Next Monday, I’m flying to Atlanta, Georgia for World Race ‘Training Camp’. From June 4-14, the Expedition team along with a few other teams will be on World Race Headquarters for a time of intensive training. Though I am generally unaware of what this time in Georgia holds, I anticipate it excitedly. I do know to expect tenting, bucket showers, a timed hike, Georgia heat and time to get acquainted with the community I will exclusively spend a year with. I am especially excited to officially meet the Expedition squad and all my teammates!
As launch gets closer, I see to a greater extent just how much of the next year is unknown. I also recognize how much false security I hold in daily life. In many ways the unknown feels scary, but in bigger ways it makes me excited and grateful for the HUGE adventure that’s available for each of us in faith. It’s been a blessing to let go of my sufficiency to a greater degree and give myself more surrendered to the present, what’s coming and who God is growing me to be.
Spain:
Spain sits on the Western edge of the only post-Christian continent on the planet. One of history’s first global empires, its language is the 3rd most spoken in the world. The birthplace of bullfights, the Inquisition, and tapas, this land of deep passion needs new life breathed into their faith. Though 94% of Spaniards would declare themselves Roman Catholic, only 25% of the nation attends a religious service once a month. Whether you are hiking the Camino de Santiago with other pilgrims or sitting at a cafe, will you share your life-changing faith in a land of tradition and religion?
Morocco: 
Known for couscous, iconic architecture, and cities such as Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakesh, Morocco is a land of spice, beaches, mountains, and desert. With rich cultural influences from the indigenous Berber, Arabic, Sub-Saharan, and European nations, its second largest industry is tourism. 99% of the population are Sunni Muslim, which means the entire nation lives without the hope of Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will live the power and presence of the Gospel in a land where it is not welcome.
Middle East:
The land Jesus called home, this region is the birthplace of Christianity. It is also home to Islam and Judaism. Perhaps because of religious conflicts, this area is known for instability and conflict. Recent events have led to millions of refugees fleeing ISIS and other terrorist groups. Spend time in the more stable nations in the Middle East, encouraging local believers and sharing the love of Christ with those living in in unrest.
Cyprus:
Known for its beaches, Cyprus also has a rugged interior with vast wine regions; making it a hotspot for tourism. It’s also known for its Greek Mythology and houses Mount Olympus. But not everything is as it seems, the religion and nation is divided. With the north being ruled by Turkey, its inhabitants are majority Muslim, and the south being an independent nation, many are Greek Orthodox. Share the truth of the Gospel and see forgiveness take root to a nation divided.
Georgia:
The crossroads between Western Asia and Eastern Europe, Georgia has the deepest known cave in the world. Formerly part of the USSR, in 2007 the World Bank dubbed the nation “the #1 economic reformer in the world” due to its developing economy and natural resources, growing tourist popularity, and oil pipeline. 84% of the population are members of the Georgian Orthodox church, which claims to be founded by the Apostle Andrew. While in Georgia you will be a part of this nation’s continuing growth as you live and serve in one of the first locations of the early church.
Armenia:
This small mountainous nations is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, and Azerbaijan to the east, Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as a religion in AD 301. Today the predominant religion is Christianity and was founded by the two apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew. Hundreds of years later, during WWI, the Ottoman Empire targeted Armenians and systematically murdered 1.5 million of them. This horrific event is known as the Armenian genocide or the Armenian Holocaust. Remind the Armenian people of God’s goodness in the oldest Christian nation, who has overcome great oppression.
Kazakhstan:
Straddling Europe and Asia, the nation of Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world, yet it is one of the least densely populated. The term “kazakh” comes from an ancient Turk word meaning, “independent; free spirit” – a perfect description for its horseback nomadic culture. Its over 130 different ethnic groups come from both Europe and Asia. The last to declare independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan has the largest and strongest economy in Central Asia due to an abundance of mineral and fossil fuels. With 70% of its population Muslim and 26% Russian Orthodox, it is also a land in need of the Gospel. While in this land of free spirits, you will share the truth that real freedom comes from dependence on Jesus Christ.
Kyrgyzstan:
Due to its mountainous terrain, Kyrgyzstan is isolated from its neighbors and farther from the sea than any other country on earth. It also has one of the most preserved ancient cultures in the world. As a crossroads of ancient civilizations – from the Silk Road to other commercial trade routes – and a land of nomads itself, its people are an almost pristine picture of the great warriors who walked the land centuries ago. The birthplace of Islam for Central Asia, Kyrgyzs consider themselves more cultural Muslims than devout practitioners. While in Kyrgyzstan you will share the ancient truth of how God, the ultimate warrior, conquered death so they can live victoriously.
Mongolia:
Founded by Genghis Khan in 1206 and under Communist rule until 1990, Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country in the world. 30% of the population is nomadic. The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is home to almost half of the country’s population. The people of Mongolia are highly independent, used to relying on themselves and their immediate communities as they live and travel throughout the land. The majority of them are either non-religious or Tibetan Buddhist. Most have never heard of Jesus. Is God calling you to share the Gospel in a land where His name isn’t known?
China:
Home to the Great Wall and a sixth of the world’s population, China is one of the most exciting and strategic places to be a missionary. While China has grown in leaps and bounds industrially, intellectually, and economically, it’s still a politically closed nation. Depending on where you travel, you may meet Buddhists, Muslims, and Taoists—but very few Christians. However, the underground church is extensive and continues growing (and even thriving!) amidst persecution. Will you encourage the long term missionaries in China and share the love of Jesus in a country where His name is not known?
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Training camp certainly feels like the transition from preparation to beginnings. As the seasons continue to intersect, I realize how quickly my time in the States will slip away. I am exceedingly grateful for your prayers, friendship, support, grace and love on this journey. God is so gracious and faithful, wanting to make so much new for each of us. In embracing a new kind of unknown, adventure and intentionality in faith, I continue to fathom how God’s sovereignty is unfathomable. It bigger than a mind could ever comprehend, yet too true for a heart to live without.
Please keep our team in your prayers as we meet, train and discover more of what next year holds in the coming weeks. If you are curious about what God has done and is doing, please reach out! I’d LOVE to grab coffee or share a meal before I’m overseas!
