It's official.
God is calling me back to the field and I could not be more excited about the next step in this journey with Him.
The past year on the Race was a blessing. A time of growing closer to the Lord, worshipping and serving along side the international church, while along the way getting to explore God's beautiful creation. I met some of the poorest people in the world, who welcomed me into their homes with some of the most gracious hospitality I have ever received. I prayed with people who were on their death bed, who had medicine that could save their lives, but did not have money to afford the food to take it with. I celebrated with new Brother's and Sisters in Christ who had met their Heavenly Father for the first time. I learned to live in constant community with people who sometimes seemed to know more about me then I did about myself and saw the growth that can happen when we chose to reject gossip and instead call one another up in our identity as Sons and Daughters. I learned more about what it means to experience God in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary.
And now I'm home. Spending time with friends and family. All the while, learning what it looks like to carry these experiences and lessons from the Race with me, how to incorporate them into my American life and whatever God holds for the future. I've gotten to share stories with people at home and hear about all the amazing things God did here while I was gone. From the moment I arrived back into America I have been greeted by family and friends with open arms, willing to help me process and love me through the transition. Thank you.
Now I get the opportunity to walk along side a new group as they as they embark on their own Kingdom Journey. I'm leading a Passport trip!
Passport is "Adventures in Missions's program for college-age (18-22 years old) individuals. (My team of Passporters will spend 3 months) securing their identity in Christ, getting equipped and growing empowered to advance God's kingdom alongside local churches and ministries overseas. In addition to sharing and living out the gospel, contending for justice on behalf of orphans, the poor, and the trafficked mark the ministry experience of the Passport."
The trip I am leading will be three months…End of August through November. As a trip leader I will be able to share what God taught me during my Race and watch as He speaks to each team member. I will get to sit and listen as they share what they are learning, how they are being used, and be someone for them to process all that is happening with. I will have the chance to push them to press into community and call them up in the gifting that God has placed inside of them. I will get to live and serve along side them.
And while I am watching them grow, I know that God will continue to grow and teach me as well.
I am so excited for this next season and know that this is what God is calling me into.
BUT I need your help!
I have already received $1,100 of the $1,800 needed for trip cost.
In order to lead this trip I still need to raise $700 to cover the remaining cost of the trip and $1000 to cover personal expense during the 3 months I will be returning to the field.
If you would like to help me cover the remaining cost of the trip you can:
1) donate here at the link on the left hand side "Support Me"
or
2) mail checks to
"Adventures in Missions"
PO Box 534470,
Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470
Checks need to be made out to "Adventures in Missions" with "Lena Ownbey" in the memo line
And if you would be willing to help me with my personal expenses you can send the money to me.
Thank you so much for your continued love, prayers, and support! I can't wait to share with you what this next step brings!
