*Want to read about the countries we will be serving in? Please scroll to the bottom*
I recently finished serving in the U.S. Air Force in San Antonio, Texas, and I embarked on the world race on October 1st 2016!
Born and raised in California, I spent a majority of my young life moving around the state until my family ended up in a small mountain town about 2 hours out of of Los Angeles.
I am in love the great outdoors, whether hiking, hunting, camping, or fishing. Experiencing the immense beauty of creation blows me away, with how breathtaking it is. Even more so that God who spoke light itself into existence… still thought of little me. Not only to think of me but to entrust us, as mankind, to steward His magnificent creation. And most of all, to pay the ultimate price as my sacrifice. So that I don’t have to be a slave of sin, fear, and death any longer. TO DEFEAT DEATH ITSELF!
Sadly, I now live in a large city, so I am not able to spend as much time in the outdoors, breathing crisp mountain air, or gazing at the vastness of the stars. I spend most of my free time reading, serving in ministry at Grace Point Church, and discipling fellow believers most often over a cup of coffee.
Right now I am a co-leader for a men’s lifegroup at my church and I am so honored to serve them. God has brought together a group of men who have such a wide breadth of life experience and intimate relationships with Jesus, that it makes for fertile soil to grow spiritually like I never have before. I am also a part of the Grace Point church college ministry, and have enjoyed every last second with this family of believers I have grown close to.
For those of you who do not know me, I absolutely love to share my story with anyone who will listen. It deeply hurts me to see others caught in the clutches of sin, when I know there is a Rescuer who came to break those chains of bondage, that people might not even recognize are there. I have learned that my testimony of the Lord’s mercy and faithfulness is profound and my unique love story about my Father who sent His Son to die to set me free from sin. The best part about all of this, is that it is not because I am “good enough” by my own doing, but rather by His amazing grace that He still loved me at my worst. This good news of hope and restoration is worth sharing!
I have been given with very supportive and loving relatives and church family, and I thank God for the blessing for all their wisdom, support, and encouragement throughout my life.
Some other random likes of mine:
Hiking, Campfires, In-N-Out burger, Bethel and Hillsong worship music, REI (sporting goods store), camouflage, and making others laugh.
If there are any questions or things you would like me to share, please feel free to contact me!
Cambodia
Cambodia houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple and monastery built during the Khmer empire in the 12th century. It later became a Buddhist complex a century later, and today, just over 96% of Cambodia is Buddhist. Almost 30 years ago, 1.5 million Cambodians died at the hands of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime. Today, Cambodia is a source, transit point, and destination of human trafficking. Unfortunately, the government is struggling to stop it. The people of Cambodia are thirsty for the hope you can bring.
Malaysia
Enter a world entrenched in Islam. A people within the thriving metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians still live in ignorance of the Good News of Jesus Christ. As you delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, you will have the unique opportunity to deliver hope and point the people to their Redeemer.
Thailand
The kingdom of Thailand, known as Siam until 1939, is the only country in the region not colonized by Europe. Their 2000 census showed that 94.6% of the population is Buddhist, 4.6% are Muslim, and 0.7% are Christian. Approximately 600,000 people live with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. With nearly two million people estimated to be forced into prostitution, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city-where you, like Jesus, might befriend prostitutes-or in the countryside-where you may serve youth, care for orphans, and encourage a remnant of believers.
Philippines
This Asian island nation, former Spanish colony then American protectorate, is a country in tension, trying to cross the threshold between the third and first world. It offers a variety of landscapes – beaches, mountains, volcanic lakes – and languages, with Tagalog as the national tongue. The Catholic Church is a substantial piece of the religious pie, however, and Islam is growing in the island of Mindinao. The Filipino people and culture love music, dance and community. While there, you will find yourself living with and giving hope to the destitute, caring for orphans, and challenging the growing number of Christ-followers to rise up.
Zimbabwe
Formerly a British colony known as Rhodesia, Zimbabwe boasts intriguing ruins and shares the majestic Victoria Falls with Zambia. According to Amnesty International, the current regime is allowing human rights violations to escalate. Zimbabwe also has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world. The majority of the people identify themselves as Christians but very much need people like you to advance the kingdom with love and hope.
Zambia
After years of British colonial rule, Zambia became independent in 1964. Since then, the economy has grown and the official religion has become Christianity, but there are still great needs in Zambia. With the country near the bottom of the United Nations Human Development Index, the Zambian people still suffer from poverty, short life expectancy, malnourishment, lack of clean water, and the AIDS crisis. Zambia needs encouragement from missionaries who can remind them of God’s faithfulness in the face of challenges.
Malawi
Known as “the warm heart of Africa,” Malawi is a place you visit to ignite your passion for God’s love. This country has a beautiful landscape and an even more beautiful culture and population. This month, you’ll fall in love with the people of Malawi and bless them with the love of God. Chances are you won’t want to leave.
Ukraine
This Eastern European country is caught between its past oppression under the Soviet Union and the desire to be accepted by the West. People in the West tend to be more nationalistic than those in the East, where Russian is more commonly spoken. There’s a substantial orphan population and human trafficking’s an issue here, too. Most people claim to belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox church, which is subdivided into three bodies. God’s desire is to bring hope, peace, authentic relationship with himself, and unity to this nation; you’ll find out how exactly you’ll participate in that!
Romania
Romania is home to a large gypsy community. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here, you could teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more. It will be an exciting time of learning about a people group you may not have known even existed.
Albania
This country on the Balkan Peninsula is where Paul himself travelled there on his third missionary journey. Albania declared independence in 1912, but was occupied by both Italy and Germany during World War II. Behind the Iron Curtain, Albania was under Soviet rule until the early 1990s. Most of the population identify themselves as Muslim (70%) while the remainders are Orthodox Christian (20%) and Catholic/Protestant (10%). Your ministry will vary depending on the host that you work with: you could be working with a summer camp for children in the area, reach out to youth ministries and gypsy camps, or you could work in local prisons. Regardless of the ministry, you are sure to bring some much needed hope to this nation.
