I have talked about this mission trip to 11 countries for 11 months, but rather shallowly until now. The World Race has given me some insight on what to expect in each country. I am also using my teaching opportunity to learn more about the countries I will be in, as well as, teach my students about other countries in the world.
My first stop after launching from Atlanta, GA will be Peru. Peru is known as a nation in the clouds, due to its mountainous nature. When arriving in close proximity to the mountains, it is more prevalent to see the culture of traditional dress and hearing various local dialects. This first month of ministry will be mainly focused on fostering relationships and building community. Our main objective in Peru is to plant Christ-centered communities in the jungle. We will be living among the locals and learning their daily routines. Every day won’t be the same though, some days we may be leading a bible study, sharing our faith with families or as simple as helping them prepare a meal. While in Peru, our ministry will partner will an orphanage, caring for children that have special needs. Also, we will be connecting with a college ministry there in Lima.
After spending our first 30 days on the mission field in Peru, we will then head to Bolivia, where the land is a beautiful mix of dense jungle, Amazon Rainforest, and the Andes Mountains. Although Bolivia has a vast amount of natural beauty and very ethnic in culture, it is also the poorest nation in South America. Because of their strong ethnicity, they are commonly discriminated against by other nations. There we will have the opportunity to work alongside passionate pastors that are all about evangelism, which will lead us into remote, unreached villages to bring hope and encouragement to this fragile nation.
Another 30 days down and we will be heading into Argentina; this is our last stop in South America. There we will get to experience missions and evangelism with YWAM, an organization focused on youth and women’s ministry, that goes out into the streets to preach and reach people. Argentinians are very outgoing and have a strong potential to become a missionary-sending nation. Our goal with them is to grow in our evangelism, but also to help them pursue the life of missions through empowerment.
At this point, we would be three months in and finished with the South America segment of the route. The route then leads to West Africa for three months. Our first country to visit in Africa is now Togo, replacing where we were first scheduled to arrive, Benin. Togo is to be considered a heavy witchcraft place, seeing as this country is the birthplace of voodoo. Their religious beliefs and practices are a mixture of Christianity and animism. The main goal for us in Togo is to plant biblically based churches that will be self-sustainable and replicable.
The journey then will take us west to Ghana, where in fact the Gospel is being reached, scriptures are painted on walls, hope is present and the economy is strong. However, there is not a fullness in freedom in Ghana, given that there are deeply rooted tribal religions that practice witchcraft and is filled with a great deal of human trafficking. It is our mission to share with them the freedom we have received through Jesus Christ and that it is available for all who are willing to receive it.
After leaving Ghana, we would be heading into our seventh country and last destination in West Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, which means Ivory Coast. This country was known for the trade of elephant tusks, which is now illegal, seeing as it wiped out the West African elephant population by the end of the 20th century. This is a strong economic nation due to there success in exports. The problem here is that, though there is a great success, a quarter of the population is under the poverty line. There are also many adults, with the majority being women that are illiterate while teen pregnancy and HIV rates are rather high.
Heading next into the eighth month of the journey, we will find ourselves in a rather spiritual atmosphere looking at Mt. Everest in Nepal. In this beautiful mountainous country, we will be walking long distances to share the Gospel with marginalized people, mostly in rural areas. I am looking forward to deep conversations and growth while serving in Nepal.
Following Nepal is India, where we will be partnering with a local movement whose goal is to plant 100,000 churches. In India, we will have the opportunity to travel from village to village to pray for families and share the good news. It is said that India people are very warm and the local culture is very vibrant.
The route is beginning to come to an end as we approach the final three destinations. Myanmar is up next. This is a nation that had formerly been isolated from the rest of the world until it became open to the public about ten years ago. Not very many people in Myanmar have heard the Gospel, but they are eager to meet foreigners and are interested in hearing about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
While in Southeast Asia, we will be spending 30 days in Thailand as well. Thailand is known for its breathtaking beaches, amazing outdoor food markets, and welcoming culture. However, it is a spiritually dark place filled with human trafficking. This could be a place of enjoyment, but it will also be a place where we will also make to spend ample time in prayer.
Last, but not least, our final month of the journey my squad and I will build relationships in the cultural Asian melting pot known as Malaysia. There are many cultures, foods, religions, and languages in Malaysia. There are also many refugees, which we will teach English to. It is illegal to evangelize to the locals there, but not only words tell a story, but actions do also.
On this journey as a whole, it is our goal to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We can’t do it without your help though. Please consider donating to the cause. The United States is one of the most privileged countries in the world. Help extend hope to people in other nations that so desperately need it. You are very much a part of this journey as I am. I thank you in advance for your obedience and prayers. May God bless you for sowing into the spreading of the Gospel.
