Hey everyone!
I hope all is well with you! I am currently in the middle of my senior year of high school. Naturally everyone’s pressing question for me is, “Where are you going to college?” This is a complicated question to answer. Why? I have decided to take a gap year and do the World Race Gap Year. The World Race is a program that is sponsored by Adventures in Missions, an interdenominational nonprofit missions organization. Adventures in Missions was established in 1989 and since launching the World Race, they have put over 5,000 people on the mission field. I am so excited to have the opportunity to become another person to be sent to share about the Jesus I know. I leave in September, 2020, and return nine months later, at the end of May, 2021. I will split my nine months between three countries on three different continents. One of the unique things about the World Race is that it’s not only a mission trip, but also a discipleship program designed to launch my generation into our specific Kingdom calling.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have felt called to be a missionary. One resounding question I’ve asked of myself and of God is, “What does that look like for me?” Throughout high school I’ve been searching for an answer to that question. I’ve had opportunities to volunteer with the Work and Witness Coordinators in Ecuador for three months, went on a W&W trip to Guatemala and then returned to Guatemala with Youth in Mission and Encuentro. I’ve learned a lot, made tons of memories, and have grown in my faith, but I’ve continued to think that there is something else that I haven’t tried or experienced that would better fit my unique talents and abilities and fulfill God’s call on my life. One of the things that I am really looking forward to while on the World Race is that ministry will look different from day to day. I will have opportunities to teach English, do children’s ministry, evangelism, hand out Bibles and many other things. This makes sense as one of the mottos of the World Race is “ministry is life, life is ministry”.
Something that has been on my mind lately as I have begun to fundraise is the parable of the sower found in Mark 4. The farmer is found scattering seed everywhere he goes. He gives out of an abundant storehouse given to him by God. This story has reminded me that as Christians, we are called to scatter gospel seeds recklessly. It has also reminded me that we need to support and encourage each other while we are spreading seed and doing kingdom work. The vitality of the Christian faith depends on each of us being obedient and getting involved. I don’t want this to be a letter you see as another fundraiser or someone else asking for money, but, instead, I want you to view it as an invitation to be a part of building the kingdom of God around the world and how he is using me to do it.
To participate in the World Race I have to raise $23,000. That is a lot of money, but I believe in a really big God who equips those he calls and nudges people to give generously. I have already raised $5,700. I want to be fully funded by June, 2020, and to stay on track I have a goal of raising $12,000 by Leap Day (February 29th).
Here are a couple ways that you can be a part of my World Race journey and what God is doing in three diverse countries around the world:
-You can pray that I would be encouraged in the mundane parts of fundraising and that I will continue to hit all the fundraising goals necessary to go on the World Race.
– You can give a tax deductible donation online at the top of this page by clicking the orange donate button, you can also subscribe to my blog so that you can stay updated on what I am doing while I am on the field. I am trying to get supporters from all 50 states so you could very well represent your state! Thank you in advance for being apart of how God is growing His kingdom.
– You can get involved. My desire to have other people involved in my journey has really driven what fundraisers I plan. I want to not just have an event that raises money to support what I am doing but I want to create an event where lots of us will be able to come together and chat and yes, talk a little bit about the World Race. So some upcoming events that we will have plenty of time to chat at are:
February 8th, 2020: Mitten Making; have you ever seen those really cute mittens that people wear around and when you ask about them those people say, “I cut up old sweaters to make them.” Well you can make a pair for yourself! Come February 8th at 9:00 am for a class on how to make them. All the materials will be provided. If you have a sewing machine, bring it, if not, we have extras available for use. Small breakfast and lunch included. Cost is $25 a person.
February 15th, 2020: Spaghetti Dinner and Auction, arrive 4:30-5:00, dinner at 5:00 auction to follow at 6:30. Cost for the spaghetti dinner: $10 a person, $25 a family. Donations for the auction appreciated before February 8th, to donate items email me at [email protected].
If you live in Maine I would love to see you at one of these events. Message me if you would like to come but need the address. Thanks for your involvement in whatever capacity you feel led.
*Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
