This is long overdue. A little over six months after my first post, and I’m only now following up. Tut-tut!
The last time you heard from me, I was going on this great adventure called the World Race in September 2014. I’m still going; that hasn’t changed. But instead of September, I will now be launching in January 2015. My route has changed, and I’m so pleased to be telling you about it finally. Here’s what my new route looks like:
Philippines
This delightful tropical country is where I’ll be starting my Race. It is rife with breathtaking, scenic landscapes and beautiful, fascinating people. The Filipino people love music, dance, and community – totally my kind of crowd. I’m super charged to live in community with them, giving hope to the desperate, caring for orphans, and encouraging the growing number of Christ followers in their faith.
Thailand
If the copious amounts of Thai food I consume regularly is any indication, I’m going to absolutely love this place! On the real though, the people of Thailand are hurting something bad. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% is Muslim, and 0.7% is Christian. Approximately 600,000 of its people live with HIV/AIDS, and it is one of the most popular places for sex tourism. I believe that God is doing something radical in this place, and I want to be in the thick of it.
Cambodia
Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Its people are desperate and needy for hope – the good news of salvation through Jesus. We’ll have our work cut out for us, but I’m eagerly looking forward to caring for orphans, befriending the unloved, and bringing God’s everlasting hope to a despairing people group.
Vietnam
After nearly a century of French rule, Vietnam was split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves in the mid-20th century. 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, and less than 10% is Catholic. Here we’ll be fed pho, and in return we will feed believers and pray for God’s light and presence everywhere we go.
Malawi
Ah, Africa! I’m so excited to be going back and even more excited that the first country we’ll be visiting there is none other than the “warm heart of Africa,” Malawi. This country has a beautiful landscape and an even more beautiful culture and population. I’m ready to fall in love with the people of Malawi and bless them with the love of God.
Zambia
After years of British colonial rule, Zambia became independent in 1964. Since then, the economy has grown and the official religion has become Christianity, but there are still great needs in Zambia. With the country near the bottom of the United Nations Human Development Index, the Zambian people still suffer from poverty, short life expectancy, undernourishment, lack of clean water, and the HIV/AIDS crisis. Zambia needs encouragement and a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the face of challenges.
Zimbabwe
Formerly a British colony known as Rhodesia, Zimbabwe boasts intriguing ruins and shares the majestic Victoria Falls with Zambia. According to Amnesty International, the current regime is allowing human rights violations to escalate. Zimbabwe also has one of the lowest life expectancy rates in the world. I’m giddy to witness God move massively in this country. I can’t wait!
Ireland
Ireland boasts a heritage of Christianity through Catholicism. Yet, the lifeless display of faith reveals that this nation is farther from God than ever. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates show a desperate need for hope. Through sports, children’s outreach, street evangelism, pub ministry, and the relationships that just happen along the way, we will be reintroducing a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s geography is beautiful and varied, with mountain ranges, plains, and a coastline along the Black Sea. Its economy is growing, but among the European Union members, it ranks lowest in terms of income. Organized crime and human trafficking are hugely popular. About half the population claims to be orthodox, and over 10% is Muslim. We hope to bring light and hope to this nation caught between “developed” and “developing.”
Moldova
Moldova, one of the poorest European countries, is riddled with a high underground crime rate. This country serves as a transit point for human trafficking. The main language spoken is Romanian (also called Moldovan), but there’s debate as to what the Moldovan ethnicity is exactly. We hope to bring the Kingdom and the good news of God’s salvation, grace, and peace to this nation.
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. The gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, we will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. I’m truly excited to live with and learn from this little-known people group.
