I’ve been waiting for the official announcement of the January 2011 Race and it finally came yesterday! This is really happening now, for real, no turning back! SO EXCITED!!!!
The (Tentative) Route is:
1-India
2-Nepal (notice how my “dream race”‘s first two were the same! meant to be!)
3-Indonesia
4-Malaysia
5-Austrailia
6-South Africe
7-Mozambique
8-Swaziland
9-Romania
10-Ukraine
11- Ireland
so pumped!
Here’s some details about the route as described on the WR website
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, India
is a country of pluralism �” twenty-nine languages spoken by over a
million native speakers, multiple religions (the birthplace of Hinduism
and Buddhism, and home to no small number of Muslims), cuisine,
socio-economic classes, and political parties. 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? You may have the opportunity to partner with ministries that
have had a long and storied presence, such as Mother Teresa’s
Missionaries of Charity. You may partner with local churches to
encourage believers �” most likely be encouraged by their testimonies.
Your presence will bring hope and truth to the marginalized, those that
society deems “untouchable”. Change it from the inside out.
Nepal
Home
to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on
top of the world. Nestled in between India and China, this Hindu
kingdom boasts a variety of climates (due to the variation of
altitudes). Most of Nepal adhere to Hinduism (about eighty-one
percent), with a plurality following Buddhism (about eleven percent);
Christians comprise half a percent of the population. Just over half of
Nepal is literate �” fifty-four percent �” and half of the population
that is old enough to work is either unemployed or underemployed. In
addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you will also
visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the
innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World
Race experience will immerse you in a culture that is desperate for an
encounter with the living God; and guess what? You’ll be that encounter.
Indonesia
The
17,508 islands that make up the nation of Indonesia are as diverse as
their population, which is the world’s fourth largest. Certain areas of
this country, which is home to the world’s largest Muslim population,
are completely untouched by outside influences; others carry the
exposure, even if only for a moment, of the Gospel story. Be prepared
to explore uncharted territories and forgotten areas to further the
work of the kingdom of 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 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.
Australia
From
the Sydney Opera House to the aboriginal tribes of the Australian
Outback, Australia is as exotic as you imagined it. World Racers will
partner with ministries, churches and missionaries who are spreading
the hope of Christ to the rich and poor alike. While Australia boasts a
more westernized culture, the marginalized, impoverished, destitute and
lost still exist and live each moment for the hope of hearing the good
news. Here, you may minister to people, much like you would back home.
South Africa
While
it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there is
still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa.
This country is one of the wealthiest on the continent, and yet, much
of the population that lives outside the cities is poor.
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.
Mozambique
This is one of the
most beautiful countries in the continent of Africa. Mozambique is also
a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the
people, the beautiful landscape, incredible ministry partnerships, the
miracles that this country has seen, and more.
Although the
stronghold of poverty grips this nation, Mozambique is seeing signs of
redemption and economic recovery. Due to 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 growing in your identity in Christ. You
may also probably have one of your most memorable travel “days” here.
You’ll find out what we mean soon enough…
Swaziland
The
Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa.
Home to 1.1 million people and breath-taking scenic views, it’s also
where the world’s highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in
adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by
2050, the country of Swaziland will not 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 in a
variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point
feedings, and more.
Romania
The northern regions of
Romania are home to the gypsy community. 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 will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies,
and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group
you may not have known even existed.
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
throughout this nation. Like many Eastern European countries, it’s
still recovering economically, but it’s also experiencing spiritual
renewal and growth through the church. Is it the kingdom of God coming
in power? We think so.
Ireland
Ireland boasts a rich
heritage of Christian faith through its centuries-old practices and
history, dating back to the time of St. Patrick. Yet, today, the nation
seems far from God. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a
desperate need for hope and dignity. Through sports games, children’s
outreach, street evangelism, and the relationships that just happen
along the way, the World Race is reintroducing a life-giving faith to
this beautiful, historic culture.
Home
to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on
top of the world. Nestled in between India and China, this Hindu
kingdom boasts a variety of climates (due to the variation of
altitudes). Most of Nepal adhere to Hinduism (about eighty-one
percent), with a plurality following Buddhism (about eleven percent);
Christians comprise half a percent of the population. Just over half of
Nepal is literate �” fifty-four percent �” and half of the population
that is old enough to work is either unemployed or underemployed. In
addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you will also
visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the
innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World
Race experience will immerse you in a culture that is desperate for an
encounter with the living God; and guess what? You’ll be that encounter.
The
17,508 islands that make up the nation of Indonesia are as diverse as
their population, which is the world’s fourth largest. Certain areas of
this country, which is home to the world’s largest Muslim population,
are completely untouched by outside influences; others carry the
exposure, even if only for a moment, of the Gospel story. Be prepared
to explore uncharted territories and forgotten areas to further the
work of the kingdom of God.
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.
From
the Sydney Opera House to the aboriginal tribes of the Australian
Outback, Australia is as exotic as you imagined it. World Racers will
partner with ministries, churches and missionaries who are spreading
the hope of Christ to the rich and poor alike. While Australia boasts a
more westernized culture, the marginalized, impoverished, destitute and
lost still exist and live each moment for the hope of hearing the good
news. Here, you may minister to people, much like you would back home.
While
it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there is
still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa.
This country is one of the wealthiest on the continent, and yet, much
of the population that lives outside the cities is poor.
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.
This is one of the
most beautiful countries in the continent of Africa. Mozambique is also
a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the
people, the beautiful landscape, incredible ministry partnerships, the
miracles that this country has seen, and more.
stronghold of poverty grips this nation, Mozambique is seeing signs of
redemption and economic recovery. Due to extreme poverty �” or perhaps
in spite of it �” the church is growing, as well.
the Race, you will be teaching, preaching, practicing “true religion”
with widows and orphans, and growing in your identity in Christ. You
may also probably have one of your most memorable travel “days” here.
You’ll find out what we mean soon enough…
The
Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa.
Home to 1.1 million people and breath-taking scenic views, it’s also
where the world’s highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in
adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by
2050, the country of Swaziland will not 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 in a
variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point
feedings, and more.
The northern regions of
Romania are home to the gypsy community. 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 will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies,
and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group
you may not have known even existed.
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
throughout this nation. Like many Eastern European countries, it’s
still recovering economically, but it’s also experiencing spiritual
renewal and growth through the church. Is it the kingdom of God coming
in power? We think so.
Ireland boasts a rich
heritage of Christian faith through its centuries-old practices and
history, dating back to the time of St. Patrick. Yet, today, the nation
seems far from God. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a
desperate need for hope and dignity. Through sports games, children’s
outreach, street evangelism, and the relationships that just happen
along the way, the World Race is reintroducing a life-giving faith to
this beautiful, historic culture.
