India
With nearly a sixth of the world’s population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Moreover, ithas a diverse array of religious beliefs from Hinduism, to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths. While the country is on the edge of full economic development, it’s still stricken with poverty and privy to the crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. I will be changing one life at time through love and building relationships with the people.
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. I will visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. Human trafficking is rampant in Nepal and many times girls escape only to find themselves captured and sold yet again in the never ending rings of sex trade. There is an estimated 26,000 street children in Nepal that need to know the HOPE and GRACE that Jesus Christ embodies. I am so thrilled to see what God is already doing in Nepal and how He will use me in this struggling country.
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. My time in Thailand will be spent living in the city where, like Jesus, I might befriend prostitutes or in the countryside, where I might serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage believers. I also pray that I might get the chance to ride an elephant.
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 the Gospel can offer.
Australia
From the Sydney Opera House to the aboriginal tribes of the Australian Outback, Australia is as exotic as you imagined it. While Australia boasts a more westernized culture, the marginalized, impoverished, destitute and lost still exist and live each moment for the hope of hearing the good news. I will be evangelizing to people either in the city or trudging through the outback to discover the unreached. My mom actually advised me to watch the movie Australia before I leave.
South Africa
While it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there is still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. This country is one of the wealthiest on the continent, and yet, much of the population that lives 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 is also a place full of kingdom potential. Our time here will most likely be spent participating in numerous mission outreaches from praying over local businesses to helping in orphanages.
Mozambique
One of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape, incredible ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. I will be working with orphanages, going hut to hut praying for villages, and developing relationships sharing Christ’s love for the people.
Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breath-taking 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, the country of Swaziland will not even exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation that is in desperate need of attention. For years, AIM has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, I will exemplify the love of Christ by filling basic needs of the people.
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. I will be teaching English, leading sports camps, living life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group many people may not have known even existed.
Moldova
Once a part of Romania, this former Soviet republic declared independence in 1991. Moldova, the poorest European country, is riddled with a high underground crime rate. This country is vulnerable as a transit point of human trafficking. The main language spoken is Romanian (also called Moldovan) but there’s debate as to what the Moldovan ethnicity is exactly. The people of Moldova are living in chaos and desperately need to know the peace that Jesus Christ can provide for them.
