Flexibility was a key theme throughout training camp and will be throughout the Race. We got to experience flexibility first hand when we found out our route had been changed. We said goodbye to India, Nepal, and Ukraine to make room for Malaysia, Albania, and Bulgaria. Although it was bittersweet to hear we would not be visiting these three countries, it has been exciting to learn about what we could encounter!
Malaysia is a land of many cultures. Entrenched in Islam, this country lies on two land masses. The West Malaysian peninsula is located on mainland Asia while East Malaysia is located on the northern third of the island of Borneo. Well watered, tropical rainforests exist throughout this country. 27.9 million people and 183 people groups call Malaysia home. Kuala Lumpur is the capital. 31% of people groups are considered unreached. 62% of the population is Muslim while only 9% claim Christianity and 4% are Evangelical. Religious freedom is constitutional, but changes are threatening this freedom.
Albania is a mountainous Balkan state on the Adriatic Sea. It has a population of 3.1 million people where 15% of the 13 people groups are considered unreached. The capital city is Tirana. 30% of the population claim to be Christian with only .5% being Evangelical. Islam is the most wide spread religion with 62% of the population practicing it. Many Albanians have an “if it works, use it” approach to religion.
Bulgaria is another Balkan state adjoining Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania with the capital city of Sofia. It has a 7.4 million population and 34 people groups. 24% of these people groups are unreached. The Orthodox Church is large in this country with 79% of the population. The Evangelical church has grown to 1.9% in recent years. Renewed spiritual life is needed in the Orthodox Church.
Pray for the Gospel to spread in all of these nations as we go to share Christ’s love.
