Hey! Thanks for visiting my blog! Whether you’ve found me by accident or clicked on my link, I’m glad that you’ve chosen to share this 11 month life changing journey with me! God is going to do great things in me and through me and I can’t wait to hit the road in January!
You can support me in three ways:
- Financial Support – the cost for the world race is $14,300! If you would like to make a financial contribution click on the “support me” tab on the left hand side of the home page. Even if it’s as little as $5, God will use it to glorify Him on this trip.
- Prayer – Let’s face it, I’m scared, nervous, and excited to be going on the world race! As I get ready to embark on this incredible journey, I covet your prayers. Please pray for me as I prepare for this trip, my other teammates that will be joining me overseas, my family and friends that I am leaving back home, and the hearts of those I have yet to encounter.
- Subscribe To My Blog – over the course of 11 months, I’ll be updating my blog through pictures, video, and testimonies. My hope is to be OUR representative for Jesus Christ and have you share this experience with me!
MY WORLD RACE ROUTE:
India
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 I do in India? Change it from the inside out.
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences I will have here, I will also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of the World Race experience will submerge me in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
Malaysia
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 I delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, I will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Australia
From the Sydney Opera House to the aboriginal tribes of the Australian Outback, Australia is as exotic as you imagined it. World Racers will partner with ministries, churches and missionaries who are spreading the hope of Christ to the rich and poor alike. While Australia boasts a more westernized culture, the marginalized, impoverished, destitute and lost still exist and live each moment for the hope of hearing the good news. Here, I may minister to people, much like I would back home.
South Africa
While it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there is still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. This country is one of the wealthiest on the continent, and yet, much of the population that lives outside the cities is poor.
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 me.
Mozambique
This is one of the most beautiful countries in the continent of Africa. Mozambique is also a favorite location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the beautiful landscape, incredible ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and more.
Although the stronghold of poverty grips this nation, Mozambique is seeing signs of redemption and economic recovery. Due to extreme poverty – or perhaps in spite of it – the church is growing, as well.
This month on the Race, I will be teaching, preaching, practicing “true religion” with widows and orphans, and growing in my identity in Christ.I may also probably have one of my most memorable travel “days” here. You’ll find out what I mean soon enough…
Swaziland
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. 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, the country of Swaziland will not 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, I will most likely find myself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, I will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group I may not have known even existed.
MY NEW ROUTE INCLUDES…
Thailand
According to the CIA, 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 is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim and 0.7% is 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. In the city I, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes or in the countryside, where I may serve youth, care for orphans and encourage 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 later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and 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 and the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope we can bring.
Moldova
Formerly ruled by Romania, Moldova became part of the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians. The poorest nation in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as its president in 2001. This country is waiting for the hope of Jesus Christ to be delivered by people like me.
