BIG CHANGES!
After much thought and many prayers, I’ve decided to switch to a January 2015 Route. This means I’ll now be launching in January instead of July. Which means more time to prepare my body and heart for this journey… and more time to fundraise! My goal is to leave FULLY FUNDED by the time I launch in January. I can do it. We can do it. God can do it. WOOHOO!!!
So, let’s get to know my NEW ROUTE!
INDIA. With nearly a sixth of the world’s population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India’s struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. I might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. The presence of my team and I will bring hope and truth to those that society deems “untouchable.”
NEPAL. Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences I will have here, I may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of my World Race experience will submerge me in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
SOUTH AFRICA. While it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there’s still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. One of the wealthiest countries on the continent yet much of the population living outside the cities is poor. Like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Host to the 2010 World Cup and breathtaking natural attractions, it’s also a place full of kingdom potential, waiting to be released.
SWAZILAND. The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breathtaking scenic views, it’s also where the world’s highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by 2050, Swaziland may cease to exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation in desperate need of attention. For years, Adventures has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, I’ll most likely find myself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
MOZAMBIQUE. One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, the ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of, the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. I will teach, preach, and practice “true religion” with widows and orphans while I grow in my identity in Christ.
ESTONIA. Once Europe’s ”best kept secret” as claimed by Lonely Planet, Estonia’s lush forests, beautiful coastline, quaint countryside, and charming cities are only some of its boastings. It’s also home to Skype’s software developers. This former Soviet Union nation still shows evidence of its darker, colder times, while its people search for liberty. I will usher in a spirit of freedom as I carry God’s presence into this often overlooked country.
LATVIA. Sandwiched between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is home to the largest medieval church in Europe. Like Estonia, Latvia is a hidden gem for tourism. But it’s not all cathedrals and beautiful architecture – Latvia has a dark side. Often called the “fatherless nation,” Latvia is home to thousands of young people whose families suffer brokenness due to the high unemployment, depression, and substance abuse that run rampant there. Here, I will show love to the Latvian people and introduce them to the love of God as the father they don’t have.
THAILAND. According to the CIA, the kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. I’ll have the opportunity to change lives in the city-where I, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where I may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
BURMA. In a struggle for independence, first from Britain, then from its own government, Burmese political groups have fought an ongoing war for over 60 years, full of rebellions and insurgencies. This political unrest has led to nearly 200,000 refugees in Burma, many fleeing to neighboring countries like Thailand. When the cyclone hit in 2008, it not only left $10 billion in damages in its wake, it also resulted in nearly 140,000 people losing their lives. Natural disasters, a sinking economy, and corrupt government have led to despair and poverty for many Burmese people. Here I will bring hope to refugees, the lost, and the broken, in a country fighting to embrace tradition while moving away from the old regime.
CAMBODIA. Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope my team and I can bring.
VIETNAM. After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Here I’ll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God’s light and presence everywhere I go.
…. EXCITED YET?!
Learning about the countries I’ll be serving in and what type of ministry I may be doing in each gets me SO excited to spend 11 months fulfilling my kingdom calling and sharing God’s love with the world. Could it get any better?
