WHERE AM I GOING?
I wanted to share with everyone about the countries I will be going to!
Below you can read about the countries in more detail.
Côte d’Ivoire
Also known as the Ivory Coast, its name is derived from the profitable trade of ivory during the seventeenth century, bringing such a decline in elephants that the trade virtually disappeared by the eighteenth century. With the majority of the population being muslim and two civil wars in the past decade, the Ivory Coast is in need of the good news.
Ghana
Home to the largest waterfall in West Africa and beautiful sandy beaches, Ghana is a popular destination to tourists looking to explore Africa’s natural beauty. The nation has one of the strongest economies in Africa and one the highest school enrollment rates on the continent—over 95% of children attend school. You will find Scripture painted on local business walls and vehicles throughout small villages. While hope is present and the Gospel is being preached, there are still deep roots of tribal religions and witchcraft. This country is a source, transit, and destination country for the human trafficking of both adults and children. This nation, literally named “Warrior King”, needs to fight for its people. Will you share the freedom of Christ in Ghana?
Cambodia
Cambodia boasts the famous Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple that later became a Buddhist monastery. Hidden for centuries under dense jungle, today Angkor Wat is one of most photographed places in the world. Cambodia itself is struggling to heal from one of the worst genocides in modern history. In the 1970’s, the Khmer Rouge killed over 1.5 million men, women, and children. Faced with inconceivable poverty and desperation, Cambodia became a source, transit point, and destination for human trafficking. The people of Cambodia are hungry for hope and healing. Will you share it with them?
Thailand
Behind Thailand’s beautiful beaches, its people’s smiling faces, and the tropical jungles lies a terrible secret: modern day slavery. In Buddhist culture, women work to support their families so men can earn spiritual merit as monks. Many parents send their daughters to work in cities where the only option is prostitution. As the country’s natural beauty continues to draw visitors, sexual tourism continues to grow. It’s estimated 60% of tourists visit the Red Light Districts—and 90% of Thai men visit local karaoke bars for the same reason. Will you share the freedom of Christ with the broken in Thailand?
Myanmar
In a struggle for independence, first from Britain, then from its own government, Burmese political groups have fought an ongoing war for over 60 years, full of rebellions and insurgencies. Commonly called Burma, but officially now the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the political unrest has led to nearly 200,000 refugees in Myanmar, many fleeing to neighboring countries like Thailand. When the cyclone hit in 2008, it not only left $10 billion in damages in its wake, it also resulted in nearly 140,000 people losing their lives. Natural disasters, a sinking economy, and corrupt government have led to despair and poverty for many Burmese people. Bring hope to refugees, the lost, and the broken, in a country fighting to embrace tradition while moving away from the old regime.
India
With nearly a sixth of the world’s population, India is home to 29 languages, the religious practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and tribal religions, some of the spiciest food on the planet, and a highly segregated rich and poor class. Thanks to the ancient caste system, crimes of social injustice, discrimination, forced prostitution, and human trafficking occur daily. Baby girls are often killed and abandoned, simply because of the financial burden on their families. Lepers are treated as untouchables, and the poorest of the poor live in slums. Will you share hope with the poor, abandoned, and outcast in India?
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.
Belize
Known for its ancient Mayan ruins, the largest cave system in Central America, and one of the largest barrier reefs in all of the world—including the Great Blue Hole, Belize is an adventurer’s paradise. But beyond the resorts and tourist attractions, the people of Belize are searching for hope. The nation has the lowest literacy rate in the Western Hemisphere. Almost half of the population are Roman Catholic and 32% Protestant Christian, yet only about 10% regularly attend any religious service. Will you share the hope of abundant life in Christ in Belize?
Guatemala
Known as “The Land of Eternal Spring”, Guatemala is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Central America. Tourists travel from all over the world just to climb its volcanoes, drink its coffee, and zip line through the the rainforest. However, the true beauty of Guatemala is its people. Gripped by poverty, the people of Guatemala hunger for the Kingdom of God. Will you share the beautiful truth that there is so much more to this life with people in Guatemala?
El Salvador
El Salvador is the third largest economy in the region after Costa Rica and Panama and the smallest country (in land mass) in the Americas. A coup d’etat in 1979 led to civil war from 1980-1992 in this country. Oscar Romero, a Catholic bishop well-known known for supporting liberation theology, advocating for social justice in El Salvador, and protesting the government’s persecution of the church was assassinated in 1980 while conducting mass. Much of the country’s revenue comes from remittances. In a land whose name translates to “The Savior”, you’ll be the signs that point to the one true Savior – not a better political system or economy – Jesus Christ.
Nicaragua
Called “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” thick rainforests, rugged highlands, and beautiful beaches define Nicaragua’s beautiful landscape. Its rich history dates back to the Spanish conquistadores. However, hopelessness, addiction, destitution, and poverty plague many in Nicaragua. The poorest nation in Central America, almost 80% of Nicaraguans live on less than $2 a day. One in four Nicaraguans is either starving or suffering from malnutrition. Entire families live on and scrounge for scraps in city dumps. The people of Nicaragua need to know they are seen, loved, and not forgotten by God. Will you share this life-changing truth with them?
