I shared stories of the girl that’s going and why, but where? Just a refresher, because as fast as I can rattle off this list I realize there are 11 countries and that’s a lot to remember. This information was provided by The World Race webpage. Can’t wait to have pictures and experiences of my very own!
Peru
The cradle of Incan civilization, Peru is full of epic wonder; yet she is barely acquainted with her Creator. Though many Peruvians practice traditional religions, God is up to something in this country. The Peruvian church thirsts for truth and authentic spiritual breakthrough. Its political past is riddled with guerrilla violence and corrupt leadership, from which the indigenous poor and urban affluent are recovering. Your squad will live in Iquitos, a city only accessible by air or boat because it is surrounded by dense jungle on all sides, and will serve in a variety of different ways – partnering with our local long term missionary, doing construction for a Bible translation organization, and possibly traveling on the river to share the gospel with remote tribes, before heading to one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Are you ready to live the adventure of the Gospel in the jungle of Peru?
Ecuador
Named after the Spanish word for “Equator”, this country is full of natural beauty. From the Amazon River to glaciers atop Andes volcanoes, this country is sure to enthrall you. Its people will too. As diverse as its landscapes, the indigenous and Incan influences give this country a unique culture. Although the country is about 95% Catholic, indigenous shamanistic practices are integrated into their faith and traditions. Socioeconomically, more than half of the population sits at or below the poverty line. Your squad could serve in Quito, Shell, and Cuenca through street evangelism, discipleship, children’s and/or coffee shop ministry, before heading to Banos, the adventure capitol of Ecuador for debrief. Ecuador is waiting for God’s kingdom to come; will you be his hands and feet in this hurting country?
Colombia
From the Andes Mountains to the Caribbean coastline and the Amazon rainforest, Colombia is one of the world’s most ecologically diverse countries. It’s also home to unreached tribes, a large student population becoming more and more distant from the Gospel, and thousands of children living on the streets. In spite of its reputation for political upheaval, mission efforts in Colombia are growing. Whether it’s loving on street kids, inner city ministry, or sharing hope and restoration in rehabilitation centers, you will live your faith in Colombia every single day.
Montenegro
Known as “Black Mountain”, Eastern Europe’s Montenegro shares borders with Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, and Albania. Formerly part of the Communist Yugoslavia, the nation is still recovering from the impact of Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. Having declared independence from Serbia in 2006, Montenegro is currently working to be the newest member of the European Union. Ethnic tension runs generations deep. With so many people groups living within this tiny nation; they are most united in their religion: over 70% practice Serbian Orthodoxy, while the Albanian citizens (19%) are Sunni Muslim. This is a country of deep wounds and even greater dreams; they are hungry for the hope and healing found through life in Jesus Christ.
Bulgaria
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.”
Albania
Located on the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula, with its coast along the Adriatic Sea, Albania is Mother Teresa’s birthplace. Did you know that the apostle Paul had actually been to Albania during his missionary travels (Romans 15:19) Albania declared independence in 1912, but then was occupied by Italy then Germany for a few years, during World War II. Afterwards, Albania was under Soviet rule, which ended in the early 1990s. There were only a dozen or so Christians then; today there are thousands. Most of the population identify themselves as Muslim (70%) while the remainder are Orthodox Christian (20%) and Catholic/Protestant (10%). Your ministry: simply connect with the young people. As you build friendships with students, you’ll get to tell them how Jesus tore the veil — thicker than even the Iron Curtain that divided Europe — that separated man from God.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
