Posted in General Posts by Josh Sturdevant on 5/2/2012
I can't believe that in less than 4 months i will be bound for the most amazing mission trip ever!
Month 1...
Thailand - Ever wonder what it would be like, if someone you loved, a child, a niece, nephew, son, daughter, a brother or sister were suddenly one day sold in to the sex trade?! Forced to live as prostitutes or even worse. This is what happeneds everyday here. In Thailand we will be ministering to women, and children caught and/or sold into the sex and slavery industry. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. I will have the chance to change lives in the city-where you I might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where i may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Month 2...
Cambodia - One more of many human trafficking transit points. 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 hope.
Month 3...
Vietnam -After nearly a century of French rule, in the mid-20th century, Vietnam split into communist (north) and non-communist (south) halves. Vietnam was united but as a communist country. Even with the economic reforms and restoration of diplomatic ties, human rights are limited in Vietnam, especially freedom of religion; most of Vietnam is Buddhist, less than 10% is Catholic. Laos shares French rule/influence and shift towards communism with Vietnam. Therevada Buddhism dominates Laos with Christian missionary work monitored by government. Either country has a lot to offer gastronomically and geographically; I have much of Christ’s love and light to shine here.
Month 4...
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.
Month 5...
Mozambique - 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. I will be teaching, preaching, and practicing "true religion" with widows and orphans while I grow in my identity in Christ.
Month 6...
Swaziland -The Kingdom of Swaziland is one of the last remaining monarchies in Africa. Home to 1.1 million people and breathtaking scenic views, it's also where the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rate lives (26.1% in adults and over 50% of adults in their 20s). It's estimated that by 2050, Swaziland may cease to exist. Young orphans are scattered throughout this nation in desperate need of attention. For years, Adventures in Missions have been committed to seeing these statistics reversed. Here, I’ll most likely find myself involved in a variety of outreaches, including education, orphan care, care point feedings, and more.
Month 7...
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. The more affluent neighbor to Haiti (though generally it isn't too affluent), the D.R. is home to 9 million people. The Dominican culture is lively, vibrant, warm; however, the culture struggles with problems like hypersexualization and alcoholism. After the earthquake on January 12 in Haiti, the D.R. quickly became refuge to thousands who were displaced. This month, I'll serve at orphanages, refugee camps, and more; I'll partner with local churches, pastors, even Adventures in Missions' own full-time missionaries.
Month 8...
Haiti was hit with a life-altering earthquake on January 12, 2010. The nation's still in shambles, the church is rising up. Haiti is experiencing a spiritual revival right now like it has never before seen. Communities are turning to pastors for leadership, and the local church is becoming the driving force behind Haiti's ongoing rebirth. This month, we'll help with relief efforts, establish connections with local pastors, help people rebuild their lives through meeting felt needs, and more.
Month 9...
Once a part of Romania, this former Soviet republic declared independence in 1991. Moldova, one of the poorest European countries, is riddled with a high underground crime rate. This country is vulnerable as a transit point of human trafficking. The main language spoken is Romanian (also called Moldovan) but there's debate as to what the Moldovan ethnicity is exactly. This country needs people who will bring kingdom clarity and declare the peace of God over a land filled with confusion and chaos.
Month 10...
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, we will teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group I may not have known even existed.
Month 11...
My final month is Ireland. Ireland boasts a heritage of Christianity through Catholicism. Yet the lifeless display of faith reveals that this nation is farther from God than ever. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates reveal a desperate need for hope. Through sports, children's outreach, street evangelism, pub ministry, and the relationships that just happen along the way, the World Race reintroduces a life-giving faith to this beautiful, historic culture.
Month 12... HOME!
By this time i have a feeling that I am going to be sooo ready to come home. Yet, on the other hand, i also see how i might now want to. Only time will tell what god had in store for me. Follow along to find out.
Tell your friends, family and anyone you may know about this amazing Mission Trip.
And BTW... Thanks
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Posted in General Posts by Josh Sturdevant on 3/7/2012
I have come to realize the more I give myself to God, the more I rely on what I believe he meant for me, my path, my gifts, and just anything really, i realize that It's a difficult path. Yet, i find myself getting deeper and deeper, only for SOO many area's to become more challenging. It's beause living life as a Christian is hard. When i finally decided alright im all in...(again), i came to realize that, yeah, things can be harder at times, but once it truely becomes a lifestyle, and not just something that you have to do, life is so much more fulfilling!
When you can see the smiles on orphans faces, or see a man in a tangled mess cry because a song touched him so deep... That is truely what life is about. If i have to walk away from everything i have, sleep in uncomfortable enviroments, risk my health, not have the luxury of showers but only buckets with water on a lot of occasions, then i will do this just to see one orphan smile, One woman or child pulled from the horrific life of prostitution that they are forced to live in, or a very small block shanty built for a homeless family to have a place to call home, im there!
As of today, 3/7/12 i need to raise about 13k more to be fully funded for this trip. I have no doubt God will provide.
Please invite your friends and family to help support this ministry. It truely is going to be the most amazing mission trip that i can imagine.
More updates coming soon! :)
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Posted in General Posts by Josh Sturdevant on 2/11/2012
As i prepare for this journey of life time, a guitar on right, dog on my left, my feet on a coffee table, and relaxing in on a leather couch with a computer in lap. I realize I'm going to have one heck of a reality check come September! But, as crazy, scary, awesome, and intense as this trip is going to be, I know I'm going to come home with a whole new out look on life. My view on life in the past few years alone, have changed immensely, so cant wait to see what's next!
I have been thinking of a lot lately. I have to rent my house out,I'm going to have to pretty much loan my dogs out, lol, have someone watch my mules (dad) or house sitter, quit my job, spend gobs of money on airfare, gasoline, camping equip., clothing, shots, and misc. stuff, Raise 15K in support, just to live in dirty cloths, live out of a backpack, live with the orphans, the homeless, live with 5 other people that i have never met before, have the adventure of a life time on a 11 month, 11 county mission trip, spreading the good news that Jesus is on his way!
HECK YES! I CANNOT WAIT!
I cant wait to meet the people along the way. My friend Cindi who might be on a race at the same time, but different route, and just happened to be passing through Vietnam at the same month we do, November, how awesome would that be.
I've found my back pack, tent, sleeping bag, pillow and most of the needed items. Found some good sales so that has helped a lot. I also picked up a smaller bible, a mess kit, and few other items. but preparing for this has been an adventure, i cant wait until the real deal is here and im walking out the door!
Hey guys follow my blog, tell your friends. I will be posting pics along the way, with the latest and greatest of what's happening across the world!
Thanks you all for following
Josh
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Posted in General Posts by Josh Sturdevant on 1/22/2012
Help Support this amazing trip! Share with friends and family this awesome Journey!
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Posted in General Posts by Josh Sturdevant on 1/19/2012
 UPDATE!Click here to continue reading...
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