The World Race runs on a system of routes. When you apply, the first decision you have to make is which route you want to go on. I chose September 2015 Route 5 which includes Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Each country has a unique history and a unique set of needs. Uganda recovering from its history of war and the devastating reality of child soldiers. Thailand with its heart breaking sex trafficking industry. Nicaragua being one of the poorest countries in its region. We work to meet the specific needs of each community we enter into on the Race while sharing the Love of Jesus Christ.
I just wanted to give you some more detail about the countries on my route. This information is copied directly from the World Race website, but I’ve added a fun fact about each place.
Uganda
Fun fact: When you ask where the toilet is they ask you if it is for a long-call or short-call, basically do you need to go #1 or #2.
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.
Rwanda
Fun fact: Rwanda’s parliament has more female members than any other parliament in the world.
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. As you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you..
Ethiopia
Fun fact: The oldest fossil skeleton of a human was discovered in Ethiopia. So too was coffee, making Ethiopia the home of mankind and mankind’s favourite wake-up drink.
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.
India
Fun fact: India has more mobile phones than toilets.
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
Fun fact: The flag of Nepal is the only national flag that is not quadrilateral in shape.
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.
Malaysia
Fun fact: The king cobra is the world’s longest venomous snake; the greatest number of king cobras in the world are found in 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
Fun fact: Bangkok’s real name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
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
Fun fact: Tarantula kebabs are a popular delicacy in 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.
Guatemala
Fun fact: Mayans came up with the mathematical concept of zero.
A country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the volcanoes help yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to initiate your World Race experience. Outside of its aesthetic appeal, Guatemala needs God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala hunger for the kingdom of God to pervade their lives. You’ll have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and reach out to the people on the fringes of society through hard work, relationships, and maybe even a miracle or two.
Honduras
Fun fact: Its nickname is the Banana Republic because it grows and exports a lot of bananas.
“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.
Nicaragua
Fun fact: Nicaraguans believe you shouldn’t bathe while you’re sweating (like after being outside when it’s hot or exercising) because it will make you sick.
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.
It’s a possibility that some of these countries will change for a variety of reasons, but for now I’m super excited to be a part of what the Lord is already doing in these amazing places! You, too, can be a part of this work by making a donation to send me out on the World Race. Any amount makes a huge differences in my life and the lives of the peoples of these countries. Just click the {Support Me} link on the left side of the screen. Thank you so much!!
