I often get asked which country I am most excited about visiting next year. I don't think I've actually been able to answer this question appropriately yet. I usually end up just naming all of the countries and the truth is, I am excited about visiting all of them, slightly apprehensive about some but mostly excited. God is working in some really powerful ways around the world right now and I cannot wait to be a part of that. That being said, here are the countries I will be going to next year.
Philippines
Fun Fact: The Philippines is predominantly Roman Catholic but Islam is a growing religion on the island of Mindinao.
China
Fun Fact: Of China's 1.3 billion people, approximately 130 million of them claim to be Christian, most of whom worship in illegal house churches since public churches are required to be registered with (run by) the government.
India
Fun Fact: India is the birthplace of 4 major world religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism). Currently only 2.3% of the population claims to be Christian.
Nepal
Fun Fact: The Nepalese government is currently considering enacting a new code that would ban proselytizing and changing one's religion to anything other than Buddhism and Hinduism. Feel free to click here if you want to read more about this.
Swaziland
(Not so) Fun Fact: Swaziland is the home of the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rate and it is estimated that the country will not even exist by the year 2050.
Mozambique
Fun Fact: The Mozambique constitution provides for freedom of religion and the government usually respects this right.
South Africa
Fun Fact: Even though this country is one of the wealthiest on the continent, it still struggles with a high rate of HIV/AIDS and most of those who live outside of the cities are still poor.
Moldova
(Personal) Fun Fact: Ever since hearing about Stella's House at a college Christian retreat called Gulf Coast Getaway a few years ago, I have had a really great desire to go to Moldova. Naturally, I'm pretty excited that I'm actually getting to go here on behalf of the Kingdom.
Romania
Fun Fact: Supposedly while here we are going to be working/living with the Gypsy community in the northern regions of Romania. I have no idea what that means but it sounds pretty cool.
Haiti
Fun Fact: Less than 20% of Haitians over the age of 15 can read and write, not to mention the country is still trying to recover from the earthquake of January 2010.
Dominican Republic
Fun Fact: The Dominican Republic is the only Spanish-speaking country I will be going to. It is also the last country I will be going to. I can speak Spanish decently well (I'm not quite as good at understanding it though) but I'll be surprised if I remember any of it by the time I get there. I'll be praying about that.
