The Now
August 26 marked two months that I have been back in the States. I've gotten plenty of rest. I've had over my fair share of home cooked meals. I've reconnected with old friends and made new ones. I'm even sleeping on a mattress now. At this point, I can say that i've adjusted back to the American lifestyle. I can't say that I'm happy with that though. I'm in what I like to call a personal purgatory. My experience on the race showed me who I am. I'm not walking as that guy though. It's just so much easier to be my old self. It takes less time. It allows me to actually have friends instead of enemies. I'm that same dude. Complacent. Passive. Weak.
I know that's not who I really am, but it's hard to believe when no one is telling you any different. I need a safe place to solidify these things I've learned about myself. They've been exposed, but like a young plant it needs to be nutured, not neglected. I need to be challenged. Community and mentorship is what I long for.
The Next
In 10 days I will be leaving The Great State for Gainesville, Georgia. I will be joining the Adventures in Missions staff in the Adventures Encounters department. As an AE Team Member, I will be responsible for coordinating short term missions trips for youth, college and adult groups to different places domestic and abroad. I will establish relationships with ministries overseas and work to devlop strategies for outreach projects. The position will also allow me to lead these teams abroad. I will also work closely with marketing to get the word out on these different projects.
I am so excited to be a part of the Adventures in Missions team. I wouldn't be saying the same thing if you asked me a couple months ago. While on the Race, AIM became the scapegoat for anything that went wrong. What we failed to notice was the countless hours that the staff devotes to us. There's a lot that goes into making each trip both rewarding for the participants and ministry hosts. Problems come up because the organization is growing exponentially. They need help. God is moving. People are listening and following His call. They need people who are passionate about helping others be the hands and feet of Christ to the nations.
Aside from working with an organization that lines up with my passions, I will also be plugging myself into a community like no other. Gainesville is home to a large number of post-World Racers. They've seen some of the same things. They share the same passions as me. They know how to encourage. They know how to chllenge. I will be in an evironment that will be nuturing opposed to exhausting. Oh, and my girlfriend's going to be there too, so we can actually live in the same city and work on our relationship. Another plus.
The Need
I'll just be straight with you. I need your support again. Part of my position will be funded through a stipend, but the other part will be funded through support raising. I have agreed to be a part of the Adventures Encounters team for one year. My support portion needs to equal about $500 a month. That comes out to $6,000 for the whole year.
I hope that you will prayerfully consider partnering with me for this year. Like I said before, AIM is growing exponentially. More and more people are answering God's call to be sent out to the nations. That means that there will be more work on our side in order to coordinate and mobilize them. I am willing to take on this role. I am willing to listen to God's call on my own life to help send these people out. Please help me to answer that call.
Also, I hope that you will join me in prayer for this year. I have much to learn and I pray for openess to it all. Please pray that I see God's love in each task that I do. Please pray that each trip I lead will be rewarding for both the participants and myself. Pray that the people of America will silence themselves and listen to God's call. Thank you.
How to Support Me
1. Click the "SUPPORT ME" Link on the left side of my blog.
2. Enter the amount and whether you would like to provide a one time, monthly or quarterly gift.
-I encourage you to consider giving monthly.
-$10-$50/month goes a long way over the year.
-It is also a great way for you to be a good steward of your money.
3. Click "Continue" and fill out all the requested information.
4. You're done! A notification will be sent to you either by email or regular mail. All donations are tax deductible!
If you have any questions or would like to know more about my next endeavor please do not hesitate to contact me.
[email protected]
Skype: tommy.chap
(504) 315-0372
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Much Love!
Tommy
