We are so excited to announce that we finally know, at least for this moment, the 11 countries that we will be
serving in over the next year. We were taught at camp to have absolutely no expectations about our route, or anything else for that matter, because it could all constantly be changing as the year progresses. We believe that
ultimately God is in control of where we go and who we serve, so we are just hoping to go out with open hearts and open minds to bring His kingdom wherever He takes us.
Our race route includes:
(Information for several of the countries provided by The World Race)
United States of America (August & September 2010):
Several of our teammates and leaders have continued to drive home the fact that we should not simply be counting down the days until we leave. We have all agreed that we should be trying to take advantage of every opportunity to bring God’s kingdom here while we are still in America.
Guatemala (October 2010):
A country rich in history and natural resources – fertile soil from the
volcanoes help yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to
initiate your World Race experience. Outside of its aesthetic appeal,
it is a country in desperate need of God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and
bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala are hungering to
see the kingdom of God invade their lives. World Racers radically
change the atmosphere in which they find themselves. You’ll have the
opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and people in the form
of relationships through incarnational ministry (read: living just as
they do), reaching out to the people in the fringes of society, hard
work, and maybe even a miracle or two.
volcanoes help yield excellent coffee – Guatemala is the perfect place to
initiate your World Race experience. Outside of its aesthetic appeal,
it is a country in desperate need of God’s touch. Gripped by poverty and
bound to a spirit of religion, the people of Guatemala are hungering to
see the kingdom of God invade their lives. World Racers radically
change the atmosphere in which they find themselves. You’ll have the
opportunity to usher in the kingdom to this land and people in the form
of relationships through incarnational ministry (read: living just as
they do), reaching out to the people in the fringes of society, hard
work, and maybe even a miracle or two.
Nicaragua (November 2010):
This location is always a World Race favorite. It’s a
country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants
always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness,
addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of
Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love
of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from
the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you’ll
have the opportunity to bring God’s love through slum ministry,
door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants
always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness,
addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of
Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love
of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from
the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you’ll
have the opportunity to bring God’s love through slum ministry,
door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
Costa Rica (December 2010):
We have heard so much about the beauty and the people of this country, and we absolutely cannot wait to serve here. It is also going to be amazing to get to spend Christmas and our 3rd wedding anniversary in Costa Rica!
Philippines (January 2011):
This Asian island nation, once a Spanish colony and
an American protectorate, is a country in tension, trying to cross the
threshold between the third and first world. It offers a variety of
landscapes – beaches, mountains, volcanic lakes – and languages, with
Tagalog as the national tongue. The Catholic Church is a substantial
piece of the religious pie, however, Islam is growing in the island of
Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music and dance and
community. While there, you may find yourself living with and giving
hope to the destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the growing
number of Christ-followers to rise up.
an American protectorate, is a country in tension, trying to cross the
threshold between the third and first world. It offers a variety of
landscapes – beaches, mountains, volcanic lakes – and languages, with
Tagalog as the national tongue. The Catholic Church is a substantial
piece of the religious pie, however, Islam is growing in the island of
Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music and dance and
community. While there, you may find yourself living with and giving
hope to the destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the growing
number of Christ-followers to rise up.
Malaysia (February 2011):
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.
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.
Thailand (March 2011):
With nearly two million people estimated to be
stuck inside of prostitution in Thailand, it has become one of the most
popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city and rock worlds
in the countryside. Thailand’s sure to capture your heart.
stuck inside of prostitution in Thailand, it has become one of the most
popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city and rock worlds
in the countryside. Thailand’s sure to capture your heart.
Cambodia (April 2011 ):
Roughly 30 years ago, Cambodia experienced one of
the most gruesome genocides known to humanity, in which over one-third
of the country’s population was slaughtered. Still in recovery from
their past, the people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope and yearning for
a message of forgiveness and reconciliation. Part of your ministry here
will be to act as a living example of the freedom Christ can bring
through orphanage ministry, teaching in schools, street outreach, and
more.
the most gruesome genocides known to humanity, in which over one-third
of the country’s population was slaughtered. Still in recovery from
their past, the people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope and yearning for
a message of forgiveness and reconciliation. Part of your ministry here
will be to act as a living example of the freedom Christ can bring
through orphanage ministry, teaching in schools, street outreach, and
more.
South Africa (May 2011):
Our generation has grown to associate Nelson Mandela
with South Africa. While it’s been several decades since apartheid has
formally ended, there is more healing to be had and reconciliation to
take place. South Africa is one of the wealthiest on the continent yet
much of the population, who live outside the cities, is poor. And 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, waiting to be
released – by you.
with South Africa. While it’s been several decades since apartheid has
formally ended, there is more healing to be had and reconciliation to
take place. South Africa is one of the wealthiest on the continent yet
much of the population, who live outside the cities, is poor. And 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, waiting to be
released – by you.
Swaziland (June 2011):
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last
remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and a
landscape that will take your breath away, it’s also home to the highest
HIV/AIDS infection rate in the world (26.1% in adults and over 50% of
adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by 2050, this country won’t
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, you will most likely find
yourself involved a variety of outreaches: education, orphan care,
feedings, and more.
remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and a
landscape that will take your breath away, it’s also home to the highest
HIV/AIDS infection rate in the world (26.1% in adults and over 50% of
adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by 2050, this country won’t
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, you will most likely find
yourself involved a variety of outreaches: education, orphan care,
feedings, and more.
Mozambique (July 2011):
This is one of the most beautiful countries in the
continent of Africa. This is a favorite location of the World Race for a
variety of reasons (the people, beautiful landscape, ministry
partnerships, and more). Although the stronghold of poverty grips this
nation, Mozambique is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery.
Due to this extreme poverty – or perhaps in spite of it – the church is
growing, as well. This month on the Race, you will be teaching,
preaching, practicing “true religion” with widows and orphans, and more.
You may also probably have one of your most memorable travel “days”
here. You’ll find out what we mean soon enough.
continent of Africa. This is a favorite location of the World Race for a
variety of reasons (the people, beautiful landscape, ministry
partnerships, and more). Although the stronghold of poverty grips this
nation, Mozambique is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery.
Due to this extreme poverty – or perhaps in spite of it – the church is
growing, as well. This month on the Race, you will be teaching,
preaching, practicing “true religion” with widows and orphans, and more.
You may also probably have one of your most memorable travel “days”
here. You’ll find out what we mean soon enough.
India (August 2011):
With nearly a sixth of the world’s population within its borders, India
is a country bursting with people and culture. Moreover, it has 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. So what will you do in India? Change it from the
inside out.
is a country bursting with people and culture. Moreover, it has 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. So what will you do in India? Change it from the
inside out.
We could not be more excited about where God is taking
us. Our lives are in His hands, and we
believe He has so many great things in store for the S-Squad!
us. Our lives are in His hands, and we
believe He has so many great things in store for the S-Squad!
(Photo Credit: Right-click and select view image to see the original website for each photo)
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