I have been on two mission trips out of the country before; both times were to the Dominican Republic over my spring breaks. The second time that I went to the Dominican I fell in love with it all over again. One thing that will be with me forever is the relationships that I built with the people there; I’m hoping to have the same kind of experience on the World Race.
The first place that the team is going to is Peru! This country is located in South America and is the cradle of Inca civilization. The Peruvian church thirsts for truth and authentic spiritual breakthrough. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in Peru.
Bolivia is one of the most indigenous countries in South America. This country is in need of orphan ministry, evangelistic outreach, church plants, and more. The first thing that cries out to me is the orphan ministry… I have a huge heart for children and I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to build relationships with the children of Bolivia.
Ecuador is the next country that the team will visit in South America. This country has the natural beauty of the Amazon River to the glaciers atop the Andes volcanoes. With more than half of the population is at or below the poverty line, Ecuador is a country waiting for God’s Kingdom to come.
Next, we will travel over to Eastern Europe. Much of this region was under some communist regime for much of the latter half of the last century. Some countries are doing better than others, but some are points of human trafficking. Here we may be reaching out to orphans, teaching English, running sports camps… When I read that, I asked myself, “Can this be any more for me?!” Like I said in my first blog, I love kids and I’m a big into sports! I am thrilled to see what God has planned for us in Eastern Europe!
South Africa, as most of you may know, was host to the 2010 World Cup; but like the rest of the sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/ HIV. This country is one of the wealthiest on the continent, and yet, much of the population that lives outside the cities is poor. South Africa is a place that is full of kingdom potential.
Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony that is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery; because of, or in spite of the extreme poverty gripping the nation, the church grows. Here our team will be teaching, preaching, practicing “true religion” with widows and orphans while we grow in our identity in Christ!
Swaziland is home to 1.1 million people and breath-taking scenic views; it’s also where the world’s highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It’s estimated that by 2050, this country will not even exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation that is desperate need of attention. Here, our team will find ourselves in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more. My heart is really touched to hear these things about this country… My prayer for this country is that these statistics will be reversed.
Thailand is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. In the 2000 census, it showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim and 0.7% is Christian. Nearly 2 million people estimated to be forced into prostitution; it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. This country I believe is a place that needs encouragement.
Cambodia holds one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. Today just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist; it’s also a source, transit point and destination of human trafficking. This country is thirsty for hope that I pray our team can bring to this country.
Vietnam was split during the 20th century; the north was the communist and south was the non-communist. By 1975, Vietnam was made whole again, but as a communist country. This means that human rights in this country are limited, especially freedom of religion. Here our team will pray that God’s light and presence everywhere we go.
