I’m Alissa Cunningham. I am 18-years-old and live in Snellville, Georgia, your typical suburban town with a not so typical name, outside of the ATL. I recently graduated from Brookwood Highschool, which has as many students as some towns have people. It was not hard to go unnoticed there, but I have been blessed with an amazing group of friends who love The Lord and the opportunity to play lacrosse all four years. Oddly enough for a teenage girl, I actually liked school, but there are definitely some things I enjoy more! Just to name a few: singing, hiking, hammocking, kayaking, reading, and hanging out with friends. However, nothing brings me more joy and fulfillment than loving on and encouraging Gods children, especially the fatherless. This past year has definitely been bitter sweet and full of stressful decisions, but has also been the most exciting time of my life as I watch The Lord diligently mold my passions into my future.
I have always been raised in an Christian family. However, I did not personally accept Christ until 4th grade at Vacation Bible School, where I learned that going to church every Sunday and reciting a prayer does not save you… Jesus saves you. My parents, Brian and Lisa, have been happily married for 28 years and are nothing short of incredible. I also have a 13-year-old sister, Abigail, who I would do anything for, and a 21-year-old brother, Andrew, who is my biggest role model and inspiration.
In 2006, my family decided to take a step of faith, trust The Lord, and join the North American Mission Board as full time missionaries. In other words, we go to hurting churches and become the worship leaders there until God leads us elsewhere. In obedience, we sold our house, packed up our things, and prepared to move across the country. But God had other plans. Instead, we ministered at a local church, and ended up living in 6 different houses (and a basement) within a 4 year span. I know what you are thinking: “THAT IS CRAZY.” Yeah, I know. But The Lord tends to do pretty crazy things with those who dedicate their lives to him. To me, those 7 different places I have lived are 7 different ways God has provided. Sure, it has been far from easy, but I have learned first hand that when you commit your life to the Lords will, He will provide in full and use you in unimaginable ways.
That leads me to where I am today. As a result of growing up as a MK (missionary kid) and seeing my parents unshakable faith lived out, I have always had a vision of committing my life to missions. But that vision didn’t become a dream until winter of 2010 when I went on my first mission trip to Nicaragua. While there, I realized that my life was not going to be spent in a comfortable, 5 bedroom home in the familiar United States, but in a third world country that is desperate for Jesus. The only way I know how to describe it is… I came alive. I realized that I would not be happy doing anything else. Since then, I have been to Nicaragua 2 more times and my heart longs for the day I get to return.
Most people know what I want to do with my life. All it takes is a 5 minute conversation to know that I love the Lord and that my passion is loving orphans and those less fortunate than me. The typical response: “That is so cool! But where are you gonna go? How are you gonna make money?” and other worried questions that I do not have the answers to. That is just it… I don’t know. I do not know where the Lord will lead me or what specifically I will be doing, but what I do know is that where The Lord leads, He provides. And I will forever stand on that truth. Going on the World Race Gap Year is just the beginning of the amazing journey God has planned for me. And I could not be more excited!
All I know is that I have a passion to follow God. I am a wayfaring gal who wants to travel the soils of this Earth and love on people. I want to see the world through His eyes, not my own. I want to teach the fatherless of our Heavenly Fathers love. I want to provide for those who the world has been cruel to and cannot provide for themselves. I want to show people that Jesus gives them worth, and that peace, joy, and hope are found in Him. I want to lead people to Christ.
I want to make a difference. And that is what I intend to do.
“I will not change the world, Jesus will do that. But I can however, change the world for one person. And If one person sees the love of Christ in me, it is worth every minute. In fact, it is worth spending my life for.”
~Kisses from Katie -Katie Davis
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