“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!” Philippians 3:1
I’m preparing for the experience of a lifetime. In October 2010, I’m leaving my friends and family to serve the Lord in 11 countries for 11 months! My team and I will be living out of a backpack, surviving on a limited budget, and finding ourselves in situations where complete and utter dependence on Him is the only answer.
I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Sign up now to receive updates. Your support and prayers are greatly appreciated!
October – Guatemala
Guatemala is a country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the volcanoes help yield excellent coffee. Outside of its aesthetic appeal, it is a country in desperate need of God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala are hungering to see the kingdom of God invade their lives. We’ll have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and people in the form of relationships by living just as they do, reaching out to the people in the fringes of society, hard work and maybe even a miracle or two.
November – Honduras
This is a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution and poverty still plague many living in Honduras. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Honduras, we’ll have the opportunity to bring God’s love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children and more.
December – Panama
Panama offers many opportunities for faith development, through both the spiritual lives of the people residing there as well as the opportunities for outreach to the poor. The Catholic Church makes up approximately 80% of the population and evangelical Christianity is growing like wildfire. These non-legalistic, openhearted people of faith have a sincere love of God that can only strengthen the belief system of those ministering in this incredible country.
January – 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. The Catholic Church is a substantial piece of the religious pie; however, Islam is growing on the island of Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music, dance and community. While there, we may find ourselves living with and giving hope to the destitute, caring for orphans and challenging the growing number of Christ-followers to rise up.
February – 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. We will change lives in the city and rock worlds in the countryside. Thailand’s sure to capture our hearts.
March – Malaysia
We will 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 we delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline and uncanny faith, we will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
April – Cambodia
From 1975 through 1979, 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 its past, the people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope.
May – Kenya
Who hasn’t heard of Kenya in his or her lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis and the Kibera slums comprise a diverse country unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the Gospel of truth and faith.
June – Uganda
This East African nation was once a kingdom and also a British protectorate. During most of the latter half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord’s Resistance Army which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife.
July – 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 we are doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages, the people of this diverse country will capture our hearts.
August – 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 we do in India? Change it from the inside out.
