me Dallas, but my mom was definitely not naming her child Dallas(thanks mom!). Since Austin is a city in Texas, it was negotiated to be my name. I love the Fall and spring. They are my favorite times of the year, also the best times of the year to go for a run(or motorcycle ride), which I love as well. I also love ultimate frisbee, tennis, volleyball, football and other sports activities. Also I have no shame and fully comfortable in saying that I love Channing Tatum. He's a good looking man who can dance. Just sayin'

Hey! I am Melinda Gute. I grew up just south of Chicago and the city is hands down one of my favorite places. I enthusiastically root for the Bears, Blackhawks, and Cubs. I was born and raised a pastor's kid and hearing stories of my grandparent's time as missionaries in Guatemala sparked my initial interest in missions. I serve as the Finance and Logistics Manager. Outside of work you can most often find me on the volleyball court coaching for Lanier Volleyball Club.