My dear friends and family,
How do I start describing how God has rocked my life this year? I had it all: a career, life in the big city, an amazing social circle…but all those things still left this achingly large gap. I couldn’t comprehend how my American Dream felt so lacking and empty. I see now that God blessed me with the desires of my heart so that I could realize those dreams do not fulfill.
As many of you know, I’ve battled with my faith for years. I couldn’t reconcile my love for Jesus with past judgments I had received from the church. As a result, I was very judgmental of Christians. Fortunately, I was introduced into a loving church called the Ark in college. And though I was a stand-in-the-back-and-scram-as-fast-as-possible member for years, Jesus used them to expose me to relationship lovingly and honestly lived out. Being around them gave me hope that I belonged to the Body.
To make a long story short, Jesus changed my heart this past February. Barricades, mental or spiritual, that had existed for years suddenly were no longer an issue. The God that had faithfully and relentlessly pursued me for years finally captured me and I fell more and more in love with Him. Through the process of seeking Him, I received words about evangelism in April. At first, this offended me—I thought evangelism was for television preachers, or Republicans. But the seed had been planted and my heart softened, so when a friend mentioned the World Race to me a few months later, the trip instantly captured me.
So what is the World Race? It’s an 11-month mission trip to 11 countries where I and 49 other individuals feel called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. In each country, we will spend a month supporting and further establishing an existing ministry contact (one who has been and will be committed to the community long-term). This will include preaching the Gospel, working in orphanages, ministering to women and children caught in human trafficking, and construction work! My heart for this trip is to be obedient to God’s call, to love on people, and to seek the Father’s heart for the nations.
In order to go on this trip, I will need support in prayer and finances. Generally, I need prayer for the ministry, team unity, and travel safety. Specifically, I am looking to create a prayer team of 10-15 people who can commit to praying for me every day while I am gone. While I will be keeping everyone updated on my work abroad through my blog, I will email out specific prayer requests to this team.
I need to raise $15,500 to cover all travel, housing, food, and administrative expenses for 11 months. I know God is faithful in providing for my needs, and I am praying that you will partner with Him to make this happen. This financial support can be given as a one-time gift or as a monthly donation, wherein you choose the amount and the beginning and end date (Note that your contribution will be tax-deductible.). If 26 people commit to a year of monthly donations of $50 each, I will be fully funded!
If you have prayerfully decided to support me in either need (or both!), please click on the ‘Support Me’ link on the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed. I am so excited for this chance to reveal God’s love to the nations, and I also hope to bless you in the process!
In faith, hope, and love,
Christina
