Hello Friends and Family!

I have some news for you guys! First off I will be pushing my trip back until July of 2012! So if you donated, don't worry all your donations have been transfered to this trip. This is mostly due to two things, one being I feel God telling me to stay home and finish up my degree. The second is that I feel God telling me to be here for the full school year so that the Kids have a teacher all year. This was a very difficult decision but I feel it was the right one. 

So now you are probably wondering, "He has changed routes, will it be the same as the last one?" The simple answer to that question is… NO. There will be a new route and this is where it gets exciting, because most of the countries on my new route are also on my bucket list! 

So here is the rundown, Ireland(Bucket List), Ukraine, Russia(Bucket List), Kenya(Bucket List), Tanzania(Bucket List), Mozambique(Bucket List), India(Bucket List), Nepal(Bucket List), Cambodia, Challenge: Asia(Explaine later), and Malaysia(Bucket List)!!! So yea almost all of these countries are on my Bucket List. Hahaha (JAJAJAJA- for those of you spanish speakers) :-)! 

Here is a little information on all of the places I will be going. 

A servant of Christ,
Matthew Murray


Ireland

Ireland boasts a heritage of Christianity through Catholicism. Yet the lifeless display of faith reveals that this nation is farther from God than ever. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a desperate need for hope. Through sports, children's outreach, street evangelism, pub ministry, and the relationships that just happen along the way, the World Race reintroduces a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.

Ukraine

Caught between its past oppression under the USSR communist regime and the desire to be accepted by Western society, Ukraine is a land of many ups and downs. Thankfully, there's hope, light, and life spreading like wildfire throughout this nation. Is it the kingdom of God coming in power? We think so.

Russia

Almost twice the size of the U.S., Russia straddles between Europe and Asia. Did you know that for two centuries, the Mongols ruled Russia before she became a powerhouse? There's more to Russia than Moscow and Siberia; there are beaches along the Baltic Sea, too and deserts out in the east. Cultural and architectural riches, e.g. the Hermitage, are found in the cities. Russia's been an intellectual and literary powerhouse, but since the fall of collapse of the Soviet Union of the 1990s, has been struggling with myriad issues like a declining population, human trafficking and organized crime. While 70% of people identify as Russian Orthodox, only 15-20% actually attend church; 10-15% of Russians identify as Muslim. There's plenty to be done, just start by showing up!

Kenya

Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, participants help bear lasting fruit with current ministry partnerships (ministries like evangelism, orphan care, and community development), and build foundations of future partnerships.

Tanzania

Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs. Whether you are doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages the people of this diverse country will capture your heart.

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. You will teach, preach, and practice "true religion" with widows and orphans while you grow in your identity in Christ. One of your most interesting travel "days" may happen here.

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. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll 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 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.

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 you can bring.

Challenge: Asia

Blaze a trail for your team and future World Racers. This will be the opportunity for you to continue flexing your faith muscles as you depend on a few words of advice from the staff and mostly God's guidance. With God, all things are possible and the possibilities are endless.

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.

Run down thanks to: http://www.theworldrace.org/?tab=routes&subtab=july-2012-3