In case you are wondering where all I will be venturing to, here is a list of the countries with a little bit about them (plus what I might be doing there!) All of this is subject to change and I most likely won’t exactly know the ministry I will be doing until I actually get to the country. I will also be doing a post about each one of the countries individually over the next eight months so you know how to specifically pray for that country.
PERU
The cradle of Inca civilization (think: Macchu Picchu) and one of the “Andean states”, Peru is full of epic wonder; yet she is barely acquainted with her Creator. Though many natives still practice traditional religions, God is up to something in this country. The Peruvian church thirsts for truth and authentic spiritual breakthrough. Its political past has been riddled with guerilla violence and corrupt leadership, from which the indigenous poor and urban affluent are recovering. I could be in the city or roughing it in the jungle.
BOLIVIA
Bolivia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s also one of the most indigenous countries in South America; the current president is the first indigenous people group member in office. And with all of that variety comes a lot of opportunity. Bolivia is in need of orphan ministry, evangelistic outreach, church plants, and more. I might be working in the heart of the rainforest or on the streets of a city market.
CHILE
Because Chile stretches the length of South America, it is home to an impressively varied climate, from the world’s largest desert in the north to Patagonia in the south. It is a country rich in history, culture and the arts. But Chile still struggles with traditionalism. Attempts for long-term growth in the church has resulted in more formal religion that is often without the spiritual gifts or true revival.
INDIA
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. I might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. I want to bring hope and truth to those that society deems “untouchable.”
NEPAL
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences I will have here, I may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month I will be submerged in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
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 I delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, I will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
VIETNAM
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Here I’ll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God’s light and presence everywhere I go.
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 of Jesus.
THAILAND
According to the CIA, 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. I could change lives in the city-where, like Jesus, I might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where I may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
MALAWI
Known as “the warm heart of Africa,” Malawi is a place to visit to ignite a passion for God’s love. This country has a beautiful landscape and an even more beautiful culture and population. This month, I’ll probably fall in love with the people of Malawi and bless them with the love of God.
ZAMBIA
After years of British colonial rule, Zambia became independent in 1964. Since then, the economy has grown and the official religion has become Christianity, but there are still great needs in Zambia. With the country near the bottom of the United Nations Human Development Index, the Zambian people still suffer from poverty, short life expectancy, malnourishment, lack of clean water, and the AIDS crisis. Zambia needs encouragement from missionaries who can remind them of God’s faithfulness in the face of challenges.
*The descriptions for each country were taken from the World Race website*
