INDIA
location: Churachandpur District (located in the state of Manipur)
currency: Indian Rupee
ministry: Bibles for the World– teaching English, hospital cleaning/visits, construction of a church, VBS, and leading church services.
I’ll never forget the selfless hospitality and generosity of our hosts. This amazing group of people went above and beyond to make our squad feel loved and welcomed during our first month on the Race.
The top left photo was taken with Dr. Rev Rochunga Pudiate, the founder of Bibles for the World. In October Dr. Pudiate passed away. It was such a privilege to spend time with this amazing servant who impacted countless lives throughout the world.
Check out: Month 1: India Updates!, 11 Blessings of India, and India Video
NEPAL
location: Kathmandu
currency: Nepalese Rupee
language: Nepali
ministry: The Agape Mission International-evangelism in slums, leading children’s Sunday school, serving food and playing soccer with street children
I’ll never forget the storms of this month. My eyes were opened to poverty, injustice, and great spiritual warfare. I’ll always remember this month, not because of the difficulties, but rather it allowed me to cling to the Lord’s promises and faithfulness in ways I never had before.
Check out: Peaks and Valleys and Nepal Through the Lens
SOUTH AFRICA
location: Pretoria
currency: Rand
language: SA has 11 official languages
ministry: BEAM Africa Network– office administration, help facilitate life skills/job prep coarse for young adults, and after school homework club
I’ll never forget nights spent talking, laughing, and forming lasting relationships around a dinner table. This month taught me about community- what it looks like fighting for people, and truly get to know someone’s heart. My hosts and team from this month are shining examples of selfless love.
Check out: A Beam of Light
SWAZILAND
location: Pig’s Peak
currency: Lilangeni
language: Saswati
ministry: El Shaddai Children’s Home– orphan care, teaching, gardening, and hosting a teacher professional development conference
I’ll never forget seeking God through His amazing creation. He spoke so much while I pulled tiny weeds in the garden, hiked across the hills, watched painted sunsets every evening, and drew dirt pictures with small children. This was one of the months I was impacted most spiritually as the Lord showed be what it means to be His beloved child, and that His love for us is not works based.
Check out: Up on the Mountaintop: Swazi Video and This is Real Life
MOZAMBIQUE
location: Chokwé
currency: Meticas
language: Portuguese
ministry: Sybil’s Kids (unofficial ministry name)- village evangelism/prayer walks, painting, facilitate children’s bible clubs
I’ll never forget seeing the power of prayer at work. This community showed me what it means to be faithful in prayer and sing praises in all circumstances.
Check out: Glimpses of Mozambique, Answering a Call, and A Season for Everything
LATVIA
location: Saldus
currency: Euro
language: Latvian
ministry: St. Gregor’s Mission Center– faciliate children’s camps, host bible studies, young adult outreach, and home prayer visits
I’ll never forget the beauty of this country. The charming buildings, gardens, and flowers everywhere felt like a storybook.
Check out: Latvia Through the Lens
UH LATVIA
location: Eastern Latvia- Salkrasti and Daugavpils
currency: Euro
language: Latvian and Russian
ministry: Unsung Heroes- researching and meeting with potential new AIM ministry contacts for future mission trips
I’ll never forget learning to listen to the Lord’s lead as he shaped the direction of our month. I had to let go of my desire for control in order to find new dependency in Him to get through many rocky and uncertain moments.
Check out: Let’s Go on a Treasure Hunt and That’s a Wrap: Latvia Video
LAOS
location: Southern Region
currency: Kip
language: Lao
ministry: Teaching preschool, painting, and prayer walks
I’ll never forget a single moment from this sweet month. The people I shared this month with knew how to love well, laugh a lot, and made even the dullest moments enjoyable. At this point in the Race I was burned out and nervous about returning to Asia, but positive perspective and desire to live fully present made all the difference.
Check out: Prayer Walks, Painting, and Pad Thai
THAILAND
location: Phuket
currency: Baht
language: Thai
ministry: New Beginnings Calvary Church painting, teaching English, red light bar ministry, and street evangelism
I’ll never forget bonding with our hosts, learning from there faithfulness to the Word, and seeing their obedience to the Lord’s call for their lives. They have created a wonderful community, and are truly beacon of light in an incredibly dark part of the world.
Check out: Takeaways from Thailand
CAMBODIA
location: Phnom Penh
currency: Riel and US Dollar
language: Khmer
ministry: Teaching preschool and English classes (ages 8-17)
I’ll never forget learning what sacrifice looks like. Our hosts have chosen to live in a slum community, away from their family and friends, in order to bring a Gospel to this area. Through the month I learned that our outward circumstances should not effect the joy in or hearts or our ability to pour out love to others. Amongst the trash-filled streets, crazy heat, HUGE cockroaches, and feeling really ready to end the Race, I was reminded of Philippians 4:12- “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” My joy rests in Him.
Check out: A Mess of Thoughts
VIETNAM
location: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
currency: VND Vietnamese Dong
language: Vietnamese
ministry: Teaching English and helping students prepare for interviews to study abroad in the United States and Australia
I’ll never forget the kindness of Vietnamese people. Everyone we met were so friendly, quick to start a conversation, and valued spending quality time together.
Check out: Video Recap: Southeast Asia
There it is- 11 months. 11 countries. 1 incredible year.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me, friends. None of this would have been possible without YOUR prayers and support.
