There’s been some exciting new changes to my World Race route! In order to finish all of my classes at college I am pushing back my launch date from October to this coming January. This means that I am joining a new team and now have a whole new list of countries so I wanted to tell you a little bit about each one:
Indonesia: Having a little over 17,000 individual islands, Indonesia is the largest island nation on earth and the largest Muslim nation on earth. With over 700 different languages, the nation is known for its diversity and even has the phrase “Many, yet one” as its motto. Indonesia needs the love of Jesus to bring its people together and unify them.
Philippines: This major island archipelago is a major tourist destination famous for its beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures/religions. However, despite the growing tourist industry, many of those who actually live in the Philippines make less than 15 cents a day. The poverty of the country has pushed many of its inhabitants to prostitution and human trafficking. The Philippines need to know the freedom that can only be found in the love of Jesus Christ.
Vietnam: With its history of political upheaval and communist rule, Vietnam has been struggling to heal its scars. Economic reform and the restoration of diplomatic ties have helped the country some but it still has limited human rights and religious freedom. Ultimately, the only thing that can truly heal this great country is the love of Jesus and the Father.
Cambodia: Cambodia boasts the famous Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple that later became a Buddhist monastery. Hidden for centuries under dense jungle, today Angkor Wat is one of most photographed places in the world. Cambodia itself is struggling to heal from one of the worst genocides in modern history. In the 1970’s, the Khmer Rouge killed over 1.5 million men, women, and children. Faced with inconceivable poverty and desperation, Cambodia became a source, transit point, and destination for human trafficking. The people of Cambodia are hungry for hope and healing. Will you help me share it with them?
Thailand: Behind Thailand’s beautiful beaches, its people’s smiling faces, and the tropical jungles lies a terrible secret: modern day slavery. In Buddhist culture, women work to support their families so men can earn spiritual merit as monks. Many parents send their daughters to work in cities where the only option is prostitution. As the country’s natural beauty continues to draw visitors, sexual tourism continues to grow. It’s estimated 60% of tourists visit the Red Light Districts—and 90% of Thai men visit local karaoke bars for the same reason. Will you help me share the freedom of Christ with the broken in Thailand?
Bosnia: Between the world class skiing and being a major pilgrimage site for Catholicism, Bosnia is quickly becoming one of top tourist destinations in eastern Europe. Still recovering economically from the Bosnian Wars of the early 1990s, Bosnia was once part of the Ottoman Empire and then Yugoslavia. Its people know the pain of separation and division well. The nation has a history of political, national, and ethnic conflict. Will you join me as I share God’s healing love in Bosnia?
Kosovo: The Republic of Kosovo declared its independence in 2008 after centuries of ethnic conflict. Formerly part of the socialist Yugoslav state of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia, when the Socialist Republic dissolved in 1992, it preceded a decade of guerrilla 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 religious beliefs, tensions remain high. Will you partner with me to spread the healing love of Jesus Christ in a land desperate for peace?
Romania: The lore of Dracula brings thousands to explore the history and beauty of Romania, from its castles to the idyllic countryside dotted with horse drawn buggies and endless herds of sheep. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, Romania is quickly rising out of the impoverished state leftover from that era. Still, economic growth is an impossible dream for many orphans and widows, who struggle to for food and hope for the future. Will you help me share the good news of being remembered and loved by God with those who feel forgotten and alone?
South Africa: Known for soccer, safaris, and shark diving, South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa. It’s a land of adventure. It’s also land of deep pain. Several decades since apartheid formally ended, South Africa still needs healing and reconciliation. Social injustice and racial prejudice are still rampant. Although they live in one of the wealthiest countries on the continent, most of the population outside of big cities are poor. And like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Will you help me share the adventure of the Kingdom of God in South Africa?
Lesotho: Landlocked inside South Africa, the tiny nation of Lesotho has the 2nd highest AIDS rate in the world—right under its neighbor, Swaziland. Yet Lesotho is 90% Christian, and has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. Despite the prevalence of Christianity and the availability of education, access to quality healthcare, travel, and educational resources is limited. About 40% of the population live below the poverty line, and children are often forced to work instead of going to school. Will you partner with me to show the difference between cultural Christianity and a life changing relationship with Jesus in Lesotho?
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. Will you join me as I teach, preach, and practice “true religion” with widows and orphans in Mozambique?
