“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.” – St. Augustine
This very first blog post, a bit surreal. Below is a list of the 11 countries I will be traveling to…as I am sure you are dying to know!
However, before I lose your attention to a serious case of wanderlust, here are some bits of information on the financial side:
The total cost of the trip is $15,500, with the first financial deadline of $3,500 needed by 5/4/13.
The total amount includes travel, food, lodging, visas, etc. necessary on the Race, but does not include the following:
– Plane fares to and from the launch and end points of the Race
– Traveler’s Insurance
– Compassion children (I currently support 2)
– Equipment / packing items needed in order to backpack it for a year (a list of these items will be following)
If you have interest in supporting any of these additional needs, please contact me directly, as these funds will need to be processed separately from the World Race website.
Whew…with those details out of the way, here is the anticipated route I will be going on, and Adventures in Missions’s description of the ministry goals for each country.
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.
Romania
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, the World Race will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more.
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 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.
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 struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. The World Race might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies, and 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, you may also visit widows and orphans in their times of distress and protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers. This is a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
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. World Racers will teach, preach, and practice "true religion" with widows and orphans while growing in their identities in Christ.
Swaziland
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 20's). 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, World Racers will most likely find themselves involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
South Africa
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.
Thailand
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. Change lives in the city-where World Racers, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where they may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
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 you can bring.
Taiwan
Formerly colonized as Formosa, Taiwan has shuffled between the control of Japan and mainland China for the last century. In the past 50 years, this country has slowly become a multi-party democracy and has experienced economic growth and industrialization. Although the Taiwanese people enjoy freedom of press, economic liberties, public education, and good healthcare, the vast majority of them do not understand the freedom that Christ offers. Most practice a combination of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and ancient Chinese religions. They are living in prosperity while lost in spiritual darkness. Come bring real freedom and light to this island nation.
Thank you for being my partners in ministry!
