As we prepare for this upcoming trip to Asia, I'm extremely excited because it relates to what my fellowship group had been studying. We read Multiply, by Francis chan, which focused on multiplying the kingdom of God; actually going out into the world, be it somewhere in our immediate surroundings or traveling to another country, to be fishers of men and to proclaim the gospel.
We also read the book Radical, by David Platt, which discussed living out the Christian faith outside of the comforts of our cozy homes, loving families, and financial security. The book ended with a multi-part challenge of which one of the steps was to pray for the different countries around the world. The easiest way to do that was to subscribe to Operation World, and that organization would send daily emails about different countries, religious demographics, and prayer needs.
Through these books and daily emails about different countries, not only did I improve my geography, but I also had a more concrete idea about just how much of the world did and did not know or even hear of God.
Therefore, having this opportunity to visit some of the countries and share the gospel, share God's love and show these people that there IS meaning in life, there IS a healer, forgiver, and provider of their deepest hurts, sins, and needs is definitely something to get excited about!
Tracy