Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean with Haiti. Dominican culture is lively, vibrant, and warm however, the people struggle with hyper sexualization, alcoholism, and witchcraft. After the earthquake in Haiti, the DR became a refuge for thousands who were displaced. Chances for ministry here are varied and exciting – anything from children’s cam to church planting to construction. Be a part of the Adventures in Missions presence and be a light to the Dominican people.
Haiti
Haiti was hit with a life-altering earthquake on January 12, 2010. The nation’s still in shamble, but the church is rising up. Haiti is experiencing a spiritual revival right now like it has never seen before. Communities are turning to pastors for leadership, and the local church is becoming the driving force behind Haiti’s ongoing rebirth. Be a part of this key moment in Haiti’s history and the church’s impact on this nation. Come ready to serve and be blessed.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a hot spot for surfing and the “pura vida” – literally, “pure life”. It’s a concept of “chill”, laid back, relaxed way of life. The beautiful beached that line both coasts are the perfect setting. Among the Central American countries Costa Rica, “rich coast”, lives up to it’s name. While the natural beauty attracts a lot of tourists, there are still lots of pockets of poverty and family brokenness. Because of its relative affluence, Costa Rica also draws in immigrants from neighboring countries, like Nicaragua, who don’t fare much better than they did before. You might help feed their physical and spiritual hunger – and discover other ways to give true meaning to the concept of “pura vida”.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It’s a country full of wonderful warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addiction, 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 dumps 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.
Guatemala
A country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the volcano fields helps yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to initiate your World Race experience. Outside of its aesthetic appeal, Guatemala needs God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala hunger for the kingdom of God to pervade their lives. You’ll have the opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and reach out to the people on the fringes of society through hard work, relationships, and maybe even a miracle or two.
Thailand
The kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christians. Approximately 600,000 people lives with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly 2 million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city – where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes – or in the countryside – where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
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.
Philippines
This Asian island nation, former Spanish colony then American protectorate, is a country of 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 significant piece of the religious pie however, Islam is growing in the island of Mindanao. The Filipino people and culture love music, dance, and community. While there, you may find yourself living with and giving hope to the destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the the growing number of Christ-followers to rise-up.
Swaziland
The kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breathtaking scenic views, it’s also where the world’s highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% in adults in just their 20s). It’s estimated that by 2050, Swaziland may cease to exist. – Just take a moment to wrap your mind around that. An entire nation of people gone because of their lack of knowledge, resources and the Father. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation in desperate need of attention. For years, Adventures has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, you’l most likely find yourself involved in a variety of outreaches including education, orphan care, care point feedings and more.
Botswana
Although it is one of the most sparely populated countries in the world, Botswana has the second highest HIV infection rate, next to Swaziland, its southern neighbor. The land itself struggles with drought and desertification yet boasts the largest elephant population in the world. The majority of the people identify themselves as Christians but very much need people like you to advance the kingdom with love and in power.
South Africa
While it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there’s still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. It is one of the wealthiest countries on the continent yet much of the population living outside the cities is poor. Like the rest of the sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of HIV/AIDS. Host to the 2010 World Cup and breathtaking landscapes, it’s also a place full of kingdom potential waiting to be released — by you.
