015 Should Missionaries Learn Self Defense – GJJ

On Monday, June 3, 2019 I will be leaving to go on the World Race! I’ll be traveling for 11 months with 35 people for Christian missionary and humanitarian work! There were two recent additions to our route! In addition to the 11 countries below my squad will also be traveling to Spain and Malaysia!

Self Defense and Christian Missionaries

Learning awareness and how to reduce the threat of attack. Walk with confidence and watch your surroundings. Hold your hands up. Use powerful, LOUD, language. “What do you want? Back off! Get away from me! In the name of Jesus STOP NOW.”

• Christians are called to have radical love for everyone. 1 Corinthians 13 type of LOVE. 
• Christians are called to be Kingdom Bringers. To walk in Shalom and be advocates for God’s restorative peace on earth. 
• Christians are called to serve sacrificially and give generously. 

Why would Christians who are wanting to share the love of Jesus learn how to injure others?   

Luke 22:36-38 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’^“; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied

Jesus’s disciples carried swords, even after three years of traveling with the Lord.

The swords were used for times of self defense as the large group traveled through the countryside.    

Flipping the aggressor. Secure the wrist to your body, grab the arm, trap the foot, bridge hips up, roll, and strongly push off.  

YES! I will always travel and make sure I am with a buddy! 

Learning and practicing self defense does not diminish my prayers for protection. My team is not going on an easy vacation. We will be living with real people and in some tough communities.

I believe God is sovereign and in control of every aspect of life. God has allowed people to have free will and choose good or evil in their actions. I’m grateful we are not micromanaged robots! But this does mean threats and violent assaults are a possibility.  

On Wednesday, May 1st I started Gracie Jiu Jitsu training with André Lannertone in Mukilteo.

I will have completed 12 hours of “mat time” before I travel with the World Race. I see men who have trained for decades in practice and women who have trained for several years! They are so inspiring! 

These 12 hours have given me greater confidence and many bruises.
Training strengthened an area of my heart I did not know was fearful.
My body is so much stronger and capable to protect myself while traveling the world. 

I can confidently get away, break fingers, arms, legs, and if need be, damage the aggressor’s neck. But prayer is the greatest first step of protection for my heart, soul, mind, and body.   

On June 3rd I will be headed to Training Camp in Atlanta, Georgia. I will be at Training Camp July 4-15 with over 100 racers and have offered to teach basic self defense classes. Please pray over this training time! I am excited to help empower and prepare with these amazing racers.   

Hugs,
Rachel

—–

These pictures were taken by my Grandma Linda at my second Gracie Jiu Jitsu individual training session.

Where I am learning –> Gracie Jiu Jitsu Mukilteo: http://www.gjjm.us/ 
André Lannertone donated a month of classes and the white Gi for me to wear! 

The Gracie Jiu Jitsu program is incredible! –> Gracie University: https://www.gracieuniversity.com/ 

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/should-christians-defend-themselves/

https://www.crossway.org/articles/a-biblical-argument-for-self-defense/

—–

How you can support my journey:

Final Gear Items: Thursday, May 30th is the goal date for me to finish purchasing or receiving final supplies! If you or your family would like to support me by purchasing one of these items please let me know! 

REI Wish List: https://www.rei.com/lists/339249194 
Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/8r9661e?ref_=wl_share 

I’m so grateful to everyone who has already given! Thank you for your quick and sacrificial generosity!

Where am I at with fundraising? 

If you would like to give towards the World Race cost, there is an ORANGE Donate button on www.rachelannpreston.theworldrace.org Secure online donations or information for sending in checks can be found with the ORANGE donate button. Donations made to the World Race are tax-deductible!