Kia Ora e te whanau!!
In a few short weeks I will be HOME, back in Aotearoa New Zealand. This past year abroad serving with the World Race has truly shaped my life like no other. Living missionally on the Unscripted route, attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, has rooted and planted me securely like the trees of Psalm 1. Throughout, the Lord has shown me so much of His love for His children, this beautiful world, and little old me.
My next steps are an exciting synthesis to everything of this year. Come January 2020, I will leave for eight more months of leading with the World Race. I am coming back to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru as an Alumni Squad Leader on a trip called Semesters for 18-22yr olds. This honestly feels like the clearest God-decision I have made! When asked in Spain, my initial reaction was one of overwhelm. Returning after just four weeks in NZ, coming back to the same countries, fundraising again etc – all the things were anything but exciting. However, as I prayed through it in the following week – all of my anxiety/overwhelm literally disappeared and was replaced by the most tangible spiritual excitement. Affirmation has come from all arenas and I have a deep level of peace. Guys, the Lord is SO GOOD.
This Semesters mission trip is fully ’scripted’, meaning the teams will partner with existing ministries & organisations. Click here to read more about the ministries! This fits as a perfect next step to the simplifying and love centred growth of this year – I now get to live at the intersection of listening daily to the Lord in strategic, long term movements towards justice. Secondly, this is the first trip of its kind and I am thrilled to pioneer & steward the vision, work out the kinks, and establish a vibrant culture for future trips. Thirdly, there is a strong leadership development focus for participants. This is my favourite. Years in youth ministry and discipleship have fostered a huge heart in me to see the next generation released in identity, calling, and leadership.
I’d love to invite you, as my community, to champion this vision with me.
Firstly I crave your prayers. I truly felt the support and covering of your prayers this past year, for which I am in awe and so grateful. This next trip will look very different – I would love specific prayers for healthy transition, expectations, and protection in leadership.
Secondly, I am required to raise USD5,500 (NZD8,700) in support. This covers all transport, food, and lodging while on the field. $500 of this will cover personal travel costs for training in the USA beforehand. This is significantly less than the NZD28,000 we raised last year – I am beyond grateful and know we can do it! Would you prayerfully consider contributing financially? You could set up a regular monthly gift, or make a one off donation.
NZ DONORS:
online bank transfer to
xyz
USA DONORS:
click the orange ‘donate’ button at the top of this blog site
(tax deductible)
My soul is the most excited to be back on NZ soil so so soon. I would love to grab coffee & swap stories from our years, and share more of the Lord’s heart around all this – please reach out and let’s do it!
GRACE + PEACE
Hannah
