You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!

^{60+ Christ
followers who desire to go into the world “…mak[ing] disciples of all
the nations” ~Matthew 28:19.}  

 

^{What: In short, the
World Race is an eleven month Christian mission trip to eleven different
countries around the world.  The World Race isn’t a typical missions
experience, nor is it a Christian spin off of CBS’s The Amazing Race. 
It’s an opportunity for young adults to let God wreck their ordinary,
status-quo, affluent, comfortable lifestyle and shift their paradigms – perhaps
shatter them altogether. Adventure, ministry, community and self-discovery mark
the World Race experience; these facets of the Race narrow the gaps between the
head, heart, and hands and feet.  The World Race is a season of awakening
and activation, kick-starting Racers on a life-long adventure of extending
God’s kingdom to the ends of the earth.}

 

^{When: We leave in
July 2011 for 11 months.}

 

^Where:

 

^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 both the indigenous poor
and urban affluent alike 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.}
 

^Ecuador

^{Named after the
Spanish word for equator, this country is packed full of natural beauty. From
the Amazon river to glaciers atop Andes volcanoes, this country is sure to
enthrall you, and it’s people too. As diverse as it’s landscapes, the
indigenous and Incan influences give this country a unique culture. Although
the country is about 95% Catholic, there are still indigenous shamanistic
practices that are integrated in their faith. With more than half of the
population sitting at or below the poverty line, Ecuador is a country waiting
for God’s Kingdom to come.}

 

 

^{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 in catching up;
some of them are also sources, transit points and destinations of human
trafficking. You may live life with the Romani (or Roma), commonly referred to
as Gypsy, a people group without a land of their own and long shunned by
society. Through reaching out to orphans, teaching English, running sports camps,
you’ll shepherd a generation caught between a Soviet past and the post-modern
European present.}

 

^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 you.}

^Mozambique

^{One
of the most beautiful countries in the African continent, Mozambique is a favorite
location of World Racers for a variety of reasons: the people, the landscape,
incredible ministry partnerships, the miracles that this country has seen, and
more. The former Portuguese colony is seeing signs of redemption and economic
recovery; because of, or in spite of the extreme poverty gripping the nation,
the church grows. You will be teach, preach, practice “true religion”
with widows and orphans while you grow in your identity in Christ. One of your
most interesting travel “days” may happen here.}   

 

^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, you will most likely find yourself involved in a
variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings,
and more.}

 

 

^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. 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 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 you can bring.}

 

^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.}

^{Why:
“…because He first loved us.” ~1 John 4:19 and “…gave
himself for us…” ~Galatians 1:4}

^{I
want to stop living a comfortable Christian life. “If anyone would come
after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever
wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will
find it.” ~Matthew 16:24-25. I want to stop living a lukewarm life.
“because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you
out of my mouth.” ~Revelation 3:16. I want to stop making excuses and
start acting on Jesus’s words. “Go into all the world and preach the good
news to all creation.” ~Mark 16:15}

^{How: Jesus looked
at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things
are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26}

^{If
you would like to help build the Kingdom of God by supporting me on this
journey please donate under the ‘support me’ tab to the left. Or see any of my
blogs in the ‘fundraising’ category.}

^Blessings!