Today is 11/11.
So, in honor of today, I thought I would give you some details on the 11 countries that I will be going to for 11 months.
Also, in honor of today, please consider making an $11 donation towards my World Race fund. Many have already committed to donating $11 today, so I hope that you will too! You can find the ***Please Support Me*** link on the left side of this page!
Thailand – July 2013
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% are 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. I will change lives in the city-where, like Jesus, I will befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where I will serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Cambodia – August 2013
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. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope of Christ that I will bring.
Vietnam – September 2013
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 I will be fed with pho, delicious beef noodle soup, and in turn feed believers and pray God’s light and presence everywhere I go.
South Africa – October 2013
While it’s been several decades since apartheid has formally ended, there’s still more healing and reconciliation to take place in South Africa. One of the wealthiest countries on the continent yet much of the population living 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’s also a place full of kingdom potential, waiting to be released.
Mozambique – November 2013
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, the 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. I will teach, preach, and practice “true religion” with widows and orphans while I will grow in my identity in Christ.
Swaziland – December 2013
The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breathtaking 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, Swaziland may cease to exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation in desperate need of attention. For years, Adventures has been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, I will most likely find myself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
Nepal – January 2014
Home to Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences I will have here, I will also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of my World Race experience will submerge me in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
India – February 2014
With nearly a sixth of the world’s population within its borders, India is a country bursting with people and culture. Home to a diverse array of beliefs from Hinduism to Islam, to a blend of folk religions and other faiths, it is a country of pluralism with twenty-nine languages spoken by over a million native speakers, multiple religions, cuisine, socio-economic classes, and political parties. India’s struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. I will work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. My presence will bring hope and truth to those that society deems “untouchable.”
Turkey – March 2014
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, modern Turkey was united in 1923 under Ataturk. Its location at the crossroads between Europe and Asia makes it an influential player in European and Middle Eastern politics and economy. Although there is no official religion, more than 99% of the Turkish people are Muslim. Istanbul has long been the headquarters of the Eastern Orthodox Church, but Christians still make up less than 0.2% of the population. The potential for outreach in this country is enormous. I will bring light to this beautiful nation of people who desperately need to personally experience the love of Jesus.
Bulgaria – April 2014
This southern-central European country is the 16th largest in Europe. Its geography is varied with mountain ranges, plains and a coastline along the Black Sea. Its economy is growing, but among all the European Union members it ranks lowest in terms of income. Organized crime is an issue as is human trafficking. Bulgaria is mainly a source of trafficking in persons yet also, to a lesser extent, a transit point and destination of trafficking. Here, about half the population claims to be orthodox and over 10% are Muslim. I can bring light and hope to this nation caught between “developed” and “developing.”
Romania – May 2014
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, I will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group that many may not have known even existed.
This journey will be so exciting. Not just for me, but for the thousands of people that will I will encounter with the love of Christ around the world. I can’t do this on my own. I need your help. I need your prayers, and yes, I need your financial support, too! Please consider supporting me. I currently need to raise about $11,000. Find the ***Please Support Me*** on the left of this page. Thank you so much to everybody who has already financially and prayerfully supported me. Make sure to subscribe to this blog by clicking the “Subscribe” link on the left of this page to get the latest updates while I travel the world for God!
Thanks!