On June 24th our squad received an email from the director of Gap Year saying that they were considering changing our route. She asked us to think about how we would feel about going to Ecuador instead of Malaysia. The program directors considered this change for the following reasons:
- Due to the large Indian population in Malaysia, it is culturally very similar to India. Going to Ecuador would provide a more diverse cultural experience.
- We are much more limited in Malaysia since it’s illegal to preach the gospel to Muslims there.
- Adventures in Missions does not have as many ministry partners in Malaysia as they predicted they would have at this point.
AIM asked for our feedback and told us they would send us their final decision on Monday, June 29th. I knew I would be counseling at Hume Lake Christian Camp that week, where we have no wifi access or cell service, so I figured I would just find out when I return home. But on that day I went to a seminar on missions and guess where the speaker was from? Ecuador. Austin Payne was born in the states but moved to Ecuador at age six when his parents felt called to do ministry there. He returned to California to attend BIOLA and now works for Hume International. I don’t believe in coincidences anymore so I asked Tim if I could use his phone to check my email (pastors have wifi access) and low and behold, I had just received an email saying we are going to Ecuador! The next morning Hume showed a video of the staff visiting Youth World, the ministry Austin’s dad started in Ecuador. Afterwards, everyone in chapel prayed for the country and the missionaries working there. So cool, right?
I’m really excited about this route change and just wanted to share the news with all of you lovely people! Please continue to keep my team in your prayers as we prepare for this adventure! I leave for Training Camp in Gainesville, Georgia on August 10th!
One more thing – I’m BLOWN AWAY by the amount of support I have received for this trip. If you have donated, I can’t say thank you enough! When doubt starts to enter my mind, someone sends an encouraging word or a donation that I would have never expected. It’s easy to feel like I’m not “good” or (fill in the blank) enough for this call. I often ask God why He chose me to do this. So far, I don’t have an answer for that other than grace. One of the biggest gifts God has given me is the community of people who are coming alongside me as I embark on this journey. To know that you guys believe I can do this means so much to me.
Y’all are the best!
