May Update

I am currently writing you from Bangkok where I have just returned from both Malaysia and Singapore. It was amazing to see these two countries, which in many ways resemble the United States due to their western influence. Both of these countries provided a rich experience for our team and proved to be great ministry experiences. I feel like our team made major steps this month in growing closer to each other and I expect to see the fruit of that in Africa and beyond. Also, the leadership will be changing this next month on our team. It’s AIM’s desire to allow as many people to lead a team as possible. That being said I will be releasing my role to Miles Tiegs for the next few months. I am looking forward to having more time to focus on my quiet time and ministry so this is a welcomed change.

I am excited to share some recent events with everyone as it involves most of you that are on this string. First, I wanted to acknowledge that as of this month I am fully funded for this trip. This means that as long as the rest of the monthly pledges come in throughout the year I will owe $0 at the end of this journey. As most who venture out on this trip, I wasn’t sure how this money was going to come in but it has by the grace of God. I thank each one of you who has donated either prayers or resources to help make this possible. Please know that you have invested not only into a cause but my life and its direction as well.

In light of that announcement I think it relevant to share my vision and my heart for the future. Some of you know that I have been dating an amazing girl by the name of Traci VanSumeren. She and I have been dating for almost half a year now and we plan to get engaged as soon as I return home. She currently is on staff with AIM, is a former World Racer (Her Blog) and grew up in Thailand as missionary kid. She will be leaving for Ireland in a few weeks to lead a team of girls and then she will travel to Swaziland and work at one of AIM’s international headquarters until November.

It’s our desire to continue working closely with AIM as well as other missions’ organizations. I am asking that you would consider and pray about supporting me moving forward. My account with AIM will continue to stay open and any donation received after this point I can apply to future trips. I am already in discussions with AIM staff about future opportunities so the need for funds is not a question. One of the hardest tasks for a missionary is to find supporters who will help on a long-term basis. I want to continue building that network and I hope my efforts through blogs and photography have communicated my passion for this lifestyle. So as of right now I am due to come off the field in November but am already looking at opportunities as soon as Q1 or Q2 2010. Please keep in touch with the links below and ask the Lord if He is calling you to support me long term.