a parable

 

Jo and I enjoy watching ‘Race Across the World’ (BBC). In the latest series, which aired its final episode this week, five teams of two—a brother- and sister-in-law, two cousins, a father and daughter, a brother and sister, and two best friends—raced, over fifty-one days, across eight countries from Italy to Mongolia. Before they set out, they surrender their bank cards and mobile phones: no access to the internet, so no GPS enabled maps, no transport routes or timetables, no translation apps. In exchange, they are given a one-off tight cash budget, the destination they must get to in each leg of the race, a booklet for each leg listing where they might work in exchange for cash to replenish their budget or bed and board in the family home of a stranger, and a device that will send them minimal directions by text when they reach the general destination, leading them to the checkpoint.

The production team are amazing, giving viewers an introduction to often less-travelled but beautiful parts of the world. But the pairings are also key to the success of the programme. Over time, participants open up about past challenges they have overcome, often bereavement; discover things about themselves, as they heal and grow and change; see their relationship with their team partner strengthened or transformed for the better; overcome language barriers; experience the hospitality of strangers; have their breath taken away by beauty. And while only one team will win the £20,000 prize money, everyone who finishes feels that they are a winner, having had a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a new lease of life, and having made new friends along the way.

‘Race Across the World’ is a wonderful parable of the life of faith within Christ’s pilgrim people, daily renewed by the Holy Spirit.