It’s really happening! I am going on the World Race this January!
Here’s a sneak peek to the countries my team and I will be traveling to, to live and work in. We will spend 1 month in each country, partnering with churches and organizations there. The great thing about it is we will partner with the organizations currently there to get the work done that needs to be done, for long term benefits to the people in each country. Drum roll, please! Here are the 11 countries:
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.
Honduras
“Hondo” comes from the Spanish word for depth and there’s lots of depth to Honduras. It’s home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather’s as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There’s a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they’re loved.
Bolivia
One of the most beautiful places in the world, Bolivia is also one of the most indigenous countries in South America. And with all of that variety comes opportunity. Bolivia is in need of orphan ministry, evangelistic outreach, church plants, and more. You might find yourself working in the heart of the rainforest, in the Andes mountains, or on the streets of a city market. Ministry will include church planting, discipleship, construction, and possibly sharing hope and restoration at rehabilitation centers, before your squad visits one of the natural wonders of South America: the Salar de Uyuni, or Salt Flats of Bolivia. Be prepared for a fantastic experience, and watch for God on the move as you live your faith in Bolivia.
Chile
Because Chile stretches the length of South America, it is home to an impressively varied climate, from the world’s largest desert in the north to Patagonia in the south. It is a country rich in history, culture, and the arts. But Chile still struggles with traditionalism. Attempts for long-term growth in the church has resulted in more formal religion that is often without the spiritual gifts or true revival. While in Chile you will live your faith in such a way that everyone, whether practicing their religion or not, will be compelled to ask who your hope is in.
Balkans
Also known as the Balkan Peninsula, the Balkans is a geographical region in Southeast Europe named for its Balkan Mountains. With antique European architecture and beautiful mountain views, it’s a prime location for tourists. As beautiful as the Balkans are, it is also no stranger to strife, many countries have a struggling economy and are familiar with war and political conflict. Could you be part of bringing God’s peace to this region of Europe?
Greece
Often called the birthplace of civilization, Greece is known for it’s deep cultural history. Ranking high on the list of tourism destinations, Greece is also ranked third in the world for highest unemployment rate. Over the past few years, Greece’s financial crisis has topped the news highlights; it’s a country in need of hope. Follow in the steps of Apostle Paul and bring hope to this country that was once a hub of Christianity.
***Update: Our work could include helping refugees as they get to safety. Check out the story here on what current world racers are doing on the front lines of the crisis in Greece.***
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, you will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group you may not have known even existed.
Ethiopia
With a deep religious tradition and a population of diverse faith, Ethiopia carries a rich history and was one of the earliest countries to accept Christianity. Located north of Kenya on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia boasts deserts, mountains, and tropical forests, and is the largest producer of coffee in the world. But as the modern world expands, Ethiopia struggles. Rural villages remain isolated, in many areas without clean water or access to markets. As many people move to the cities hoping for a better life, the country’s ability to provide basic services is strained. Ministry in Ethiopia is as diverse as its people. You might serve street kids in the city, helping them find shelter, food, and the love of Jesus, or you might preach the gospel and encourage the growing church in rural areas.
Rwanda
Many who hear “Rwanda” immediately think, “genocide” – it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song here ; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you…
Uganda
Once a kingdom and British protectorate, for most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord’s Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
Those are the 11 countries! To join me on this journey, follow my blog to get updates as I travel. Click subscribe for updates at the top of the page.
Will you be part of my support team? Support means being a friend, encouraging me, following my blog (don’t forget to subscribe today!), commenting, sending me a note to encourage me (words give life!), praying for me and giving financially. I need your support and encouragement to be able to do this! Please consider which way you would be able to support me today, as you feel led. Thank you!
Please pray: When we pray, God moves!
- That God equips me for this journey to share His love and light
- That God provides the funds for me to go on this journey- *update*: As of October 26th, I still need your help to raise $7,000 to meet my next goal of $10,000 on December 10th in order to go on the World Race! This money through Adventures in Missions, the organization that runs this program and I need to raise this money to be a part of this! I cannot do this alone, so please pray and give what you can and what you feel led to give- this money does not go directly to me. Rather, you are giving THROUGH me to allow me to help hundreds and even thousands of people around the world. Please give what you can today- the deadline is nearing and I need your help!
- That God prepares my heart and helps me to share His comfort, healing, truth, love and redemption with those I meet
- That God would put a hedge of protection around me so I can focus on Christ and shine for Him
- That I would desire God more and that He would fill and fulfill His purpose in me
- For encouragement and a prayer team to raise up
Will you consider being a part of my prayer team today, to commit to pray consistently for me? Please reach out and let me know today! This is crucial to the journey and very much needed- I want to hear from you! Email me or send me a message through this page today. Thank you!
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