Hi Everyone!
Below is “the world race description” of where exactly I’ll be going!:
Racers from around the world are coming together this January to launch the World Race Fusion (International) ?squad, bringing diverse world cultures and the unifying love of Jesus to the Race. And you can launch with them.
We are aiming towards international inclusion and cultural collaboration immersing different worlds together celebrating diversity and cultural giftings. We want to take cultural awareness and development to a whole new level engaging ourselves in language, customs, adventure and what it means to worship together as one body no matter where you come from.
Community is an essential part of the World Race, and as a Fusion Racer, your community will be as diverse as the countries you serve. With teams made up of Racers from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, you will see your ability to minister in different cultures soar as you learn to serve each other, live together, and discover each other’s core traditions and worldview.
Fusion Racers will learn just as much from your community as from the partners and people you serve. The diversity of the World Race Fusion squad will minister more effectively, and will set up partnerships and ministry opportunities long after the Race is finished.
We are much stronger as a unified body of Christ as we hope to set the foundation for the next generation of ministers to work towards Kingdom culture.
*WR Fusion Training Camp: Unlike all other routes, WR Fusion does not have a pre-trip training camp in Georgia two months before launch. Since racers are coming from all over the world, Fusion Routes combine training camp with launch at the beginning of the race. Therefore, training camp will be overseas, in or near the route’s first country.
Here’s where you’ll go:
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 Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two 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.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Vietnam
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Here you’ll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God’s light and presence everywhere you go.
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.
Latvia
Sandwiched between Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, Latvia is home to the largest medieval church in Europe. Like Estonia, Latvia is a hidden gem for tourism. But it’s not all cathedrals and beautiful architecture – Latvia has a dark side. Often called the “fatherless nation,” Latvia is home to thousands of young people whose families suffer brokenness due to the high unemployment, depression, and substance abuse that run rampant there. Come love the Latvian people and introduce them to the love of God as the father they don’t have. And if you’re there in the winter, you might get to walk on the frozen Baltic Sea!
Ukraine
his Eastern European country is caught between its past oppression under the Soviet Union and the desire to be accepted by the West. People in the West tend to be more nationalistic than those in the East, where Russian is more commonly spoken. There’s a substantial orphan (social and full) population and human trafficking’s an issue here, too. Most people claim to belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox church, which is subdivided into three bodies. God’s desire is to bring hope, peace, authentic relationship with himself, and unity to this nation; you’ll find out how exactly you’ll participate in that!
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.
Bosnia
Technically called Bosnia and Herzgovina (try and pronounce that second word), this country is found on the Balkan peninsula and encompasses beautiful turquoise rivers and lakes making it a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor sports. Still recovering from a war that immense damage, loss of life, and displacement of millions, Bosnia is still essentially ruled by NATO. This country is in need of God’s kingdom, will you be the one to bring it?
Zambia
After years of British colonial rule, Zambia became independent in 1964. Since then, the economy has grown and the official religion has become Christianity, but there are still great needs in Zambia. With the country near the bottom of the United Nations Human Development Index, the Zambian people still suffer from poverty, short life expectancy, malnourishment, lack of clean water, and the AIDS crisis. Zambia needs encouragement from missionaries who can remind them of God’s faithfulness in the face of challenges.
Botswana
Although it’s one of the most sparsely 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 in one of its national parks. 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. One of the wealthiest countries on the continent yet much of the population living 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’s also a place full of kingdom potential, waiting to be released — by you.
