A country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the volcanos help yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to initiate your World Race experience. 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. World Racers radically change the atmosphere in which they find themselves. You’ll have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and people in the form of relationships through incarnational ministry (read: living just as they do), reaching out to the people in the fringes of society, hard work, and maybe even a miracle or two.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It’s a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. 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 Nicaragua, you’ll have the opportunity to bring God’s love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the more developed countries in Latin
America, and one of the “greenest countries” in the world. While Costa Rica is
one of the more developed countries on our itinerary, there is still plenty of
love and Kingdom the people of Costa Rica need in their lives. The main religion
of Costa Rica is Catholicism, and the main goal of Costa Rica is bringing the
love and joy of Jesus to everyone we encounter!!Â
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.
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 you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
at the House of Rainbow Bridge, there is love from katie rowland on Vimeo.
Cambodia
Roughly
30 years ago, Cambodia experienced one of the most gruesome genocides known to
humanity, in which over one-third of the country’s population was slaughtered.
Still in recovery from their past, the people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope
and yearning for a message of forgiveness and reconciliation. Part of your
ministry here will be to act as a living example of the freedom Christ can
bring through orphanage ministry, teaching in schools, street outreach, and
more.
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.
South Africa
Our
generation has grown to associate Nelson Mandela with South Africa. While it’s
been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there is more healing
to be had and reconciliation to take place. South Africa is one of the
wealthiest on the continent yet much of the population, who live outside the
cities, is poor. And like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country
struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Host to the 2010 World Cup, and
breathtaking natural attractions, it is also a place full of kingdom potential,
waiting to be released – by you.
I’ve Seen HIS Love Come Down. from katie rowland on Vimeo.
Swaziland
The
Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to
1.1 million people and a landscape that will take your breath away, it’s also
home to the highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in the world (26.1% in adults and
over 50% of adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by 2050, this country
won’t even exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation that is in
desperate need of attention. For years, AIM has been committed to seeing these
statistics reversed. Here, you will most likely find yourself involved a
variety of outreaches: education, orphan care, feedings, and more.
Mozambique
This
is one of the most beautiful countries in the continent of Africa. This is a
favorite location of the World Race for a variety of reasons (the people,
beautiful landscape, ministry partnerships, and more). Although the stronghold
of poverty grips this nation, Mozambique is seeing signs of redemption and
economic recovery. Due to this extreme poverty – or perhaps in spite of it –
the church is growing, as well. This month on the Race, you will be teaching,
preaching, practicing “true religion” with widows and orphans, and
more. You may also probably have one of your most memorable travel
“days” here. You’ll find out what we mean soon enough.
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.
