An adventure awaits you in Ecuador! From tropical coastlines to high, snowy mountains, Ecuador appears to have it all. The capital, Quito, is the highest capital city in the world, at over 9,300 feet above sea level.  Its views are breathtaking, and its struggle to break out of the cycle of poverty is very, very real. Although prosperous on the whole, certain regions of Ecuador continue to struggle. The upper class is the most unreached group in Quito. Yet for those in the lower class, the poverty cycle is generational. In impoverished areas, it isn’t uncommon to see families...

An adventure awaits you in Romania! The lore of Dracula brings thousands of visitors to historic Romania to visit castles and experience both the history and beauty of the region. In other parts of the country are idyllic vistas with horse-drawn buggies, cone-shaped haystacks, and endless herds of sheep.  Rural Romania reminds us of a bygone era. But it is quickly rising out of the impoverished state left over from the Soviet era. Economic and political reform provides a foundation for growth and prosperity for a new generation. Still, economic growth is an impossible...

An adventure awaits you in Ethiopia! Located in the horn of Africa, both Middle Eastern and tribal African influences touch every corner of Ethiopia. The most populated landlocked country in the world and the second most populated nation in Africa, Ethiopia is one of the oldest cultures on earth. Literature and archaeological finds date back to Bible times – including the servant from Ethiopia mentioned in the book of Acts. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church even claims to being the modern day home of the Ark of the Covenant. And, of course, Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. The...

An adventure awaits you in Nashville! Faith is an important part of Nashville’s heritage and character. From small neighborhood chapels to mega-churches, synagogues, and mosques, religion is woven into the fabric of the city’s culture. In a city with a high number of Christian music labels and publishing houses, it sometimes feels like faith is for sale. Nashville needs more love and passion, less religion and sales pitches. Nashville also has a high homeless population. Of the 600,000 residents, more than twenty percent live below poverty level. In addition, refugees...

An adventure awaits you in 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. Although it is one of the wealthiest countries on the continent, much of the population living outside the cities is poor. Like the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, this country struggles with a high rate of AIDS/HIV. Host to the 2010 World Cup and breathtaking natural attractions,...

An adventure awaits you in Belize! Known for its ancient Mayan ruins, the largest cave system in Central America, and one of the largest barrier reefs in all of the world—including the Great Blue Hole, Belize is an adventurer’s paradise. But beyond the resorts and tourist attractions, the people of Belize are searching for hope. The nation has the lowest literacy rate in the Western Hemisphere. Almost half of the population are Roman Catholic, while 32% claim Protestant Christianity. Yet only about 10% regularly attend church. Will you share the hope of abundant life in Christ...