I am joining The World Race!
I want to let you in on what I will be up to for 11
months starting in September. For a while now, I have had a desire to
take at least a year to serve internationally in some capacity. While I
had ideas ranging from joining the military to serving in the
peace-corps, God started to put a desire in my heart for International
Missions. Through meeting with pastors, mentors, and researching
different opportunities I came across a ministry called “Adventures In
Missions”, which has an 11 month mission trip program called “The World
Race”. Through this I will be joining a squad of 60 young adults,
broken down into smaller teams of 7. My team of seven will be heading
overseas to 11 different countries to partner with other missionaries
in the field. We will be serving the less fortunate through
construction projects, meeting medical needs, and building
relationships with orphans to name just a few. Through hands-on
exposure to different ministries and cultures I believe God will use
this period in my life to both teach and use me, making a lasting
impact.
I am looking for those of you who would pray for me
and the team. I believe that prayer coverage is the single most
important need of the trip. Of course, there are safe travel and health
issues before us, but I believe that with the support of your prayers
we will be used by God to make an eternal impact. I desire to be
completely available and adaptable to meet the various needs throughout
the trip. I could go on but you get the idea, we need your prayer.
If you also feel so led as to participate
financially, I am seeking donations to cover the $14,300 cost of the
mission trip. Raising support is a humbling, but necessary part of our
spiritual preparation. For convenience purposes, please feel free to
support me through this blog by clicking “Support Me” on the left side of this page.
Adventures
In Missions is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 C
(3) nonprofit organization. Donors will receive receipts for their
gifts with the understanding that the disbursement of those gifts lies
completely at the discretion of Adventures In Missions and that the
gifts are non-refundable and non-transferable, per IRS
regulations. Gifts may be tax deductible; please consult a tax advisor.
Thanks again for the opportunity to share with you
about what God is doing with my life. Upon my return, I will let each
of you know the details of the mission trip, but most importantly, how
God used this trip to change my life and of those we encounter. My
prayer is that I would honor Him in all that I do.
God Bless you,
Andrew Bennett
WHERE I WILL BE GOING…
Philippines
This Asian island nation, once a Spanish colony and an American protectorate, is a country in tension, trying to cross the threshold between the third and first world. It offers a variety of landscapes – beaches, mountains, volcanic lakes – and languages, with Tagalog as the national tongue. The Catholic Church is a substantial piece of the religious pie, however, Islam is growing in the island of Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music and dance and community. While there, you may find yourself living with and giving hope to the destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the growing number of Christ-followers to rise up.
India
With nearly a sixth of the world’s population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Moreover, it has a diverse array of religious beliefs from Hinduism, to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths. While the country is on the edge of full economic development, it’s still stricken with poverty and privy to the crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. So what will you do in India? Change it from the inside out.
Pioneer India/Nepal
Twice during your World Race experience, your team will take a month to ATL (ask the Lord) for a new mission field. He may lead you someplace in the middle of a buzzing city or somewhere that can’t even be found on a map. Either way, it’s a time of listening to the Lord’s voice and following him with true abandon. Uncover more of your inheritance…
Thailand
With nearly two million people estimated to be stuck inside of prostitution in Thailand, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city and rock worlds in the countryside. Thailand’s sure to capture your heart.
Cambodia
28 years ago, Cambodia experienced one of the most gruesome genocides known to man where over one third of the country’s population was slaughtered. Still in recovery from their past, the people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope.
Pioneer Southeast Asia
Ask God where to go and do what He tells you. It’ll be one of the most adventurous and memorable months of ministry that you’ll have on the Race. What kind of noodles will you feast on – pad thai or pho? You may visit Thailand, Cambodia, or Vietnam, maybe even a few countries uncharterd by the World Race. God could lead you anywhere to unveil His kingdom. Are you willing to abandon this month on the Race to Him? Are you willing to walk by faith and less by sight? Wherever He leads this month, obey. God usually knows what He’s doing…
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here you’ll teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more.
Ukraine
Caught between its past oppression under the USSR communist regime and the desire to be accepted by Western society, Ukraine is a land of many ups and downs. Thankfully, there’s hope, light, and life spreading like wildfire throughout this nation. Is it the kingdom of God coming in power? We think so.
Uganda
From the Ugandan islands to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the African people of these nations share a common bond. Through the wild lands, home to Africa’s “Big Five” animals coexist people, reached and unreached with the Gospel of Christ. Through evangelism, church planting and discipleship, we will be a part of a movement to further the kingdom of God in this incredible region of the world.
Tanzania
Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs. Whether you are doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages the people of this diverse country will capture your heart.
Kenya
Who hasn’t heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Masai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, the Kiberra slums…comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the Gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, the World Race produces lasting fruit and lasting ministries to carry on even after we leave.
