— I am traveling to 3 different and new continents. In the next 3 posts I will be outlining as much as I can, what my time in each country will look like.
This is really important to me. I want you to know whats going on. Note that each experience is different. I cannot predict what will happen on the mission field.
The follow descriptions are made by the World Race organization, so trust you are getting this from the source.
I will take foot on South African soil, followed by Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
!! Lets take a look into each country !!
Welcome to Part 1: Africa.
South Africa.
Your World Race journey will start in the large and diverse nation of South Africa. This nation is incredibly multicultural and it still healing from it’s dark and painful history of racism and segregation. This country has 11 official languages, coastlines on two oceans and world famous mountain views. Racers in South Africa focus a lot of their time on evangelism through the school systems. You might find yourself discipling middle and high school students through sports ministry, teaching life skills or assisting with academic classes.
It’s a land of adventure.
It’s also a land of deep pain.
Several decades since apartheid formally ended, South Africa still needs healing and reconciliation. Social injustice and racial prejudice are still rampant.
Although they live in one of the wealthiest countries on the continent, most of the population outside of big cities are poor. Like the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of HIV/AIDS.
(https://www.worldrace.org/location/south-africa)
Zimbabwe
Next you will continue north to Zimbabwe, home to the Zambezi river that feeds into the world-famous Victoria Falls. This nation is still in transition after being colonized and suffers from large unemployment rates. World Racers in Zimbabwe focus on coming along the local church and partnering with them to impact the Kingdom through their communities. Racers join in with everything the churches do, helping with their services, meetings, outreach and offering uplift and encouragement. Community and relationships are central to life in Zimbabwe, your month here will be all about discipleship through sharing life together.
Formerly the British colony of Rhodesia, Zimbabwe shares the majestic Victoria Falls with Zambia.
Yet despite its natural beauty and resources like gold and diamonds, this country struggles for hope.
Amnesty International reports that the current government has allowed human rights violations in Zimbabwe to escalate for years. A recent economic meltdown has led thousands to emigrate or be displaced within the country.
While 75% of Zimbabweans claim Christianity as their faith, many often mix in ancient, tribal practices and ancestral worship.
(https://www.worldrace.org/location/zimbabwe)
Zambia.
Next, you will head across the Zambezi to Zimbabwe’s neighbor, Zambia. Our partners in Zambia are focused on church planting and evangelism. Most Racers will settle into a specific town or village and work with our ministry hosts to share the Gospel and plant Christ-centered communities in a focused area. There will be lots of opportunity to work with children, leading camps and events. Our partners have expressed a growing need for ministry for women. The women in Zambia deeply want to share their voices in a new way, and you could be a part of empowering them to share their stories.
This entirely landlocked nation touches eight countries and is home to 73 tribes who speak 20 different languages.
Since becoming an independent nation after years of British colonial rule, Zambia’s economy has grown, but its people still suffer from poverty, short life expectancy, malnourishment, lack of clean water, and the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Christianity is the official religion in Zambia, but the local church needs support for a solid Biblical foundation to raise up the next generation.
(https://www.worldrace.org/location/zambia)
Malawi
Your final month in Africa will wrap-up in Malawi, known as the warm heart of Africa. Compared to other surrounding nations, Malawi is very rural and considered one of the poorest countries in the world. This month you will you put to work all the experience in church planting you have gained from your time in Southern Africa. The people of Malawi are known worldwide for their hospitality, you will be forced to slow down as their culture highly values people over tasks, timelines and to-do lists. Our partners in Malawi want Racers to help set the foundation for new believer to live their lives for Christ. They are really passionate about follow-up and discipling people after they have been introduced to the Gospel. So you can be confident the relationships you build this month will have great potential to make a lasting impact.
Home to at least a dozen distinct people groups, Malawi is known as “The Warm Heart of Africa”. Wide varieties of cuisine and breathtaking views make Malawi a unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else on earth.
However, the people of Malawi are dying.
One in ten adults live with HIV/AIDS, and 70% of all of Malawi’s hospital beds are occupied by people suffering from this sickness.
The epidemic has caused overcrowded orphanages, a lack of workers to harvest food, and an attitude of hopelessness.
(https://www.worldrace.org/location/malawi)
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Thank you for reading, and for your curiosity.
I am honored to share about the beautiful countries i will be loving.
My heart swells to think of how the Lord will use me!
Up next, I will be breaking down the Asian countries I am visiting after Africa.
Keep your lovely eyes peeled.
Shoutout to: Abby Gartner ($200), Bryce Love ($100), and Jacqueline Berry ($100) for their large sum donations, and a thank you to Greta Moser ($50).
Warmly,
EJ
