The Rate Route
So, we all know I love Peru. I’ve said it a million times and will continue to say it a million more. (Insert HUGE smile here) So, when I started praying about mission service that wasn’t in the Amazon Jungle, I struggled a bit. I wanted to serve. I wanted to minister to all nations. I wanted(?) to step out of my comfort zone, but I did NOT want to leave the children of Puerto Alegria.
When I was praying about possibly applying for The World Race, I sat in on a sermon that talked about missions and obedience. I rolled my eyes about 5 times in the service from the clear message being projected. I felt like the Lord was asking if I would really follow Him anywhere. “Not just to Latin America, Kristen. Anywhere?”
The Lord has ripped me out of my comfort zone, introducing me to far too many spectacular things for me to ever doubt Him. I never thought to myself “yeah, the jungle sounds nice….” but I trusted Him, and I was blessed with one of the most amazing gifts that I’ve ever received. Without that leap of faith, I never would have found my hidden love for international missions, spanish-speaking people or the children of Puerto Alegria. So, I buckled my seat belt for what “anywhere” meant, and applied to the Race….
Here’s where I’m headed and specific prayer requests for each location!!!!
Dominican Republic
The Caribbean sits as unexplored
territory for the World Race. Teams will be sent to
all corners of this beautiful country to focus on building relationships, planting
churches, and loving on the orphans and widows of the community. Please be praying for Unity and Gentleness specifically while I’m in the Dominican.
territory for the World Race. Teams will be sent to
all corners of this beautiful country to focus on building relationships, planting
churches, and loving on the orphans and widows of the community. Please be praying for Unity and Gentleness specifically while I’m in the Dominican.
Haiti
Crossing the border from the Dominican Republic to Haiti is like
entering another world. Language changes from Spanish to French to
Creole, and landscape changes from lush forests to barren wastelands.
The island of Hispanola has been divided against itself in decades of
animosity between the Haitian and Dominican people. The 2008 hurricanes
ravaged across the island, leaving the northern portion of Haiti
devastated and in much need of tangible help and spiritual
encouragement. We go to help rebuild physically and spiritually, as we
explain the hope that Christ brings in the face of such tragedy.
entering another world. Language changes from Spanish to French to
Creole, and landscape changes from lush forests to barren wastelands.
The island of Hispanola has been divided against itself in decades of
animosity between the Haitian and Dominican people. The 2008 hurricanes
ravaged across the island, leaving the northern portion of Haiti
devastated and in much need of tangible help and spiritual
encouragement. We go to help rebuild physically and spiritually, as we
explain the hope that Christ brings in the face of such tragedy.
Pray for DR and Haiti: Unity and Gentleness
*Romans 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”
*Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
*Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
*Romans 15:5 “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”
*Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
*Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Thailand
Even though the official law states that prostitution is illegal,
it is estimated that nearly 2 million women and men engage in this
practice daily, thus creating the lucrative sex industry of Southeast
Asia. In addition to reaching out to the rural communities of Thailand,
we go to the streets, into the darkest of spiritual environments to
share what is most needed: hope. We will be helping women learn practical
vocational skills and providing an alternative form of income.
it is estimated that nearly 2 million women and men engage in this
practice daily, thus creating the lucrative sex industry of Southeast
Asia. In addition to reaching out to the rural communities of Thailand,
we go to the streets, into the darkest of spiritual environments to
share what is most needed: hope. We will be helping women learn practical
vocational skills and providing an alternative form of income.
Cambodia
Fifty years ago, Cambodia saw one of the most devastating
genocides in history. The Khmer Rouge slaughtered nearly two million
people. In 24
hours, cities were emptied and abandoned. The nation has been
in constant upheaval until recently. The strength and resiliency of the
Cambodian people is inspiring.
genocides in history. The Khmer Rouge slaughtered nearly two million
people. In 24
hours, cities were emptied and abandoned. The nation has been
in constant upheaval until recently. The strength and resiliency of the
Cambodian people is inspiring.
Vietnam
The country of Vietnam has been under communist rule
for decades, and the oppression has taken its toll through seasons of
warfare and rebuilding. The government is adamantly against religious
freedom, and as the country suffers in Buddhist bondage, the light of
the
Christian remnant shines as a candle in the darkness.
Prayer for Asia: Grace and Patience
*Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”
*Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
*Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
Mozambique/Malawi
Enter a world of lions, elephants and monkeys, and welcome to
Africa. Potentially the most fruitful of mission fields, northern
Mozambique and Malawi is seeing sweeping revival in the form of mass
conversions, miracles, and churches planted on a daily basis. Teams
will be a part of breaking the hold of fear on the people bound by
witch doctors and animism.
Africa. Potentially the most fruitful of mission fields, northern
Mozambique and Malawi is seeing sweeping revival in the form of mass
conversions, miracles, and churches planted on a daily basis. Teams
will be a part of breaking the hold of fear on the people bound by
witch doctors and animism.
Swaziland
Swaziland made history by being the first country to reach a 51%
HIV/AIDS infection rate across the general population. Through lack of
education, superstition and other such deceptions, it is speculated
that in 50 years, the country will no longer exist. Though small,
Swaziland has great potential to spread the light of Christ to all of
Africa.
HIV/AIDS infection rate across the general population. Through lack of
education, superstition and other such deceptions, it is speculated
that in 50 years, the country will no longer exist. Though small,
Swaziland has great potential to spread the light of Christ to all of
Africa.
PIONEER AFRICA
This is crazy “Hey, I’m a World Racer” month. We pretty much go wherever we feel led. He may lead us to a location
developing, growing and booming or to a land untouched
by the World Race or Christianity as a whole. No expectations.
developing, growing and booming or to a land untouched
by the World Race or Christianity as a whole. No expectations.
Africa Prayer:Pray for Protection/Strength
*Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. “Selah” There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. “Selah” Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
*Psalm 46 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. “Selah” There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. “Selah” Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Romania
The northern regions of Romania are
home to the gypsy people. Strangers in their homeland, they
are segregated, ostracized and forgotten. We’ll be teaching English, leading sports camps, and planting
churches in Romania.
home to the gypsy people. Strangers in their homeland, they
are segregated, ostracized and forgotten. We’ll be teaching English, leading sports camps, and planting
churches in Romania.
Ukraine
The developing country of the Ukraine
stands caught between its past oppression under the U.S.S.R. communist
regime and the desire to be accepted into the Western world. The
forgotten and marginalized of this area are quick to be found if one
looks close enough. Come be a part of a revolution, taking back a
region from the bondage of Islam and other folk religions. It’s a new
day for the countries of Eastern Europe!
stands caught between its past oppression under the U.S.S.R. communist
regime and the desire to be accepted into the Western world. The
forgotten and marginalized of this area are quick to be found if one
looks close enough. Come be a part of a revolution, taking back a
region from the bondage of Islam and other folk religions. It’s a new
day for the countries of Eastern Europe!
PIONEER EASTERN EUROPE
This is crazy “Hey, I’m a World Racer” month. We pretty much go wherever we feel led. He may lead us to a developing area or to lands untouched
by the World Race or Christianity. Sorry to those of you who need agendas. That’s not really World Race style. 🙂
by the World Race or Christianity. Sorry to those of you who need agendas. That’s not really World Race style. 🙂
Europe: Pray for Perseverance and Joy
* James 1:4 “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
*2 Thessalonians 3:5 “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”
*Psalms 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
*Psalms 86:4 “Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
* James 1:4 “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
*2 Thessalonians 3:5 “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”
*Psalms 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
*Psalms 86:4 “Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”
December
I have every intention of boarding a plane to Lima, Peru on December 26th. Jungle bound. 🙂
