From July 2012 through May 2013 this is the route I will be on with a team of about 70 people:
Ireland
Ireland boasts a heritage of Christianity through Catholicism. Yet the lifeless display of faith reveals that this nation is farther from God than ever. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a desperate need for hope. Through sports, children's outreach, street evangelism, pub ministry, and the relationships that just happen along the way, the World Race reintroduces a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.
Ukraine
This Eastern European country is caught between its past oppression under the Soviet Union and the desire to be accepted by the West. People in the east tend to be more nationalistic than those in the west, where Russian is more commonly spoken. There’s a substantial orphan (social and full) population and human trafficking’s an issue here, too. Most people claim to belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox church, which is subdivided into three bodies. God’s desire is to bring hope, peace, authentic relationship with himself, and unity to this nation.
Russia
Almost twice the size of the U.S., Russia straddles between Europe and Asia. Did you know that for two centuries, the Mongols ruled Russia before she became a powerhouse? There's more to Russia than Moscow and Siberia; there are beaches along the Baltic Sea, too and deserts out in the east. Cultural and architectural riches, e.g. the Hermitage, are found in the cities. Russia's been an intellectual and literary powerhouse, but since the fall of collapse of the Soviet Union of the 1990s, has been struggling with myriad issues like a declining population, human trafficking and organized crime. While 70% of people identify as Russian Orthodox, only 15-20% actually attend church; 10-15% of Russians identify as Muslim. There's plenty to be done.
Kenya
Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Maasai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, and the Kibera slums comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, participants help bear lasting fruit with current ministry partnerships (ministries like evangelism, orphan care, and community development), and build foundations of future partnerships.
Tanzania
Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs. Whether doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages the people of this diverse country will capture our heart.
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, 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. We will teach, preach, and practice "true religion" with widows and orphans while we grow in our identity in Christ. One of your most interesting travel "days" may happen here.
India
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 might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Our presence will bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."
Nepal
Home to Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, Nepal literally sits on top of the world. In addition to adventurous experiences you will have here, we may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This month of the World Race experience will submerge us in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
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. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope we can bring.
Challenge: Asia
Blaze a trail for our team and future World Racers. This will be the opportunity for us to continue flexing our faith muscles as we depend on a few words of advice from the staff and mostly God's guidance. With God, all things are possible and the possibilities are endless.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As we delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, we will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
