Hi, again!
The specific kinds of ministry we will be doing is not yet determined because it depends on the biggest need in each of the places my team travels to, but we do have a general idea of what kinds of service we will be doing in each country. The needs are different between the towns and villages, so it could vary slightly based on which one we are assigned to. I will most likely be getting more information at our training camp in July! Until then, I have copied and pasted the description of my route (Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica) from the adventures.org website below. This will give you a better idea of what exactly I’ll be doing for the next nine months!
1. Cambodia
Cambodia boasts the famous Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple that later became a Buddhist monastery. Hidden for centuries under dense jungle, today Angkor Wat is one of most photographed places in the world. Cambodia itself is struggling to heal from one of the worst genocides in modern history. In the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge killed over 1.5 million men, women, and children. Faced with inconceivable poverty and desperation, Cambodia became a source, transit point, and destination for human trafficking. This squad will start their journey with three months at our Adventures in Missions Base located in Siem Reap. Our missionaries in Cambodia are passionate about serving their local community through our guesthouse, cafe, and restaurant while actively planting churches and partnering with many local ministries in the area.
2. Ethiopia
Located in the Horn of Africa, Middle Eastern and African tribal influences touch every corner of Ethiopia. The birthplace of coffee, literary and archaeological discoveries date back to Bible times. The Orthodox Church even claims to have the Ark of the Covenant. It’s also a nation well acquainted with pain. In the last century, civil wars and famine devastated the land. Those in rural villages remain isolated, without clean water or access to markets, and the country’s ability to provide basic services is strained. In Ethiopia, this team will spend three months with a few of our ministry partners. The team will join in care of orphans, learn how Ethiopians garden and harvest their meals, and serve the homeless and forgotten all while sharing the love of Jesus.
3. Nicaragua
Called “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” thick rainforests, rugged highlands, and beautiful beaches define Nicaragua’s beautiful landscape. Its rich history dates back to the Spanish conquistadores. However, hopelessness, addiction, destitution, and poverty plague many in Nicaragua. The poorest nation in Central America, almost 80% of Nicaraguans live on less than $2 a day. One in four Nicaraguans is either starving or suffering from malnutrition. Entire families live on and scrounge for scraps in city dumps. The people of Nicaragua need to know they are seen, loved, and not forgotten by God. The teams will spend a month in Nicaragua, partnering with Restore Educate Activate Perpetuate (REAP) ministry in Granada. REAP Granada reaches out into the community in multiple ways: through worship, Bible studies, sports, dinners, visiting local hospitals, and more.
4. Costa Rica
A hot spot for surfing, Costa Rica is an adventure seeker’s paradise. Between its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and beautiful people, it’s easy to enjoy “pura vida” there. Outside of the tourist destinations, however, are large pockets of poverty and broken families throughout the nation. The country itself is transitioning from self-sufficient farming societies to more urban living. Traditional morals and lifestyles are giving way to a modern, consumer-oriented world. While in Costa Rica, our teams will stay two months in the town of Jaco. Working alongside a partner church, they will share the gospel with people on the beach and through acts of kindness wherever they go.
