**Currently in the Jungle of Burma.. for safety reasons- I’ll update everyone once I’m out. Please keep me in prayer. if you’re not on my prayer list and want to be- just let me know.
In April of 2007 I walked through the doors of Adventures in Missions. I never thought it would lead to where I am today. 5 ½ years later my time of being on full time staff has come to a close. 3 weeks ago I flew to Malaysia to help debrief “F” squad. It was my last debrief so it was bitter sweet. It’s such a challenge to describe what’s it’s like to be a part of something like the Worldrace, let alone what it’s like to walk out the closing moments of 5 ½ years. I want to tell you about the people, the stories, what it’s like to fight for something or someone, what I’ve learned from God these past five years.. but I can’t! Maybe that’s the true gift; experiences beyond explanation- only lived. The final moments were a true gift, almost as if God put them together just for me. Intimate and subtle…and I feel like He gave me eyes to see them.
It began the first night when the squad gathered to worship! If you know “us” we love to worship the Lord! However, on this night, I was struck by the sound…a familiar sound! It’s hard to explain why… but something struck a cord deep within me. It was unexpected and pierced me to my core. I began to weep…uncontrollably…and I wasn’t even emotional! As this continued I felt this emotion swell within me, along with memories from all over the world that I thought I had forgotten. I was trying to worship like the people around me, but finally I stopped trying, and I just sat, reclined, and received. I couldn’t stop crying, I couldn’t stop feeling God’s love! And this presence, this familiar voice spoke to me yet again as it did on that day when I fist encountered Him! “I am with my people-and I am with you.” So simple, so powerful!
It’s such a freeing feeling to know GOD does NOT need me, nor does Adventures in Missions! That He is going to continue to have His way and meet His people who are hungry for Him! To see it happen as it once happened to me 5 ½ years ago blessed me! To sit back, do nothing, and watch God encounter His people. The fact that He has allowed me to have had a any part in it all, just rocks me.
Before I even realized this season was coming to and end God had already begun the next. As I move forward I truly feel rich! Rich in experiences. Experiences marked with brokenness and joy! Rich with friends, people i’ve fought for, who have fought for me, people I’ve cried with been angry with….people who are like family- that I’ve been all over the world with; people who have loved me into who I am now! I’m barley 30 and I’ve been to +30 countries, I actually don’t even know how many i’ve been to anymore, I stopped counting. At this very moment I’m writing this from the deep jungle of Burma! I’ve been able to see the world many times over- and i can’t get enough!
Most importantly my faith, hope, and love have all increased. I’m not saying this because I should!! I mean it, somehow by God’s grace, he has swollen these attributes within me.
I believe it’s wisdom to “know the season you are in individually and the season you are in corporately.” I believe the season of the worldrace is far from over! It seems however, that my season is! I thank God for every moment…and for this new season I’m currently in!
Thank you God.. and thank you whoever you are, for being a part of these past 5 ½ years.
In closing… I end this all with joy…;)) I made this video during one of our days off at debrief… Me and a buddy goofing off. Enjoy and much love!
It was a race well run! This next season is going to be filled with more God encounters and wonderful adventures! All the best in Burma!
And the video rocks!
Thanks Shanda! Looking forward to seeing you in the near future ;)
Sean-
I’m so glad you chose to invest 5+ years into the World Race. I’ve looked up to you and highly respected you since they day I met you at training camp in July 2011. I’m honored to even know you.
I’ll look forward to the day our paths get to cross again.
Jeremy
Thanks Jeremy.. Means a lot!
Thanks for everything, Sean. You’re a racer to the bone and I thank the Lord that you’re running strong.
Thanks Seth.. Thank you for making a way for a guy like me!!!
SEAN! YOU’RE MY FAVORITE! :)
! ;)
Dude, this just about made me cry.
Miss ya dude. I loved seeing how our friendship developed. I didn’t know what this ‘sean’ guy was all about. And then after coming on staff, I got to see the real deal. Seriously. As we spent more time together, traveled, and I saw you do TC’s, launches, debriefs, I saw such a man of God come out. A man that reflects God’s good good heart. And when we got to stay in the same hotel rooms, and just do life together, I treasure those moments man. I wish my heart was more open from the beginning. But I’m glad we got to have at least a year of really great times. Your laugh, your smile, dude, just great.
Thank you for being you man. For serving well. For all the years. Even if I just saw the last portion of your 5 and 1/2 years. I have 3 years with Race under my belt. Don’t know how you did 5. But man, so proud of you. Miss ya man! Sounds like you’re living it up well there. It’s inspiring. Makes me really evaluate what my future steps would be, to step out like you did, to go all the way to Thailand.
Orale, and check it out, of course there’s more changes here, but looks like me and just 1 or 2 others will be the only one’s left in WR. Most are transitioning out. What a man you were to go through all the transitions you did.
Bless you man! Keep going! Noe
Noe!! Bro!! So much I want to say!! It’s been an honor! Respect and Love you man and means more then you know to receive your words!!! Miss you man!! Chess and Tea will happen one day!! haha! Thanks again.. much love!
LOVE it Sean! Thanks for being such a crucial part of my journey & know that having you for a brother is an extraordinary blessing! I am so proud of the Man of God that you are & I can’t wait to give you a big hug in January in Thailand!
Thanks Jenny! And yea, what the heck!!! You’re coming to Thailand!!?? For how long?
Well golly g!! Sean, thank you for your sacrifices and your HUGE heart to serve the Kingdom and everything!! You are an amazing man of God and a true inspiration to so many, esp. me! Thank you for being you and being real!! Many blessings to you and hope to cross paths with ya again some day! (Should be easy…) :-D
Thanks so much man!!
Welcome!!
I’m so very glad that I got to be a part of your 5 1/2 year journey with Adventures and the World Race. It was a blessing and honor to have you as my Squad Leader. You are man worth following and I am better for knowing you. Your walk with the Lord, your life, your stories – they inspire me!
Thanks Jess..!! I fricken love you.. I’m a huge fan!
I’ve been blessed.
Thanks so much! You blessed me and so thankful I finally met you!
On my prayer list!
thank you!!!
this video was spectacular — absolutely captures the essence of that beach – good ol’ P-squad debriefed there, and A-squad 2nd gen. #so fun! praying for you Sean!
Thanks Christy!
Sean – I am soooo thankful that you came into my life! I absolutely adore you and love that I have gotten to see not only the powerful, prophetic part of you … But also the super goofy and crazy part of you! Miss having you in my life everyday! Love you so much!
Darci! Right back at you! Miss you! And thanks so much for the encouragement, means a lot!!
What an amazing video…….Remember, anytime you are in Tennessee, stop by.
You are welcome anytime!!
Ray and Laurette Ward
Mr. and Mrs Ward! Thanks so much for reading, watching and for the kind words!! If I’m ever in Tennessee I will for sure stop by. Thanks for the open invitation! Much love to you both!
thanks Sean for being part of my life. you’re one BAAAAAAAD man
It’s a privilege!! For real!!
Wow….I read this with tears in my eyes! So good to witness the goodness of God in your life. Looking forward to sharing bits and pieces of the next season of your life with you!
Love, Mama Hock
PS-Loved the video!!
Mrs. Hock,
Thanks so much for reading, following, and for the kind words! I too am looking forward to spending more time with you all!. Thanks for the encouragement, means a lot!!
Much love
I am so thankful for the time we had in this last season and look forward to many more times together in the next seasons! :) I LOVE YOU SEAN CHAMP SMITH AND I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! Big Hugs! xoxo
Ms. Patti! Can’t tell you how thankful I am for you and Mike!! I love you both with my whole heart and if the only thing that came from from the past few years was you two it was WELL WORTH IT!! Carry you close and think of you both daily!!! Love you!xo
Maybe that’s the true gift; experiences beyond explanation- only lived. Sean Champ Smith
Or in the words of some old-timers who are now a part of that great cloud of witnesses: It’s better felt than telt!
I love you Sean. Until we meet again…Becky
I can’t wait until we meet again as well!! Thanks so much for staying a part of my journey!! Means so much! Much love to you!
powerful words, playful video…a man of many talents. like so many others, i’m blessed to know you :)
You are missed Hope! thanks for the kind words!!!
well, this just rocks in every way. seriously brings me to tears as well, thinking of all the Father has done for us all individually, and all He’s yet to do. keep pressing into those “non-emotional/emotional” moments with Him, because those are moments straight from the throne room! wish we all could’ve hung out more on Pangkor {D-squad livin’ it up!} but I’m sure i’ll visit Thailand again one day to hang out with Emmi in Light House and love those beautiful people {and see Aimee & Amy}. anywhoo–know that you bless us all, and while your “Race” may finally be completed, your Kingdom Race has only begun.
blessings, brother!
Suzy!! You;re awesome!!! Thanks so much for the kind words!!! If you ever come through Chiang Mai just Holla!!! Much love!!
I felt just a little more rich myself just by reading this. Love what God is doing in your life Sean! And sweet video!!
Thanks so much Amy!! You are seriously missed!! Much love to you!!!
Sean, it is an honor to know you. Thanks for being a man of high character, obedience, honor, integrity. You love the Lord with every fiber of your being. I love you brother!
P.S. Just for the record, I feel honored to watch the beautiful story of you and your lady unfold. Give her a hug from me. I miss her!!!! Hope to see you both next year!!!!
Jacinda You’re amazing and am honored by your words!! Thanks so much for your love!! And know that I’m passing your love onto Aimee’! we both miss you!
Hey Sean, Bryan Reski from L squad here. You shared a dream of our generation rising up and it took hold for me. I wanted you to see that it’s world wide I saw it in Philippines Friday night. Check out my blog http://bryanreski.theworldrace.org/?filename=relationships