ROUTE CHANGE: Where Am I Going?

You may be wondering, “Averie where are you going on your 11 month trip and what might you be doing in each country?” Well whether you are asking those questions or not, i’m going to answer them. Each week i’m going to be highlighting the countries i’m going to and a little bit of what we will be doing. Check it out below…

My World Race journey starts in the large and diverse nation of South Africa. This nation is incredibly multicultural and is still healing from it’s dark and painful history of racism and segregation. South Africa has 11 official languages, coastlines on two oceans, and has world famous mountain views. Known for soccer, safaris, and shark diving, South Africa is a land of adventure. It’s also a land of deep pain. Several decades since apartheid ended, South Africa still needs healing and reconciliation. Social injustice and racial prejudice are still rampant. Although they live in one of the wealthiest countries on the continent, most of the population outside of big cities are poor. Like the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of HIV/AIDS.

As missionaries here, we will be focusing a lot of our time on evangelism through the school systems. We might find ourselves discipling middle and high school students through sports ministry, teaching life skills, or assisting with academic classes. Will you partner with me to share the adventure of the Kingdom of God in South Africa?

Next on my World Race journey we will continue north of South Africa to Zimbabwe. Home to the Zambezi river that feeds into the world famous Victoria Falls, this nation is still in transition after being colonized and suffers from large unemployment rates. Formerly the British colony of Rhodesia, Zimbabwe shares the majestic Victoria Falls with Zambia. Yet despite its natural beauty and resources like gold and diamonds, this country struggles for hope. A recent economic meltdown has led thousands to emigrate or be displaced within the country. While 75% of Zimbabweans claim Christianity as their faith, many often mix in ancient, tribal practices and ancestral worship.

Next on my World Race journey we will head across the Zambezi to Zimbabwe’s neighbor, Zambia. Zambia boasts one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls. This entirely landlocked nation touches eight countries and is home to 73 tribes who speak 20 different languages. Since becoming an independent nation after years of British colonial rule, Zambia’s economy has grown but its people still suffer from poverty, short life expectancy, malnourishment, lack of clean water, and the HIV/AIDS crisis. Christianity is the official religion in Zambia, but the local church needs support for a solid Biblical foundation to raise up the next generation. World Race’s partners in Zambia are focused on church planting and evangelism.

My final month in Africa on my World Race journey will wrap-up in Malawi, known as the warm heart of Africa. Compared to other surrounding nations, Malawi is very rural and considered one of the poorest countries in the world. Home to at least a dozen distinct people groups, Malawi is known as “The Warm Heart of Africa”. Wide varieties of cuisine and breathtaking views make Malawi a unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else on earth. However, the people of Malawi are dying. One in ten adults live with HIV/AIDS, and 70% of all of Malawi’s hospital beds are occupied by people suffering from this sickness. The epidemic has caused overcrowded orphanages, a lack of workers to harvest food, and an attitude of hopelessness.

Next, my World Race journey will take me to Southeast Asia, stopping first in Vietnam. After nearly a century of French rule, Vietnam split into the communist (north) and non-communist (south) in the 1950s. Conflict between the two sides led to the Vietnam War. However, by 1975, Vietnam was restored as a completely communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties, human rights are limited in Vietnam—especially freedom of religion. Over 80% of Vietnamese don’t claim any religion, and about 8% are Buddhist. Vietnam’s story is one of searching and fighting for freedom. This incredibly friendly nation loves to welcome visitors from around the world. We can expect to meet lots of travelers and expats and will have the opportunity to share our faith and why we’re traveling with them.

Next on my World Race journey, we will be heading to Thailand’s modest neighbor, Cambodia. Here we can find delicious food, open air markets, and bustling streets. Cambodia is struggling to heal from a dark and crippling genocide in the 1970s and is currently faced with crippling poverty and human trafficking. Cambodia boasts the famous Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple that later became a Buddhist monastery. Hidden for centuries under dense jungle, today Angkor Wat is one of most photographed places in the world. Cambodia itself is struggling to heal from one of the worst genocides in modern history. In the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge killed over 1.5 million men, women, and children. Faced with inconceivable poverty and desperation, Cambodia became a source, transit point, and destination for human trafficking.

As missionaries here, much of the ministry this month will focus on investing in youth. We will likely spend our month reaching children through teaching English and the Bible. English is critical for the younger generations to find sustainable jobs and education to move forward. The people of Cambodia are hungry for hope and healing. Will you partner with me share it with them?

My World Race journey in Southeast Asia will take me next to Laos, one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the area – nicknamed the crossroads of asia. Compared to the great development from its neighbors, Laos has remained relatively traditional. Laos is a closed country so it is mostly uncreached by or unaccepting of the Gospel. The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos is home to some of most unreached hill tribes in the world. Following a brutal civil war, Laos came under communist rule in 1975. Today, more than a third of Laos’ population lives below the international poverty line. The government has been accused of corruption and violating human rights against a minority tribe called the Hmong people. The majority of Laotians practice Buddhism and spirit worship. Christian missionary work is often monitored by the government.

As missionaries here, our time here we will come alongside the locals that are working to change that. We will assist local church planters both in sharing our faith and passing out the Word of God, but also actually helping to construct buildings for believers to meet in. Will you partner with me to live the Gospel in a nation where the name of Jesus is not known?

My World Race journey in Southeast Asia will wrap up in Thailand. Known for its stunning beaches, friendly people, and bustling outdoor food markets, most people feel welcomed here. But you can quickly take note of the darkness that plagues this region: human trafficking. Behind Thailand’s beautiful beaches, its people’s smiling faces, and the tropical jungles lies a terrible secret: modern day slavery. In Buddhist culture, women work to support their families so men can earn spiritual merit as monks. Many parents send their daughters to work in cities where the only option is prostitution. As the country’s natural beauty continues to draw visitors, sexual tourism continues to grow. It is estimated that 60% of tourists visit the Red Light Districts—and 90% of Thai men visit local karaoke bars for the same reason.

As missionaries here, we might find ourself under neon flashing lights, sharing a Coke with women in between their dances in night clubs, having difficult conversations with the tourists partaking in the industry, and spending hours covering our teammates and the streets in prayer. Will you partner with me to share the freedom of Christ with the broken in Thailand? 

I will kick off the final leg of my World Race journey in Peru, a nation in the clouds. The Peruvian people are very proud and have a strong indigenous background. The closer you get to the mountains, the more people you’ll find wearing traditional dress and speaking in different local dialects. From the breathtaking Andes Mountains and vast coastal deserts to the lush, tropical rainforests of the Amazon Jungle, Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. The birthplace of several proud, ancient civilizations, present day Peru is home to multiple indigenous groups who blend into a unique and beautiful culture. Sadly, the people of Peru struggle with extreme poverty and class inequality. Government corruption hinders economic development, and many people face problems like teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and crime.

As missionaries here, the main ministry we will be focusing on is planting Christ-centered communities in the jungle. We will be living with the locals and sharing a daily routine with them. We could be leading locals in Bible studies, sharing our faith with families, or simply helping prepare dinner. World Race also partners with an orphanage for children with special needs and a college ministry in Lima. This month we will be heavily focused on relationships and community. Will you partner with me to share God’s love with people hungry for hope?

After Peru we are continuing our World Race journey to Ecuador for a week. Though this is one of the smallest countries in South America, its landscape includes highlands, beaches, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. You can find the people to be both very proud and very friendly and welcoming. Most Racers work with our long-standing partners who minister to at-risk children living and working on the streets, special need hospitals and elderly homes. Many Racers also work a lot with church planting and on college campuses.

Next instead of Bolivia, we are heading to Chile. Chile stretches two-thirds the length of South America and is home to an impressively varied climate: from the world’s driest desert in the north, to Patagonia in the south. It is a country rich in history, culture, and the arts, and is a popular tourist destination in South America. Chile is also one of the most prosperous and successful countries on the continent, with a high standard of living and continual economic growth. There are a lot of people in Chile who identify as christians but don’t know the love of Jesus. Racers will get the opportunity to share the hope we have in Christ. Will you partner with me to share the love of Christ in Ecuador and Chile?

My final month on the World Race will wrap up in Argentina, a country rich with culture and nationalism. Argentinians believe they have the best of everything – the best wine and food, and they’re very proud to be home to the Tango and sections of Patagonia and the Andes Mountains. Known as a Crisol de Razas, or “a crucible of races,” Argentina is the largest Spanish-speaking country in South America and the eighth largest country in the world. It is a nation of immigrants, where the mix of languages and cultures have created something all its own. It is also a nation of tradition; and while 92% declare Roman Catholicism as their religion, only 20% practice it. The people of Argentina long for a relationship with Christ.

World Race’s biggest partner in Argentina is Youth for a Mission (YWAM). They have a ropes course and focus on youth and women’s ministry. They also love to take teams out to preach in the street. Argentians are very social and love to spend hours talking and catching up over cups of mate. Argentina has the capacity to be a missionary-sending nation. World Race’s vision there is to empower them toward this goal. Will you partner with me to share faith in Argentina?

If you feel God tugging on your heart to support me in any way, please consider the following needs:

1. PRAYER: This season of my life is extremely busy. Trying to juggle my last semester of school, two jobs, and all the preparation that goes into this journey (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) is hard work. I am relying on the Lord every second to pull me through and provide all that I need. I desperately need prayer partners over this season in my life. 

2. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: I have been blown away by the support I have received so far, no matter how big or small the donation! However, I still have a long way to go to reach my goal. Although I fully expect the Lord to provide, YOU are a huge part of this plan. This goal will be met by your kindness, generosity, and willingness to sacrifice for the advancement of His kingdom. Thank you so much for your consideration!

3. SHARING: Please (pretty please!!) share this post to your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, whatever you use. Show your friends, family, coworkers, you name it. You never know who could be impacted, and I would love for as many people as possible to be aware of this awesome opportunity to minister to God’s children around the world. Especially if you can’t make a financial donation yourself, give others the opportunity to do so, and you’re making just as big of a contribution! Thank you again 🙂

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