The first deadline for fundraising is approaching fast. My fellow missionaries and I have to raise $5,000 by September 25th. As the deadline approaches, I find myself feeling nervous, anxious, and extremely excited for what God has in store for us. We are less than six months away from the trip, and I don’t know what to expect. I know God has a plan and it is a big plan for the people of the different nations we’ll be visiting. I ask for prayers as we get closer to the launch date. I also wanted to share a little bit about all the countries we will be visiting.
The World Racers will be traveling to eleven different countries. The first country we will be visiting is Cote D’Ivoire, also known as the Ivory Coast. It is located on the western coast of Africa. This Nation is home to around Twenty-four million people. The country is not very big. It is only slightly bigger than New Mexico in size. While French is the national Language, There are over Sixty-five different languages spoken here. The Ivory Coast is the world’s largest exporter of cocoa bean.
There are over 60 ethnic groups in the Ivory Coast. The country is about 42% Muslim, and half of the country are different denominations of Christianity. Many of the adults who live there are illiterate. This is especially prevalent among women in the country. Teen pregnancy and HIV rates are high as well. Around 36% of women in the country have suffered from genital mutilation.
Many people in the country are hurting for God’s love. I can’t emphasize enough how much God loves the people of the Ivory Coast. He loves the people of every country. I ask again for prayers for the people of this nation. That God will work in big ways for His people there. I pray that as people read about the different nations we will be visiting that our hearts will be broken for what breaks His. I hope that prayers will be lifted up for these people no matter how different their lives may be from ours. God calls us to share his love, and I can’t wait to see the incredible things God has planned.
with love,
-Josi G
