Alright friends, here it is. So many of you have asked about my new Route, and I am so excited to share it! I have also begun getting to know my new squad, and it’s such a great transition.
Here are some noteworthy points about this change:
– I’m still going to some of the same countries: India, Nepal, Cambodia, South Africa, and Swaziland. Many of you know how much South Africa has been on my heart, and I’m still going there! There are so many more blessings about this new route, which I will be blogging more about soon.
– I am now leaving in July 2015, instead of January 2015.
– Although I have more time before I leave, I am still pushing forward with support raising. I am prayerfully building a team of monthly supporters and one-time donors to join my ministry team so that I can meet my financial deadlines:
- $150 Deposit – (2 weeks after your acceptance date.)
- $3,500 – Due 2 weeks before Training Camp (Date to be determined)
- $7,500 – Due 6/23/2015 (2 weeks prior to your trip)
- $11,000 – Due 10/7/2015 (End of 3 months on the field)
- $15,500.00 + $766.10 (*Insurance) = $16,266.10 – Total Due 1/7/2016 (End of 6 months on the field)
Without further ado, here is my new Route!
India
With nearly a sixth of the world’s population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India’s struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence’ll bring hope and truth to those that society deems “untouchable.”
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you may 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 submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living 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. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
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.
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.
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.
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% of adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by 2050, Swaziland may cease to exist. 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’ll most likely find yourself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
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.
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 hypersexualization, alcoholism, and witchcraft. After the earthquake in Haiti, the DR quickly became a refuge for thousands who were displaced. Chances for ministry here are varied and exciting – anything from children’s camps to church planting to construction. Come join the long-term 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 shambles, 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 part of this key moment in Haiti’s history and the church’s impact on this nation. Come ready to serve and ready to be blessed.
Jamaica
Jamaica’s lush mountains descend to white, sandy beaches. The smell of coffee and jerk spices drift in the air. But high in the hills, families crowd into ramshackle houses, little more than sheds. Homelessness is rampant, mothers abandon children they can’t feed, and many Jamaican people turn to false gods to answer their desperate pleas for help. From serving in food kitchens to helping with sports ministry or VBS at a school for the blind and hearing impaired to finishing long neglected projects for ministries focused on sharing the gospel, there is a lot your team could do to serve the people of Jamaica. In the true Jamaican way of “No worries, mon,” plans change often, leaving room for God to speak and to lead. Keep an open heart to serve where the need is the greatest.
