God is such a strange and miraculous guy! I would have never thought I would be where I am today, preparing for what is going to be the best and most challenging year of my life.
The church I grew up in is a very missions minded church. In junior high and high school we had a youth choir that did a yearly mission trip where we would travel all over the country doing various work projects, singing in all types of venues, and see the country. However, college is where I found my heart for missions. My college Sunday school class went to New York City for spring breaks my sophomore and junior years. In New York, the world is at your fingertips! There are so many different people from all over the world in one city, and sometimes when you walk up the subway and you feel like you are in a different country (Jamaica, Queens).
Beyond that, I participated in a campus organization at UCO, Broncho Buddies, a program that pairs an international student with an American student. My Broncho Buddy is from Nepal, and she might be the sweetest person I know.
I fought God on my call for a long time, with things like “what about my career? A family? My family and friends back home?” and countless other things, but finally I became broken for this world, and cannot wait to see what God has in store for my life.
After lots of prayer and seeking God’s will, a friend (who I’ll forever be thankful for) showed me The World Race. At first I was overwhelmed thinking, “that’s so much money!! There is no way I can do that! A year is a long time to be away from home!” but once again God had other plans! I began praying about it, and talked with an admissions counselor, my parents, mentors, and friends, after all that I decided to apply and gave the process over to God. Well, today I am obviously accepted and am so excited, scared, nervous, elated, and so many more emotions! God has a much bigger plan than I could ever imagine for my life, and he has been showing me that more and more lately!
Now for the countries I’ll be going to:
*route is subject to change*
Peru
The cradle of Inca civilization (think: Macchu Picchu) and one of the “Andean states”, Peru is full of epic wonder; yet she is barely acquainted with her Creator. Though many natives still practice traditional religions, God is up to something in this country. The Peruvian church thirsts for truth and authentic spiritual breakthrough. Its political past has been riddled with guerilla violence and corrupt leadership, from which the indigenous poor and urban affluent are recovering. Whether you rough it in the jungle or live in the city; you won’t forget Peru.
Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s also one of the most indigenous countries in South America; the current president is the first indigenous people group member in office. And with all of that variety comes a lot of opportunity. Bolivia is in need of orphan ministry, evangelistic outreach, church plants, and more. You might find yourself working in the heart of the rainforest or on the streets of a city market. Regardless, be prepared for a fantastic experience.
Chile
Because Chile stretches the length of South America, it is home to an impressively varied climate, from the world’s largest desert in the north to Patagonia in the south. It is a country rich in history, culture and the arts. But Chile still struggles with traditionalism. Attempts for long-term growth in the church has resulted in more formal religion that is often without the spiritual gifts or true revival. You could be the visual representation of the changing work of Christ in you
India
With nearly a sixth of the world’s population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India’s struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence’ll bring hope and truth to those that society deems “untouchable.”
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, you may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of your World Race experience will submerge you 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 you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
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 you’ll be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God’s light and presence everywhere you go.
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. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
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% 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. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Malawi
Known as “the warm heart of Africa,” Malawi is a place you visit to ignite your passion for God’s love. This country has a beautiful landscape and an even more beautiful culture and population. This month, you’ll fall in love with the people of Malawi and bless them with the love of God. Chances are you won’t want to leave.
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, malnourishment, lack of clean water, and the AIDS crisis. Zambia needs encouragement from missionaries who can remind them of God’s faithfulness in the face of challenges.
**All images and country descriptions were taken from http://worldrace.org/?tab=routes&subtab=january-2015-4**
