Month 1: India January 2017
When I was first accepted to the World Race, I was nervous about choosing from over 15 routes of countries, because I wanted to make sure I chose the one where God was calling me to meet appointments He has with people on the mission field. I also was about to attend a Worldwide online gathering called Secret Church, where believers come together to pray for the persecuted church, learn about reaching others with the Gospel, and dive into God’s Word together all over the Earth. Every year Secret Church spotlights a country, so I prayed that God would reveal the country He needs me in through Secret Church. This year, the country was India! Also, our secret study together was revealed to be about sharing the Gospel with people of different cultures and different religions!! How awesome that God went above and beyond to disciple me for my journey using Secret Church. I will be taking my study guide in my pack for sure!
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. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence will bring hope and truth to those that society deems “untouchable.” (From the World Race Website)
Prayer Points
- Pray for the cultural barriers of the caste system and Hinduism to be overcome by the Gospel.
- Christians and converts are violently being persecuted and lose jobs, homes, families as well as fear for their safety.
- India is currently in a 3 year drought. Pray specifically that the Lord will bring a glorious Rain as His Kingdom Workers enter the mission field with the Good News
- Pray that God would penetrate the hearts of the millions living in slums and they would receive the Gospel
- This is my squads first month on the field, pray for sensitivity to the Spirit, that our Spiritual Gifts will abound, over growing in vulnerability and close community, and Spiritual Readiness
Month 2: Nepal February 2017
Last year a devastating Earthquake shook Nepal, and World Racers arrived on the scene shortly after. God did big things and its without a doubt that they had been ordained to arrive right at the countries greatest time of need, so I’m excited to see what God has in store for them this year. I am so excited for the physical challenge Nepal is sure to bring! every Racer whose blogs I’ve read from Nepal has taken 27+ mile hikes to remote villages over several days. This will require much conditioning! to prepare, I am working up to doing 5 miles a day until my Launch! Different friends and church members are excited to walk with me to encourage me and get fit themselves. You can also look out for a walk-a-thon fundraiser coming up soon!
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World Race experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.(From the World Race website)
Prayer Points
- Rebuilding of homes and communities following last years quake
- Protection for those at great risk of being exploited in the aftermath of destruction that has displaced many families
- God would reach the people there with love and strong working hands to help rebuild, restore, and give hope.
- endurance and vulnerable compassion in the hearts of the Racers and others who may be working to rebuild
Month 3: Thailand March 2017
I have a request in my heart that God would lead me to opportunities to minister to those caught in the sex trafficking and prostitution Red Light districts all over Asia. We don’t get to find out what our ministry sites are until we are on the field, so I’m praying The Lord will use me in this way if it be His will.
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.(From the World Race website)
Prayer Points
- Pray for the Gospel to break through the hearts of buddhists, spiritists and occult worshipers
- Pray for chains to be broken in the sex industry and for the men who seek to exploit others to have their hearts wrecked for Jesus!
- These people are considered unreached, with less than 2% of the population being evangelical Christians
Month 4: Cambodia April 2017
I have heard amazing testimony from several friends who have visited Cambodia, including one on the field now, and this has really set my heart on fire for the people there and the opportunities to serve that are abundant in this country. It is beautiful and culturally rich, and I’m excited to experience their markets and village life.
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 you can bring. (From the World Race website)
Prayer Points
- Pray for healing and recovery following the Cambodian genocide and the violent history of Cambodia.
- The government would be empowered and the Lord would reveal to them how to effectively put a stop to the trafficking
Month 5: Vietnam May 2017
Growing up I had several Vietnamese friends in America, and from visiting their homes it was clear that they are a people deeply rooted in tradition. This country along with other Asian countries on my route are beautiful and full of rich village life. I am excited to experience the beauty of this culture and bring the hope of the Gospel along with my working hands.
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. You’ll find yourself teaching English or working in cafes forming relationships and friendships with the locals, ultimately to share the love of the Father. (From the World Race website)
Prayer Points:
- Pray for the Gospel and the hope and truth it brings to break through the chains of oppression
- Pray for the persecuted church
- Pray for Governments lead by men of God
Month 6: Albania June 2017
This country was originally meant to be Greece on my route, and was changed just this week. I was very disappointed at first, as i had hoped to get the opportunity to work in the largest refugee camp and have always had the dream of seeing the sandy white cities of Greece in person. As it turns out, many refugees are trapped in Albania as they attempt to gain entry into Greece, so this opportunity is still an amazing one, and God has crafted beautiful scenery here that will just take my breath away. There is a mighty work to be done in Albania, so we say “Yes Lord!”
This country on the Balkan Peninsula is where Paul himself travelled there on his third missionary journey. Albania declared independence in 1912, but was occupied by both Italy and Germany during World War II. Behind the Iron Curtain, Albania was under Soviet rule until the early 1990s. Most of the population identify themselves as Muslim (70%) while the remainders are Orthodox Christian (20%) and Catholic/Protestant (10%). Your ministry will vary depending on the host that you work with: you could be working with a summer camp for children in the area, reach out to youth ministries and gypsy camps, or you could work in local prisons. Regardless of the ministry, you are sure to bring some much needed hope to this nation.(From the World Race website)
Prayer points:
- Pray that my squad gets much discipleship as we follow the travels of Paul and grow close together in spirit.
- Pray for rejuvenation of spirit and strength in the halfway point of our race.
- Pray for Muslims to experience the truth and hope of the Gospel
Month 7: Macedonia July 2017
In Macedonia I am anticipating seeing God’s love at work in an area so filled with poverty, disease, and despair. Lord, help me be a light that leads to Your Truth, and give me Your hands to reach out to Your children whose cries i know you hear! You have gone before us, and You have felt every moment of their suffering. Let me take them the Hope that there is rest in You, for You have told us Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light.
Formerly part of Yugoslavia, the Eastern European nation of Macedonia received independence in 1991. While the nation has undergone serious economic reform since then, with over 70% of the population struggling to make ends meet, it has one of the poorest economies in Europe. With 65% of the nation Eastern Orthodox and 33% Muslim, it also has the 5th highest percentage of Muslims in Europe. As this new nation still struggles for solid footing in uncertain times, you will share the life-saving truth that complete security comes from dependence on Christ. (from the World Race website)
Prayer Points
- Pray again for the Gospel to permeate the Hearts of Muslims in the area
- Pray for Gods guidance for governing officials to lead their country
- pray for refugees searching for home and their salvation
Month 8: Bulgaria August 2017
Again the Lord hears the requests of myself and my squad mates to serve refugees! Bulgaria is torn between poverty and prosperity, and i look forward to bringing love and direction found in Jesus to the people here.
This southern-central European country is the 16th largest in Europe. Its geography is varied with mountain ranges, plains and a coastline along the Black Sea. Its economy is growing, but among all the European Union members it ranks lowest in terms of income. Organized crime is an issue as is human trafficking. Bulgaria is mainly a source of trafficking in persons yet also, to a lesser extent, a transit point and destination of trafficking. Here, about half the population claims to be orthodox and over 10% are Muslim. You can bring light and hope to this nation caught between “developed” and “developing.” (From the World Race website)
Prayer Points
- Pray that God would bring a time of revival and prosperity over this nation and that many would come to Christ
- Pray for law enforcement to bring justice to an area ran by crime
- pray protection over children and displaced families at risk of exploitation
Month 9: Botswana September 2017
My heart is so full of love for Africa, This is definitely going to be a very exciting part of ministry! I am hoping to see amazing wildlife and the colors of the desert at sunset, and the ancient beauty of old villages. I am excited to be a part of discipling others who then can go and make disciples of the people of 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.(From the World Race website)
Prayer Points
- Pray for the Lord to bring rain and growth to the crops and wildlife here
- pray for the discipleship and guidance of Christians in the area
- Pray for healing for orphans, broken families, and those affected by HIV
Month 10: Swaziland October 2017
I am trying to prepare my heart for the emotional heartbreak of serving and loving orphans in many of the countries i will visit. God declares that He will not leave them as orphans, He will come to them. Many times, God’s loving hand reaching out is through the hands of a believer who has said “Here I am Lord, send me!” and I am beyond moved to have that opportunity and humbled at the majesty and vastness of His love.
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.(From the World Race website)
Prayer Points:
- Pray for endurance and strength of heart in the final months of the race
- Pray that we do not grow weary and are ready with working hands to serve at many times our own ability by relying on God’s strength
- Pray for orphans to grow up strongly rooted in the Word and for them to feel the Father’s love and know they are not abandoned
Month 11: South Africa November 2017
This is a pivotal time in South Africa’s history. The race based bonds of and apartheid class system are still very prevalent but those chains are breaking, and this country is desperate for revival! In our last country on the Race, I believe the Lord is going to bring the noise, I believe for massive moments of miracles and Hearts reconciled to God in droves.
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.(From the World Race website)
Prayer Points
- Pray for God to break the chains of apartheid and a class system that binds the poorest communities in little hope of progress
- Pray for healing in HIV stricken communities and that God would provide the workers needed
- Pray that the wealthy have their hearts broken for the least of these, and seek God’s love
