2027 World Race | Gap Year 27G0901 - Haven

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!!

Guatemala: Known as “The Land of Eternal Spring”, Guatemala is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Central America. Tourists travel from all over the world to climb its volcanoes, drink its coffee, and zip line through the rainforest. However, the true beauty of Guatemala is its people. Gripped by poverty, the people of Guatemala hunger for the Kingdom of God. The majority of Guatemalans practice a form of Catholicism, and it’s estimated many also mix in ancient tribal religions and cultural traditions into their faith. Will you share the beautiful truth that there is so much more to this life with people in Guatemala?

Honduras: From its mountains and Mayan ruins to the Caribbean sea, Honduras offers the history, beauty, and adventure you expect in Central America. However, its people are struggling. Home to over eight million people, 36% of the population is under the age of 14. It’s also the 3rd poorest country in the region, with almost 60% either unemployed or underemployed. Many families struggling to survive send their kids to beg or steal. The youth often join gangs and abuse drugs, such as paint thinner. Will you share the love of Jesus in a country hungry for hope?

Costa Rica: Pura vida. You'll hear it your first hour in Costa Rica and your last. It means pure life, and it's a greeting, a goodbye, a shrug, a whole way of moving through the day a little slower than back home. Costa Rica is one of the most stable and welcoming countries in Central America. It got rid of its army. It runs on good coffee and great surf. You can zipline over the jungle near Volcano Arenal, soak in volcanic hot springs, raft a jungle river, and paddle out where the waves are some of the best on the planet. The culture is the first thing that will win you over. Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves, are relaxed, kind, and hospitable, and if you're welcomed into a home you'll be fed whether you're hungry or not. That easygoing warmth makes Costa Rica a beautiful place to build the kind of real relationships that open the door to talking about Jesus.

Malaysia: Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has one of the most competitive economies in all of Asia. Known for the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Towers, it is a rising power in our global economy. With a large number of immigrants from India, Thailand, China, and Burma, Malaysia is culturally rich, with heavy influences of Hinduism and Buddhism. However, this culturally diverse and rapidly developing nation is mostly Muslim. Will you share the love of Jesus in Malaysia?

eSwatini: Known for its battle with the HIV/AIDS pandemic, 12 percent of Eswatini’s population is made up of orphaned children with a staggering 40 percent of the population living in poverty. Serve alongside our Adventures in Missions base staff as they live out the belief that the key to the nation’s future is its children by caring for their physical well-being through the fulfillment of basic needs like food, clean water, shelter, and in their education.

South Africa: Known for soccer, safaris, and beautiful scenery and coast lines, South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa. The country is among the most diverse on the continent, with people from many ethnic groups and nationalities living in the same communities. Workers often come from other countries to support their families at home. Challenges linger following the country’s history with aparthied and the nation is still in the process of healing and reconciliation.