Hey everyone!
I know several of you have asked me what countries I am going to be living in while I am on the World Race, so I just wanted to take a minute to update you all on where I will be going on my trip! This is subject to change depending on security issues and things happening within the countries as we get closer to launch date in July.
This is all of the information I have at the moment (given from the World Race site) about the countries and what we could be doing in each place.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you 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.
JAPAN!
Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan is made up of almost 7,000 islands and boasts the world’s largest metropolitan area, Tokyo. Religious freedom has been in place since the end of World War II, but 84% of the Japanese people practice Buddhism or Shintoism or a combination of both, and fewer than one percent are Christian. Groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons are reaching the Japanese people faster than Christians are. Japan needs excited young missionaries to help infuse a sense of freshness to the missionary effort.
MALAYSIA!
