The easy answer is: Wherever God leads me. Of course people want more details than that. Well here it is, I’ve got some info on the first portion of the trip! My team and I will be starting in Southeast Asia, and will be moving throughout SE Asia for four months. Here is the list of the first 4 countries we will be serving, and some background information on each. Now, keep in mind I won’t know until just before the start of each month what exactly we will be doing in each country. Part of the World Race is accepting that I am not in control, and also that I must be flexible with regular changes to whatever plans we do have. Being the planner and control freak that I am, I know this is something I will struggle with, but fear not, I will have a solid 11 months to work through it!
Without further adieu…
Thailand
The kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population us Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. We will change lives in the city where we, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes, or in the countryside, where we may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It became a Buddhist complex a century later. Today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope.
Vietnam
After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties, human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion. Most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Here we will be fed pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn will feed believers and pray God’s light and presence everywhere we go.
Indonesia
The 17,508 islands that make up the nation of Indonesia are as diverse as their population, which is the worlds 4th largest. Certain areas of this country, which is home to the world’s largest Muslim population, are completely untouched by outside influences; others carry the exposure, even if for a moment, of the Gospel story. We will explore uncharted territories and forgotten areas to further the work of the kingdom of God.
Well there ya have it. This will be the first (approximately) 1/3rd of the Fusion Race. It’s impossible to know everything God will do with and within us throughout our journey, but I can promise you this: whatever it is, it will be life changing.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said “Here am I. Send me!” He said “Go” and tell his people.
Isaiah 6:8
*All country specific information retrieved from Adventures in Missions route descriptions*
