Colombia Romania

Your Race will start in Colombia, a vibrant nation with loud bustling cities full of music and national pride. Colombia is arguably one of the most diverse countries in South America, with Caribbean influence in the north, European flair in the cities and significant indigenous presence in the south. Colombia has advanced greatly in the past few decades, though it is still recovering from Pablo Escobar's semi-tyrannical rule and also has been deeply affected by the crisis in Venezuela. Thousands of Venezuelan refugees pour into the borders every day. World Racers often work to help rehabilitate former drug addicts and do outreach to neighborhoods influenced by it. Many Racers also work with youth preventative programs and on building relationships in the poorest areas of Medellin.

Next you will continue your journey south to Ecuador. Though this is one of the smallest countries in South America, its landscape includes highlands, beaches, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. You will find the people to be both very proud and very friendly and welcoming. Most Racers work with our long-standing partners who minister to at-risk children living and working on the streets, special need hospitals and elderly homes.

Many Racers also work a lot with church planting and on college campuses.

Your final month in South America will be in Peru, a nation in the clouds. The Peruvian people are very proud and have a strong indigenous background. The closer you get to the mountains, the more people you’ll find wearing traditional dress and speaking in different local dialects. The main ministry Racers focus on in Peru is planting Christ-centered communities in the jungle. Racers doing this ministry live with the local people and share a daily routine with them. You could be leading locals in Bible studies, sharing your faith with families or simply helping prepare dinner. We also partner with an orphanage for children with special needs and a college ministry in Lima. This month will be heavily focused on relationships and community.

Africa and a tiny little-known nation called Lesotho. This country is landlocked inside South Africa and is full of stunning mountains and valleys. Here you will feel like you’re stepping back in time as the pace slows down and everything becomes more simple. This nation is very focused on agriculture, and during the day you will meet all kinds of livestock and regularly see young shepherd boys pass by with their herds of cattle. At night you will be dazzled by bright stars and the crystal clear views of the Milky Way. Your team will likely be off the grid for the month, regularly visiting villages and building relationships with locals.

Next you will journey to the large and diverse nation of South Africa. This nation is incredibly multicultural and it still healing from its dark and painful history of racism and segregation. This country has 11 official languages, coastlines on two oceans and world famous mountain views. Racers in South Africa focus a lot of their time on evangelism through the school systems. You might find yourself discipling middle and high school students through sports ministry, teaching life skills or assisting with academic classes.

Next you will head to the small but incredible nation of Swaziland (its name was recently changed to eSwatini). Swaziland has the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world and as a result, thousands of children have been left without parents. We have had a long-standing presence in Swaziland and have built a base there run by local and international staff. We partner with Children’s Hope Chest to operate a large system of care points serving local orphaned and underserved children.

You will continue south to a nation like no other, India. Most Racers live and serve in Southern India, where the villages are bustling with activity and the streets are filled with horns blaring and tuk-tuks whizzing by. You’ll experience India with all your senses as you walk through the sea of colors and take in the the myriad spices wafting through the air. Most of our activity in India is partnering with a local movement to plant 100,000 churches. You’ll become a part of the local culture as you travel from village to village while preaching and praying for families. Indian people might seem blunt or aloof, but their hearts are incredibly warm and relational. Expect to be invited into someone’s home and offered chai often as people invite you to simply sit and talk.

Next, your journey will take you south to Nepal, home to Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world! Nepal is a very spiritual, breathtaking and mountainous country. Most of our work in Nepal is about sharing the Gospel with marginalized people, especially those in rural areas. Whether you’re in the cities outlined by the Himalayas or trekking through the hills yourself, you’ll most likely find yourself walking long distances to share your faith over a cup of milk tea.

Your final leg of the Race will be in Eastern Europe, starting in Ukraine. People here are extremely focused on community, so most Racers will focus their time on evangelism and discipleship through building relationships. Racers spend a lot of time talking with people over coffee, going on walks or simply hanging out to get to know each other and share their faith. Ukraine is currently experiencing an orphan crisis, in fact it is heartbreakingly normal for babies to be abandoned. Lots of Racers also focus on spending time with youth, holding babies in hospitals and helping in orphanages.

Next you will continue on to Moldova. Moldova will captivate you with its green beauty. Like Ukraine, ministry in Moldova is extremely relational and focused on spending time with people in church and around town. Additionally farming is a huge part of the culture and economy in Moldova. Lots of Racers will help with construction and projects on farms. The strict Orthodox church is the main religion in Moldova, so Racers can bring a lot of lift with their message of freedom and hope in Christ.

Your last month on the World Race will wrap up in Romania. Until about 15 years ago, Romania was one of the least visited countries in Europe as it was isolated behind the Iron Curtain. This nation is large though, and quite beautiful. Our partners in Romania are working to share the Gospel and create Christ-centered communities. They love relational ministry and ask Racers to spend lots of time getting to know people over coffee, dinner or long walks. Our main partner does outreach through an eye care and exam program. This month you will likely get the opportunity to share your faith while passing out eye glasses and Bibles in the local language. There's also a large Romani population (often unkindly referred to as gypsies). These people are often rejected and discriminated against. You might find yourself spending time in these communities, getting to know their people and sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ.