Hello! This is my first blog post ever! My name is Serena Morgan and here’s a little bit about me:
- I am 21 years old and have lived my whole life in the small town of Naches, Washington with my awesome parents and fantastically crazy little sister.
- I am completing my basic associate degree at Yakima Valley Community College.
- I work with my dad for a group of art businesses in a nearby town, and enjoy spending my days making books, mosaics, and other artsy things.
- I absolutely love just about everything related to art- dance, music, crafts, costuming, and tons of other things. My musical goal is to eventually master playing the bagpipes!
- I love to read, especially when there is also tea involved, and if it’s something by J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. (The Lord of the Rings has become more of an obsession…)
- I like to hike, play at the lake, and have bonfires with lots of friends and marshmallows.
I started getting interested in missions early in high school, but this will be my first international mission trip. I have been doing ministry locally for the past few years with an awesome group of people at The Brand Ministries-my second family, really. The ministry’s pastors were the ones who told me about the World Race last year (Thanks Shawn and Tenielle for sharing your dreams and letting me be part of your family!) After looking up the World Race, I decided to take the year until I was old enough to apply to discuss and pray about going. I still had very little idea of what I want to do with my life except follow God’s call to missions and “Go make disciples of all nations”, so I applied for the Race and here I am!
Here is the World Race website’s (worldrace.org) description of the eleven countries I’ll be traveling to beginning this September:
Bulgaria
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. You can bring light and hope to this nation caught between “developed” and “developing.”
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, you 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 you may not have known even existed.
Albania
Located on the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula, with its coast along the Adriatic Sea, Albania is Mother Teresa’s birthplace. Did you know that the apostle Paul had actually been to Albania during his missionary travels (Romans 15:19) Albania declared independence in 1912, but then was occupied by Italy then Germany for a few years, during World War II. Afterwards, Albania was under Soviet rule, which ended in the early 1990s. There were only a dozen or so Christians then; today there are thousands. Most of the population identify themselves as Muslim (70%) while the remainder are Orthodox Christian (20%) and Catholic/Protestant (10%). Your ministry: simply connect with the young people. As you build friendships with students, you’ll get to tell them how Jesus tore the veil — thicker than even the Iron Curtain that divided Europe — that separated man from God.
Kosovo
The Republic of Kosovo just recently declared its independence in 2008, after centuries of ethnic conflict. Formerly part of the Communist Yugoslav state of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia; when the socialist republic dissolved in 1992, it preceded a decade of guerilla warfare where over 800,000 ethnic Albanians fled their homes. With recent history a close memory and the majority of the population divided by both blood and beliefs (Islam, Serbian Orthodox, and Roman Catholicism), tensions remain high. Your ministry this month will be to share the hope and healing of Jesus Christ in a land desperate for peace.
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. You will teach, preach, and practice “true religion” with widows and orphans while you grow in your identity in Christ. One of your most interesting travel “days” may happen here.
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 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, you’ll most likely find yourself 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 — by you.
Colombia
From the Andes Mountains to the Caribbean coastline to the Amazon rainforest, Colombia is one of the world’s most ecologically diverse countries. Also ethnically diverse, Colombia is home to many unreached tribes, a large student population that’s becoming more and more distant from the gospel, and thousands of children living in the streets who need love and hope. In spite of its reputation for political upheaval, Colombia is a place where missions efforts are growing. Amazing stories of transformation like the revival at the prison in Medellin are happening, and you can come help write more!
Ecuador
Named after the Spanish word for equator, this country is packed full of natural beauty. From the Amazon river to glaciers atop Andes volcanoes, this country is sure to enthrall you, and it’s people too. As diverse as it’s landscapes, the indigenous and Incan influences give this country a unique culture. Although the country is about 95% Catholic, there are still indigenous shamanistic practices that are integrated in their faith. With more than half of the population sitting at or below the poverty line, Ecuador is a country waiting for God’s Kingdom to come.
Peru
The cradle of Inca civilization (think: Macchu Picchu) and one of the “Andean states”, Peru is full of epic wonder; yet she is barely acquainted with her Creator. Though many natives still practice traditional religions, God is up to something in this country. The Peruvian church thirsts for truth and authentic spiritual breakthrough. Its political past has been riddled with guerilla violence and corrupt leadership, from which the indigenous poor and urban affluent are recovering. Whether you rough it in the jungle or live in the city; you won’t forget Peru.
Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s also one of the most indigenous countries in South America; the current president is the first indigenous people group member in office. And with all of that variety comes a lot of opportunity. Bolivia is in need of orphan ministry, evangelistic outreach, church plants, and more. You might find yourself working in the heart of the rainforest or on the streets of a city market. Regardless, be prepared for a fantastic experience.
I am so excited to begin this journey and see what God has in store for the next year! If you feel led, you can support me financially by clicking “support me” at the top of the page. You can contact me at [email protected] or on Facebook.
Thanks for reading and God bless!
