2026 World Race | Gap Year 26G0904

Discover more of God, yourself, and your calling

World Race: Gap Year is a 9-month Christian gap year program created for recent high school graduates to serve others, dive into Christian community, and grow in your identity and faith. Gap Year gives you an opportunity to work alongside experienced leaders who are sharing the hope of Jesus and meeting the tangible needs of their communities every day. Along the way, you’ll discover more of God, yourself, and your calling. Gap Year is not a year off. It’s the launching pad for seeking first the Kingdom of God for the rest of your life.

Route Info!!

Italy: Boasting in its placement as one of the top five most visited countries in the World, Italy is sure to sneak into the corners of your heart as a nation and people who are as lovely as they are intellectual and as humble as they are proud. This most delightful destination is home to world epicentres of art, religion, fashion, and wine. We’d be remiss not to mention the historical significance of this great nation, specifically the rich history of the ancient Roman Empire which lends to us a wonderful segway into the conversation on religion. If you know much about the history of the Christian Church, you’ll be well acquainted with the reality that the population of Italy is overwhelmingly catholic. Over 70.5% of the population, whether they are active in their faith or not, claim to be Catholic. Nearly 21% of the population are of the muslim faith, which doesn’t come as a shock when we evaluate the geographical location of Italy. It’s also estimated that somewhere around 14% of people are non-religious. Understanding this drives us to join the efforts of our faithful ministry partners on the ground in the Southern region of Italy. They’re working to eliminate spiritual poverty as folks are hungry for and are actively pursuing a spiritual experience that lasts.

Nepal: Nepal, you gotta see it to believe it – it’s like straight out of a dream! Home to the mighty Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on the planet, Nepal is basically on top of the world.  But here’s the real scoop: Nepal is mostly Hindu and Buddhist, but there’s something epic happening. After that massive earthquake rocked the place in 2015, people were left with nowhere to turn, homes in ruins, and loved ones hurting or gone. But you know what? The hope of Christ is rising like never before! Churches are popping up, and entire families are discovering His love and turning to Him.

Thailand: This nation’s famously friendly inhabitants have earned Thailand its suitable nickname as the Land of Smiles. Though an alluring tourist destination, Thailand’s glimmering cities and sandy beaches are marred by the dark reputation of sex trafficking and sex tourism. Here you will have the opportunity to reveal the truth of Jesus to a deeply unreached country, whether you are prayer-walking through the red-light district, ministering to tourists, playing with street kids or teaching English to local Thai people.

Indonesia: Indonesia boasts in it's ranking as the most populous island nation in the world and is highly motivated as a nation to maintain unity amidst their great diversity. Can you guess how many islands there are in Indo? Ok.. I'll tell you! ROUGHLY 18,000. Wild, right!? Not only are there more islands in this nation than any other, Indonesia also has the worlds largest population of Muslim people. Much of our time here will be focused on building relationships and sharing the gospel. There is work to do and our partners are already working to prepare a place here for YOU to join them as they make disciples of this nation. The harvest is plentiful. What are you waiting for?

Australia: The smallest, flattest, and driest continent, Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, large Outback desert, and Great Barrier Reef. Though claimed by Great Britain as a penal colony in the 1700s, it is now one of the wealthiest countries on earth. The nation also has many first world struggles, with some of the highest housing prices—and household debts—in the world. Over 60% of the population is obese, and 22% don’t claim to practice any religion. Though materially wealthy and comfortable, many Australians need to experience the hope of Jesus. Will you live your faith in the Land Down Under?