Every night as the lights turned down, our expectant hearts were filled with anticipation. The room became dark except for the band in the center, and as the first song began you could feel freedom creeping into every guarded place. Our hands stretched as far as we could raise them, just yearning for our Father. The room that was once filled with 5 squads and over 300 people now held no division. We were all sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, children of the King. We might not have known each others stories cover to cover, but side by side we stood in worship. We had everything in common because we have Christ in common (Acts 2:44).
I could write you a day by day summary covering all of training camp, but I won’t. I can tell you that it was indeed life changing, challenging, and such a blessing. Being in community with people who are so excited to serve Jesus was such a gift. We prayed often because we remembered that God is the giver of all things. We let each other process out loud. We cried. We laughed. We grew.
During training camp the Lord revealed to me that I had a victim-claiming sword in my heart. One that was kept there by bitterness, unforgiveness, crushed dreams, and broken relationships that I never really grieved over. During one session I was challenged to ask the Lord what He saw in me during a really crushing moment in my life. I had never really thought about the Lord seeing me in those moments because I never really wanted to think about them in general. That night during worship, I asked the Lord to reveal to me what he saw, and I got the word Warrior. Hold the phone… what?
This was my life change moment. If there ever was a moment in life where dramatic music could play in the back ground to encapsulate this revelation. it was right then. That night I felt the Lord pull from my grasp deep roots of hurt from the past that had festered into my present life. He took the sword from my heart that claimed me a victim and put it in my hand and called me a warrior.
THAT IS THE GOD THAT WE SERVE. Years of reoccurring memories of being hurt have NO PLACE in His presence. I believe it because I experienced it. Can you believe that for your wounds too? There’s an incredible amount of pain in the world but our God’s healing power is overflowing in abundance.
I’m excited and expectant to see what the Lord does through me and my team as we serve in the nations, the stories we hear, the people we meet, all in need of a savior. But right now He has me here, in little old Salem, Oregon. The people I encounter every day need that healing just as much. Some are drowning in their circumstances that come from living in a broken world, and desperately need the hope that only Jesus can give. Before you tune out and assume that I’m going to go on a rant listing awesome qualities of God that we can rest in, I want you to deeply consider this question. Do you know how loved you are? Even in your slip ups, even in your selfishness that comes from being human, you are deeply loved by God. He doesn’t want to give you a list of rules to follow so that you can choose your category “Christian” or “Non-Christian”, “Good Christian” or “Bad Christian”. He wants to come down to your level, meet you where you’re at and have a relationship with you. He sent his only son, gave up a part of Himself so that he could be in relationship with you. Once you accept His invitation you are called holy and blameless, child of the one True King, when He said “it is finished” he meant that your sins are covered and He has won the battle, sin and death have no more power.
Stepping off of my soap box, I guess I should update you on a few changes to my route! The previous route I was on was too full, and I felt the Lord tugging on my heart to switch to route 3! Here’s an updated list to the countries I’ll be serving in:
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean with Haiti. Dominican culture is lively, vibrant, and warm, however, the people struggle with hypersexualization, alcoholism, and witchcraft. After the earthquake in Haiti, the DR quickly became a refuge for thousands who were displaced. Chances for ministry here are varied and exciting – anything from children’s camps to church planting to construction. Come join the long-term Adventures in Missions presence and be a light to the Dominican people.
Haiti
Haiti was hit with a life-altering earthquake on January 12, 2010. The nation’s still in shambles, but the church is rising up. Haiti is experiencing a spiritual revival right now like it has never seen before. Communities are turning to pastors for leadership, and the local church is becoming the driving force behind Haiti’s ongoing rebirth. Be part of this key moment in Haiti’s history and the church’s impact on this nation. Come ready to serve and ready to be blessed.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a hot spot for surfing and just enjoying “pura vida” – literally, “pure life”, it’s a concept of a “chill,” relaxed, laidback way of life. The beautiful beaches that line both coasts are the perfect setting. Among the Central American countries, Costa Rica (“Rich Coast”) lives up to its name. While the natural beauty attracts lots of tourists, there are still large pockets of poverty and family brokenness. Because of its relative affluence, Costa Rica also draws in immigrants from neighboring countries, like Nicaragua, who don’t fare much better than they did before. You might help feed their physical and spiritual hunger – and discover other creative ways to give new meaning to the concept of “pura vida.”
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It’s a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you’ll have the opportunity to bring God’s love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
Guatemala
A country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the volcanoes help yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to initiate your World Race experience. Outside of its aesthetic appeal, Guatemala needs God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala hunger for the kingdom of God to pervade their lives. You’ll have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and reach out to the people on the fringes of society through hard work, relationships, and maybe even a miracle or two.
Thailand
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. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Philippines
This Asian island nation, former Spanish colony then American protectorate, is a country in tension, trying to cross the threshold between the third and first world. It offers a variety of landscapes – beaches, mountains, volcanic lakes – and languages, with Tagalog as the national tongue. The Catholic Church is a substantial piece of the religious pie, however, and Islam is growing in the island of Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music, dance and community. While there, you may find yourself living with and giving hope to the destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the growing number of Christ-followers to rise up.
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, you’ll most likely find yourself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
Botswana
Although it’s one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Botswana has the second highest HIV infection rate, next to Swaziland, its southern neighbor. The land itself struggles with drought and desertification yet boasts the largest elephant population in the world in one of its national parks. The majority of the people identify themselves as Christians but very much need people like you to advance the kingdom with love and in power.
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 — by you.
