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.
Welcome to Part 2: Asia:
In southeast Asia, I will find myself traveling through Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
I am excited for all of these countries, but I am especially excited for Vietnam. My childhood best friend is Vietnamese, and I’ve heard a lot about the country, culture, and heard stories of her visits there!
Vietnam
Next, my journey will take you to Southeast Asia, stopping first in Vietnam. This incredibly friendly nation loves to welcome visitors from around the world. You’ll find it very easy to start up conversations, as people love to ask you why you’re there. You will also meet lots of travelers and expats and have the opportunity to share your faith and why you’re traveling with them. Our partners here offer a wide variety of ministry opportunities. From serving the elderly community, to teaching English to working with orphaned children or serving in mission minded restaurants, this month will be filled with community, deep conversations and large bowls of pho.
After nearly a century of French rule, Vietnam split into the communist (north) and non-communist (south) in the 1950s. Conflict between the two sides led to the Vietnam War. However, by 1975, Vietnam was restored as a completely communist country.
Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties, human rights are limited in Vietnam—especially freedom of religion.
Over 80% of Vietnamese don’t claim any religion, and about 8% are Buddhist.
Vietnam’s story is one of searching and fighting for freedom.
Cambodia
Next I’ll head to Thailand’s modest neighbor, Cambodia. Here you will find delicious food, open air markets and bustling streets. Cambodia is struggling to heal from a dark and crippling genocide in the 1970s and is currently faced with crippling poverty and human trafficking. Much of the ministry this month will focus on investing in youth. You’ll likely spend your month reaching children through teaching English and the Bible. English is critical for the younger generations to find sustainable jobs and education to move forward.
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 1970s, 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.
Laos
My time in Southeast Asia will take you next to the Laos, one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the area – nicknamed the crossroads of asia. Compared to the great development from its neighbors, Laos has remained relatively traditional. Laos is a closed country so it’s mostly uncreached by or unaccepting of the Gospel. In your time there you will come alongside the locals that are working to change that. You will assist local church planters both in sharing your faith and passing out the word of God, but also actually helping to construct buildings for believers to meet in. This month will be stretching and rewarding.
The only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos is home to some of most unreached hill tribes in the world.
Following a brutal civil war, Laos came under communist rule in 1975. Today, more than a third of Laos’ population lives below the international poverty line. The government has been accused of corruption and violating human rights against a minority tribe called the Hmong people.
The majority of Laotians practice Buddhism and spirit worship. Christian missionary work is often monitored by the government.
Thailand
My time in Southeast Asia will wrap up in Thailand, known for its stunning beaches, friendly people and bustling outdoor food markets. You will feel welcomed here, but you’ll quickly take note of darkness that plagues this region: human trafficking. In Thailand, you might find yourself under neon flashing lights and sharing a Coke with women in between their dances in night clubs. You might find yourself having difficult conversations with the tourists partaking in the industry and spending hours covering your teammates and the streets in prayer.
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.
I am pumped!
Thank you for reading & staying with me. I am currently ~$1,412 away from being 50% funded.
Do you have anything to spare to help inch me there?
With love, warmth, humility, and care,
Erin Johnson
