Hey everyone — some changes have been made to the 2009 Race Route! Don’t get it too set in stone … it could change on us again, as the Lord leads!!!
Dominican Republic
The Caribbean sits as unexplored territory for the World Race. Teams will be sent to all corners of this beautiful country to focus on building relationships, planting churches, and loving on the orphans and widows of the community. Please be praying for Unity and Gentleness specifically while I’m in the Dominican.
Haiti
Crossing the border from the Dominican Republic to Haiti is like entering another world. Language changes from Spanish to French to Creole, and landscape changes from lush forests to barren wastelands. The island of Hispanola has been divided against itself in decades of animosity between the Haitian and Dominican people. The 2008 hurricanes ravaged across the island, leaving the northern portion of Haiti devastated and in much need of tangible help and spiritual encouragement. We go to help rebuild physically and spiritually, as we explain the hope that Christ brings in the face of such tragedy.
Pray for DR and Haiti: Unity and Gentleness
*Romans 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”
*Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
*Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
*Romans 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”
*Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
*Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Thailand
Even though the official law states that prostitution is illegal, it is estimated that nearly 2 million women and men engage in this practice daily, thus creating the lucrative sex industry of Southeast Asia. In addition to reaching out to the rural communities of Thailand, we go to the streets, into the darkest of spiritual environments to share what is most needed: hope. We will be helping women learn practical vocational skills and providing an alternative form of income.
Cambodia
Fifty years ago, Cambodia saw one of the most devastating genocides in history. The Khmer Rouge slaughtered nearly two million people. In 24 hours, cities were emptied and abandoned. The nation has been in constant upheaval until recently. The strength and resiliency of the Cambodian people is inspiring.
Vietnam
The country of Vietnam has been under communist rule for decades, and the oppression has taken its toll through seasons of warfare and rebuilding. The government is adamantly against religious freedom, and as the country suffers in Buddhist bondage, the light of the Christian remnant shines as a candle in the darkness.
Prayer for Asia: Grace and Patience
*Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”
*Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
*Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
Mozambique/Malawi
Enter a world of lions, elephants and monkeys, and welcome to Africa. Potentially the most fruitful of mission fields, northern Mozambique and Malawi is seeing sweeping revival in the form of mass conversions, miracles, and churches planted on a daily basis. Teams will be a part of breaking the hold of fear on the people bound by witch doctors and animism.
Swaziland
Swaziland made history by being the first country to reach a 51% HIV/AIDS infection rate across the general population. Through lack of education, superstition and other such deceptions, it is speculated that in 50 years, the country will no longer exist. Though small, Swaziland has great potential to spread the light of Christ to all of Africa.
PIONEER AFRICA
This is crazy “Hey, I’m a World Racer” month. We pretty much go wherever we feel led. He may lead us to a location developing, growing and booming or to a land untouched by the World Race or Christianity as a whole. No expectations.
Africa Prayer:Pray for Protection/Strength
*Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. “Selah” There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. “Selah” Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
*Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. “Selah” There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. “Selah” Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people. Strangers in their homeland, they are segregated, ostracized and forgotten. We’ll be teaching English, leading sports camps, and planting churches in Romania.
Ukraine
The developing country of the Ukraine stands caught between its past oppression under the U.S.S.R. communist regime and the desire to be accepted into the Western world. The forgotten and marginalized of this area are quick to be found if one looks close enough. Come be a part of a revolution, taking back a region from the bondage of Islam and other folk religions. It’s a new day for the countries of Eastern Europe!
PIONEER EASTERN EUROPE
This is crazy “Hey, I’m a World Racer” month. We pretty much go wherever we feel led. He may lead us to a developing area or to lands untouched by the World Race or Christianity. Sorry to those of you who need agendas. That’s not really World Race style. 🙂
Europe: Pray for Perseverance and Joy
* James 1:4 “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
*2 Thessalonians 3:5 “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”
*Psalms 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
*Psalms 86:4 “Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
* James 1:4 “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
*2 Thessalonians 3:5 “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”
*Psalms 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
*Psalms 86:4 “Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
