Hello my people!
Quick update: I am officially 50% funded! GOD is GOOD!
I cannot share enough how much this fundraising process as been God teaching me about His provision. These last couple months, God is reminding me that He is my Father in Heaven who loves to give great things to me. He loves to pour out his blessing on those who believe. Psalm 34:9-10 TPT “Worship in awe and wonder, all you who’ve been made holy! For all who fear him will feast with plenty. Even the strong and the wealthy grow weak and hungry, but those who passionately pursue the Lord will never lack any good thing.” Every time more money comes in or when someone encourages me, I am in awe and wonder of our great and generous Father. He is so worthy of our praise!
ROUTE 3
In applying to the World Race, I had several different routes to choose from. I ended up choosing ROUTE 3. This route goes to four different continents – North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Since I have always wanted to travel to each continent, (well besides Antarctica – too cold!) this route excited me. Also, this was the only route that went to Ethiopia. I did a study in school about Ethiopia and it has been one of my top African countries to visit. Plus, I decided to go to African countries that I had not been to before. (In high school, I did a 10-day mission trip to South Africa).
______________________________________________________________
CENTRAL AMERICA
But the first continent, we go (or maybe stay is the better word) is North America, specifically Central America. Recently, Central America had a volcanic eruption in Guatemala. So it will be interesting to see the affects of the eruption in the region. Also, I am excited to practice/relearn Spanish. Despite many classes, my expressive language en Espanol es poco. Anyways, in October (after I hope only a 3 hour nonstop flight!) the first country we land will be the beautiful tourist destination of Belize.
Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981; however, Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. There are still ongoing border disputes between Belize and Guatemala. Belize’s population has a mix of ethnic groups because of migration. The official language is English (convenient!) but due to the rising number of Central American immigrants there are more native Spanish speakers. In addition, about 45% of the population speaks Creole and 11% speaks Maya. The World Factbook states that Chinese, European and North American immigrants are increasing.
According to Operation World, Christianity is predominately acknowledged however only about 10% attend church regularly. With the great cultural diversities, there are many barriers (such as denominations, languages, spiritual confusion) to unity in the church. Pray for revival and for the truth to bring unity and fellowship among all Belizean believers.
Next stop is Honduras. The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa (could someone please teach me how to say this??!) According to The World Fact book, most of the urban population (about 60% of total population) is split between the capital and the city of San Pedro Sula. Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America. The median age for Hondurans is 23 years old. Operation World reports, “there are more pepenadores (garbage dump children) than any other nation in the Americas.” In 1998, Hurricane Mitch killed about 5,600 people and caused significant damage to the struggling economy.
With the great poverty and the young population, the country is vulnerable to drugs, gangs, high rates of AIDS and corruption. The influence of Catholicism in society is declining and effectiveness of the progress in Evangelical churches is often undermined due to divisions. Pray for the church to grow in strength and influence of the social injustices in Honduras.
The last stop in Central America is El Salvador. El Salvador is densely populated throughout the whole country with the urban population reaching 72%. The year 1992 marked the close of a 12-year civil war that cost the lives of 75,000 people. The end of the war brought political and military reforms. Due to the war and economic struggles, it is reported that about 20% of El Salvador’s population lives abroad and the remittances that they send home has helped reduced poverty.
After much suffering, El Salvador is growing in peace and stability. However, there are still deep wounds from oppression and the long civil war. In the 1990s, it is reported that 9,000 churches were planted; but now there is a lack of urgency in growth. Pray for reconciliation and healing for this country. Pray for unity and effective disciplining in the church for outreach and service to be fruitful.
________________________________________________________________
I hope this quick review provided a little insight on these countries. For me, this research has opened my eyes and my heart to Central America. I believe with confidence that God works in the midst of suffering and I am excited to experience His healing and revival. I pray that God would lead me to people who are ready for His words and salvation. I pray God will prepare the way for my team and bring unity in the Church so that HIS PEACE will be on display.
I invite you to pray with boldness and for the specific needs in these countries. Prayer is powerful and critical for spiritual revival. As always, thank you for all your encouragement, prayers and support (aaannnd for reading this far!)
Ephesians 2:13-17 (ESV)
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the tow, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”
TO LIVE IS CHRIST. LOVE YOU!
Resources:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bh.html
*I strongly urge you to download the Operation World app to help you pray for the nations.
