If I could sum up this season of my life in one word, it would be “Preparation".
During this seaon, I’ve been preparing for several different things:
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I’m preparing for my last day at work, which is June 22. It will be rather bitter-sweet considering I’ve worked for the same company on-and-off for 10 years this September. Like any job, I’ve had my ups and downs at work, but overall I’ve been blessed to work for a flexible company that has offered many promotional opportunities over the years.
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I’m preparing for the World Race! Although I don’t leave on the Race until September, there is a lot to do before then! I’ve spent a great deal of time fundraising – I’m happy to say I’m at 50% funded! God is faithful and has taught me how to trust in His provision. I have spend countless hours reading former Racer’s blogs about packing – what to bring, what not to bring, what they wished they brought, etc. I’ve gone to various outdoors stores to buy gear – hiking pack, sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, light weight clothes, etc, etc, etc! My mind hasn’t stopped spinning since I committed to the Race!
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I’m also preparing for Training Camp! Training camp is July 14-21 in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves as the final interview for the Race. I haven’t done much research on what to expect from training camp, but I definitely plan on spending some time reading through blogs from former and current Racers. I do know that this week of training will be spent “roughing it”! The accommodations at training camp are somewhat primitive – such as sleeping in a tent and taking outdoor showers! I’m lucky to have spent two months in the Philippines last year; during much of that time I was forced to take cold, bucket showers! I hope after that experience I can handle an outdoor shower! Every aspect of training camp is intended to prepare us as much as possible for life on the field. The week will be filled with cultural training, teaching on what the Gospel is, how relationships can open doors to introducing people to Christ, and how the Holy Spirit can lead during these opportunities. World Race leaders will begin to shrink our world (who are you? Who does God intend you to be? How has your journey brought you here?) Then the staff will help us grow our world back the right way by bringing those supporting us into our sphere of relationship (Who are you traveling alongside? What does God-centered community look like? What can your friends and family do to support this endeavor?) Then we’ll look at the final expansion of our world.
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I’m preparing to co-lead a church mission’s team of 10 people to the LA Dream Center June 25-30.
The Dream Center is a volunteer driven organization that finds and fills the needs of individuals and families alike. It was founded in 1994 and currently serves over 40,000 people each month! Services and programs offered include residential rehabilitation programs for teens and adults, a shelter for victims of human trafficking, a transitional shelter for homeless families, mobile hunger relief and medical programs, and a foster care intervention outreach that works closely with Los Angeles County’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to keep families intact by delivering the required furnishings, clothing and food to assure that their homes meet DCFS standards. Programs such as adult basic education, job skills training, and life skills counseling are also to homeless families and individuals continue to establish The Dream Center as a vital community development resource.
Dream Center programs have been designed with the purpose of changing lives. They want to reconnect people who have been isolated by poverty, substance abuse, gangs, imprisonment, homelessness, abuse, and neglect to God and to a community of support to meet their physical and spiritual needs.
The only way the Dream Center is able to make a significant impact in their community is through volunteers and church mission’s teams who are able and willing to sacrifice time and energy for others. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a week of my life that partnering with the Dream Center to help change lives through the love of Jesus Christ! For more information on the Dream Center, check out their website at http://www.dreamcenter.org
Our team has been preparing for several months for this week-long trip. During our last monthly meeting, we discussed Spiritual Warfare based on a message by Craig Groeschel, called Supernatural.
Supernatural is actually a 4-part series:
Part One: Spiritual Warfare
Part Two: Holy Spirit
Part Three: Satan and his Demons
Part Four: Angels.
I definitely recommend this series to anyone who is interested in learning more about the spiritual realm. Stay tuned for my next blog recapping what I learned through the Supernatural Series and from YWAM.
If you would like to partner with during this season of preparation, I could use spiritally-minded people to join my intercessor list! I need LOTS and LOTS of prayer to cover the LA Dream Center mission's team as we finalize our preparations and ultimately step out in faith to minister to the lost and hurting people in LA. I also need prayer as I prepare physically, emotionally, and spiritually for Training Camp and the World Race.
If you would like to partner with me in a more tangible way, I need financial supporters who are willing to sacrifice their hard-earned money toward saving souls!! Your financial donation will enable me to travel the world telling the lost and hurting people in 11 different nations about the love found in Jesus Christ! I still need roughly $7,655! Every gift will make a significant impact, no matter the size! Your donation will go further if you mail a check, made payable to Adventures In Missions, to:
Adventures In Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta GA, 30353-4470
Please include my full name in the memo line. You can also make donations through my blog, simply click on the "Plant A Seed, Support Me" link on the left side of your screen.
