So month 5 on the race,
my team and I lived in a village 3 hours north of Chiang Mai called Mae Ai.
We worked hard in rice fields.
We hiked mountains to work on fruit tree plantations.
It was hot & it was miserable. When I signed up for the race, my heart was sold for combating human trafficking.
I found out Thailand was on my race route & I could not wait to get into the red light district.
However, God put my team in the village. Not in the city. Nowhere near the red light district where thousands of girls are bought and sold yearly.
I didn't understand.
I didn't sign up for the rice fields.
I didn't sign up for fruit trees. Towards the end of our time in Thailand, our team decided to leave the village a day early so that we could travel to Chiang Mai & experience the red light district. Finally, I can go.
We would dress up, go into the bars, meet the young women there, love them, give them hope.
We were about to leave for the bars...
And God spoke to me. Clear as day.
He said, "don't go." What I didn't realize at the time...
I was called to that village.
My purpose was to serve that village & to serve my Thai family.
I did sign up for rice fields.
& I did sign up for fruit trees.
My ministry was to build relationship.
& little did I know...
My village was a place where people came to lure girls into the market.
To... "give them a better life."
We even met one of these ladies who came in to take children.
(thank God I didn't know it at the time of meeting her).
She was beautiful.
She had a lot of money.
The kids in my village looked up to her.
& trusted her.
Even though I wasn't in the red light district, I trust that God knew my heart and that we were fighting human trafficking while in that village. Something that I have learned on the race so far...
Throw away all expectations.
You don't have it all figured out.
& you definitely don't know the impact you are making.
&, village life is fun. :)
Here is a funny little video I put together of our time in Mae Ai.
here in honduras, I’ve had the wonderful privilege of teaching English.
I’m teaching at a private elementary school down the street.
I have a classroom of 38 screaming 1st graders,
a classroom of 25 riotous 4th graders,
and I wouldn't change a thing.
So far…
We have learned the alphabet
We have learned numbers
We have learned the days of the week
We have learned months
We have learned colors
We have learned greetings
We have learned goodbyes
(I’m pretty sure I am learning more Spanish
than I am teaching them English.
But that’s okay.)
We have learned to dance together
We have learned to sing together
We have learned to play together
We have learned to love each other.
"One day children were brought to Jesus in the hope that he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: "Let the children alone, don't prevent them from coming to me. God's kingdom is made up of people like these.'"
-Matthew 19:14
"Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity."
-1 Timothy 4:11-12
Meet my kids... <3 <3 <3
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me financially! I still need 7,000 to be FULLY FUNDED for my race. Please consider partnering with me as I enter my 3rd month and country!!!! :)
What do you call kids who are left home for 15 hours a day with no food,
education,
or parental vision?
In Honduras they call them street kids.
What does a ‘street kid’ do?
As young as 8 years old they smoke pot,
inhale paint thinner,
and steal from anyone who looks like they may have money.
What am I doing on The World Race this month?
I'm working with an organization that takes in these street kids (none forced) and provides a place that these kids can go to eat, sleep, and find someone to love them.
Yes, these kids are rambunctious, rowdy, and SO IN LOVE with us.
They are desperate for hugs,
to learn English,
to show us their dance skills,
to be our friend.
They are desperate for attention.
From someone, anyone.
We are remodeling this facility called Zion’s Gate,
making the property look nice by painting and doing lots of landscaping.
We are also going into some of the poorest areas and building relationships with the street kids in hopes that one day they will want to visit Zion’s Gate.
I also get the privilege of serving as an English teacher in the mornings
for a school nearby of 150 kids.
To give you an idea of what this country looks like...
Over 60% of the people in Honduras are unemployed.
If they are employed, the minimum wage is 80 cents.
Honduras has also been rated the #1 murder capital of the world.
It is an extremely dangerous place.
And, unfortunately, these kids have grown up in this.
Our culture cannot comprehend what that is like.
I cannot comprehend what that is like.
Our biggest concern in America is getting into a good college
when most people here don’t go past the 6th grade.
These street kids are not only in love with us, but we have fallen in love with them.
They are not just poor people I have heard or read about,
but people with names who have hopes and dreams just like us.
Their stories of what they have gone through would blow you away…
Fernando ^
Ariel ^
Reconstructing a classroom ^
My best bud Carlos ^
Mario ^
On behalf of Herman, Ariel, Fernando, Carlos, Mario, and Christopher I want to say thank you to my supporters who have made this possible. School supplies, school tuition, food, shoes, shelter, doctor visits, and most of all a hope for a better life have all been made possible by YOUR donations.
I still need $7,000 to be fully funded for my race. I feel like God has called me to this race to help these kids in the small ways that I can and can’t imagine leaving because of lack of funds.
Please consider partnering with me by clicking the “Support Me” tab on the left.
el salvador isbeautiful. I arrived here on January 13, 2012.
And what an adventure it has been.
Here are a few things I've learned so far...
Tatum does not translate into Spanish.
Mi nuevo nombre en español es Chiquita.
Pupusas are delicious.
Family is everything.
Nalgenes smell HORRIBLE after a couple days.
It is not uncommon to see a raccoon on a leash.
Mode of transportation is jumping on the bed of a truck and holding on.
It doesn't really matter what side of the road you drive on.
Cockroaches & mice are nbd.
Salvadorians don't understand that I dont speak Spanish. I have many conversations only saying "hola," "si," and "adios!"
Taylor is really good at soccer (not really).
Bethany loves lizards (not really).
Zumba is best done with ice cream in hand.
Newspapers can also be used as cleaning rags.
Chocolate covered frozen bananas are only 15 cents.
9 o'clock is really 11 o'clock.
I have never missed ice (or cold drinks) more in my life.
Dona wafle = A scoop of ice cream, a donut on top, and then whipped cream. It is wonderful.
Ants are always crawling on you and you eventually just get used to it.
Dishwasher? My hand and a bar of soap.
Fresh picked mangos are amazing.
You shake hands with everybody, all the time.
I would be totally okay if roosters did not exist. They are horrible creatures.
Drinking from a coconut is really dissappointing and hard.
Write your name on everything you own or else you will never see it again.
Buffs are the best invention.
Just because a toilet has a handle, doesn't mean it flushes.
You can never have enough skirts (you have to wear them all the time).
Eyemasks and headphones are necessary to sleep.
You are famous if you are white.
And, eventually, you do get used to the heat.
Let me just start off to say...
I am a girl who loves the city.
Chinese take-out for dinner.
Showering every day.
Hair curled.
Make-up on.
I don't enjoy the wilderness.
The woods.
Camping.
Bugs.
Carrying a backpack so heavy that if you touch me I will fall over.
Carrying a backpack at all.
Hiking.
Sleeping in tents.
Or being cold.
It's just me. I am just not a happy camper.
You may be reading this and asking yourself what on earth I am doing here at Training Camp then.
Or what I'm doing signing up to live out of a backpack for a year.
Don't worry...
I ask myself the same question.
I came to Atlanta, Georgia with a lot of expectations.
First, I expected it to be hot. It wasn't. Let me just tell you that I have never been so cold in my life. (Future racers, prepare yourselves if your camp is in October).
Second, I expected to have some sort of privacy and sleep in my tent every night. I was so wrong. In fact, I only slept in my tent twice the entire time. Every other night I was cuddled up to about 45 other people in various sleeping arrangements.
And third, I was certain that I was going to be trying this thing called "Chick-fil-A." Unfortunately, that never happened either. (I'm still determined...)
Instead, we ate things like...
Fish Soup.
Yeah, they're staring at you.
This was our first "breakfast" here at Training Camp. And, let me tell you...
I was a little upset.
I call this fish soup, but really it's a little bit of mushy rice and cold water. Let's be honest.
This is when I realized how hardcore this was.
A year.
With no Chinese take-out.
No Starbucks.
No proper electricity.
No clean, running water.
No privacy.
This is when I realized what I was giving up.
Warmth.
Security.
A good job.
My home and everything in it.
Things I've worked for.
Independence.
Familiarity. This is a scary feeling.
But after this experience...
I can honestly say...
I am ready for adventure.
To do things I'm not used to.
That I don't like.
That scare me.
To break free from a mundane life.
To live a life completely, 100% trusting God.
To provide. To work.
To show up.
No matter how crazy this is, how uncomfortable I get, how homesick I am, I am ready.
A few pictures from the trip...
*thanks to squad mate Denise Escamilla
El Salvador is the third largest economy in the region after Costa Rica and Panama and the smallest country (in land mass) in the Americas. A coup d’etat in 1979 led to civil war from 1980-1992 in this country. Oscar Romero, a Catholic bishop well-known known for supporting liberation theology, advocating for social justice in El Salvador, and protesting the government’s persecution of the church was assassinated in 1980 while conducting mass. Much of the country’s revenue comes from remittances. In a land whose name translates to "The Savior", you’ll be the signs that point to the one true Savior - not a better political system or economy - Jesus Christ.
Honduras
"Hondo" comes from the Spanish word for depth and there's lots of depth to Honduras. It's home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather's as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There's a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they're loved.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It's a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you'll have the opportunity to bring God's love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
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.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Tanzania
Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs. Whether you are doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages the people of this diverse country will capture your heart.
Rwanda
Many who hear "Rwanda" immediately think, "genocide" - it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you...
Uganda
Once a kingdom and British protectorate, for most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
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 month of your World Race experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
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's struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."
El Salvador
El Salvador is the third largest economy in the region after Costa Rica and Panama and the smallest country (in land mass) in the Americas. A coup d’etat in 1979 led to civil war from 1980-1992 in this country. Oscar Romero, a Catholic bishop well-known known for supporting liberation theology, advocating for social justice in El Salvador, and protesting the government’s persecution of the church was assassinated in 1980 while conducting mass. Much of the country’s revenue comes from remittances. In a land whose name translates to "The Savior", you’ll be the signs that point to the one true Savior - not a better political system or economy - Jesus Christ.
Honduras
"Hondo" comes from the Spanish word for depth and there's lots of depth to Honduras. It's home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather's as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There's a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they're loved.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It's a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you'll have the opportunity to bring God's love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
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.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Tanzania
Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs. Whether you are doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages the people of this diverse country will capture your heart.
Rwanda
Many who hear "Rwanda" immediately think, "genocide" - it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you...
Uganda
Once a kingdom and British protectorate, for most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
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 month of your World Race experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
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's struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."El Salvador is the third largest economy in the region after Costa Rica and Panama and the smallest country (in land mass) in the Americas. A coup d’etat in 1979 led to civil war from 1980-1992 in this country. Oscar Romero, a Catholic bishop well-known known for supporting liberation theology, advocating for social justice in El Salvador, and protesting the government’s persecution of the church was assassinated in 1980 while conducting mass. Much of the country’s revenue comes from remittances. In a land whose name translates to "The Savior", you’ll be the signs that point to the one true Savior - not a better political system or economy - Jesus Christ.
Honduras
"Hondo" comes from the Spanish word for depth and there's lots of depth to Honduras. It's home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather's as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There's a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they're loved.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It's a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you'll have the opportunity to bring God's love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
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.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Tanzania
Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs. Whether you are doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages the people of this diverse country will capture your heart.
Rwanda
Many who hear "Rwanda" immediately think, "genocide" - it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you...
Uganda
Once a kingdom and British protectorate, for most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
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 month of your World Race experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
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's struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."
El Salvador
El Salvador is the third largest economy in the region after Costa Rica and Panama and the smallest country (in land mass) in the Americas. A coup d’etat in 1979 led to civil war from 1980-1992 in this country. Oscar Romero, a Catholic bishop well-known known for supporting liberation theology, advocating for social justice in El Salvador, and protesting the government’s persecution of the church was assassinated in 1980 while conducting mass. Much of the country’s revenue comes from remittances. In a land whose name translates to "The Savior", you’ll be the signs that point to the one true Savior - not a better political system or economy - Jesus Christ.
Honduras
"Hondo" comes from the Spanish word for depth and there's lots of depth to Honduras. It's home to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, whose ruins are still stand. Honduras is mostly mountainous and the weather's as tropical as it gets. What really runs deep in Honduras are its needs. Honduras is the third poorest in the region, after Haiti and Nicaragua. Like her neighbors, Honduras has had her of share political/military troubles, e.g., the six-month constitutional crisis in 2009. There's a need to reach out to the youth, not just to keep them out of trouble (e.g., gangs) but for them to know their worth and that they're loved.
Nicaragua
This location is always a World Race favorite. It's a country full of wonderfully warm and caring people, and participants always leave having had a powerful experience. However, hopelessness, addictions, destitution, and poverty still plague the many lives of Nicaragua. There are orphans who have grown up without knowing the love of a parent and families who get by each day by scrounging scraps from the city dump where they have made their homes. In Nicaragua, you'll have the opportunity to bring God's love through slum ministry, door-to-door outreach, outreach to children, and more.
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.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Tanzania
Tanzania has a one-third split between Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religious groups. This diversity creates a colorful landscape of people and beliefs. Whether you are doing open-air crusades, door-to-door evangelism or visiting hospitals and orphanages the people of this diverse country will capture your heart.
Rwanda
Many who hear "Rwanda" immediately think, "genocide" - it was 16 years ago when 800,000 people were killed over the course of about three months. According to the U.S. State Department, Rwanda (once colonized by France) has the highest population density in sub-Saharan Africa; and like much of sub-Saharan Africa, this nation also is fighting hard against HIV/AIDS. This nation played a part of the genesis of this human rights organization and inspired this song; as you help bring healing to a country still recovering from this deep wound, God may birth a dream or vision in you...
Uganda
Once a kingdom and British protectorate, for most of the later half of the 20th century, Uganda was under military rule, first under Idi Amin, the subject of the film The Last King of Scotland. Much of northern Uganda was also troubled by the Lord's Resistance Army, which heavily recruited child soldiers. Referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is diverse in topography and wildlife. You may find yourself in the north partnering with ministries that are bringing still-needed healing and reconciliation or in the south working with churches to evangelize and disciple the next generation of Kingdom workers.
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 month of your World Race experience will submerge you in a culture that is desperate for an encounter with the living God.
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's struggles with poverty and crimes of human trafficking, forced prostitution, religious persecution, and more. You might work with local churches to encourage believers and most likely be challenged by their testimonies. Your presence'll bring hope and truth to those that society deems "untouchable."
