For the longest time I thought Christianity was boring, until the Lord set my heart on fire and burned up some of the things that were keeping me from knowing how much he loves us, and the greatest joy that is found only in Him. He knows me and my heart better than I know my self. Crazy to think. "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3 He placed world missions on my heart and this is what he has set me up with…The World Race. I LOVE OUR LORD JESUS! I want to chase his heart. I want to show love to the unwanted and left behind.. the abused and addicted…care for the homeless and babies without moms. I want to tell them about Jesus. I am looking for people to support me in prayer and finances, so please prayerfully considering being apart of what God is doing in these countries. The number is $15,500 for the year. At first when I saw this amount I thought "YEAH RIGHT." I actually was going to be serving on another mission trip that was much shorter and less costly but something just wasn't right… and I knew what it was when the Lord kept bringing me to The World Race. God is faithful and provides when he calls so I am trusting him. "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5 These are the 11 countries that we get to serve in:
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, we 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 we may not have known even existed.
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.
India
India bursts with people and culture. Home to a sixth of the world's population and a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam (and blends of folk religions and other faiths), it is a country of pluralism – twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple cuisines, socio-economic classes, and political parties. While the country is on the edge of full economic development, India still suffers from the likes of poverty, human trafficking, forced prostitution, and religious persecution. We may have the opportunity to partner with ministries that have had a long and storied presence, and/or with local churches to encourage believers whose testimonies will challenge us. Our presence will bring hope and truth to the marginalized, those that society deems "untouchable". We will change India from the inside out.
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. Nestled in between India and China, this Hindu kingdom boasts a variety of climates (due to the variation of altitudes). Most of Nepal adheres to Hinduism (about 81%), with a plurality following Buddhism (about 11%); Christians comprise half a percent of the population. Just over half of Nepal is literate and half of the population that is old enough to work is either unemployed or underemployed. In addition to the adventurous experiences we will have here, we will also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of our World Race experience will immerse us in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God. And guess what? We will be that encounters.
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; as we help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in us…
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, the World Race produces lasting fruit and lasting ministries to carry on even after we leave.
Uganda
This East African nation was also once a kingdom and British protectorate. During 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. We may find ourselves 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.
Thailand
According to the CIA, 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% is 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 we, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes or in the countryside, where we may serve youth, care for orphans and encourage 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 and the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope we can bring.
Vietnam
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. Here we'll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God's light and presence everywhere we go.
Philippines
This Asian island nation, once a Spanish colony and an 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, Islam is growing in the island of Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music and 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.
"Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy." Psalm 67:3-4
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