For your convenience, here are the countries I
will be going to when I leave in July (note: the route is subject to change if necessary).
I didn’t actually write all this but copied it from AIM. They know more than I
do. Thank goodness.
1. 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.
2. 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 like wildfire throughout this nation. Is it the kingdom of God
coming in power? We think so.
3. India
India bursts with people and culture.
Home to a sixth of the world’s population and a diverse array of beliefs from
Hinduism to Islam (and blends of folk religions and other faiths), it is a
country of pluralism – twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native
speakers, multiple cuisines, socio-economic classes, and political parties.
While the country is on the edge of full economic development, India still
suffers from the likes of poverty, human trafficking, forced prostitution, and
religious persecution. You may have the opportunity to partner with ministries
that have had a long and storied presence, and/or with local churches to
encourage believers whose testimonies will challenge you. Your presence will
bring hope and truth to the marginalized, those that society deems
“untouchable”. You’ll change India from the inside out.
4. 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 adheres to Hinduism (about 81%), with a
plurality following Buddhism (about 11%); Christians comprise half a percent of
the population. Just over half of Nepal is literate and half of the population
that is old enough to work is either unemployed or underemployed. In addition
to the 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.
5. Rwanda
Many who hear “Rwanda”
immediately think, “genocide” – it was 16 years ago when 800,000
people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S.
State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population
density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation
also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the
genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help
bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth
a dream or vision in you…
6. Kenya
Who hasn’t heard of Kenya in their
lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the
love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums
comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya,
so does the Gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and
the city, the World Race produces lasting fruit and lasting ministries to carry
on even after we leave.
7. Uganda
This East African nation was also once
a kingdom and British protectorate. During most of the later half of the 20th
century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of
the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled
by the Lord’s Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred
to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You
may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing
still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches
to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
8. Thailand
According to the CIA, 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% is 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 believers.
9. 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
and the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty
for the hope you can bring.
10. 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.
11. 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.
