Honestly, I cannot believe how quickly time is passing! I mean, has a month really gone by since I last posted? So much has happened in that time – situations that have been painful, but full of growth and learning, Thanksgiving [with a little help from my mom, I made my first turkey and it was SO GOOD], times of encouragement with a new friend, growth in a spirit of boldness, fundraisers and many other things that I know are slipping my mind right now. In the details of each passing day though, everything points to and glorifies God, whether it was hard and painful or happy and full of love – every thought, every word and every deed gave glory to God and that’s exactly what our lives should do! Understand that this is not something that I have perfected, but I do know that this life is not about me – I am just an instrument used to point to a Holy and Righteous God.
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.
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.
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.
