Over the last three years, God has led me on a journey. It began in July 2010 when I went on the World Race and saw the needs around the world. One need that broke my heart was the children in need of love. I will always remember the moment in a Filipino village when I had to tell hungry children, "Sorry! No more food." And I’ll never forget Alexandra, the girl who just wanted someone to remember her name. Through these experiences, I developed a desire to be a father to the fatherless in the world.
In September 2011, I led college-aged students on a Passport trip to Uganda, and I understood the significance of the Great Commission as I saw young men and women learn more about who God created them to be. As I watched them change over three months, I realized why Jesus told us to go make disciples of all nations.
In January 2012, I led a Passport trip to Kenya and experienced hardship and humility. After about a year and a half of serving overseas, I no longer found my identity in my relationship with God but in my ministry. About 2 months into the trip, no longer able to effectively lead, I was asked to step down from my position and go home. I then spent the next eight months living with my parents, working at a grocery store, and experiencing uncertainty about my future. Not exactly what I expected to be doing at the age of 24.
But then in January, I came to CGA with Adventures. Over the last four months, I’ve learned how to be a beloved child of God and how to use the gifts God has given me. I no longer use my sense of humor as a coping mechanism nor as the basis of my identity, but as a way to bring joy to people. I no longer need to be liked by people but enjoy being around people and encouraging others. As I sit here at the end of May, I can look back and see how my identity has been firmly rooted in Christ.
In September, my journey continues as I join a team from Adventures and move to the Philippines. We will be working to start a discipleship base as we partner with Wipe Every Tear, a sex trafficking ministry based in Manila. Currently, there are around 27 million victims of human trafficking in the world. On one street alone in Angeles City, Philippines, there are 15,000 victims of human trafficking. Wipe Every Tear works to rescue these girls from the bars and offer them a new life through education, vocational training and counseling. Our team will be working to support Wipe Every Tear in any way we can. In addition, we will also be starting a discipleship ministry through mentoring the rescued girls as well as mentoring future missionary teams that come to the Philippines.
I am asking for your support in this ministry. First, I need your prayers. Pray God’s guidance as I step into this new season and for His guidance for our team as we seek His will in the Philippines. Pray also for God’s provision for the resources that we will need in order to build our ministry.
Second, I need your financial support. In order to leave in September, I need $5,280. This amount covers flight costs as well as living expenses. After leaving in September, I will need to maintain $2200 ($700 monthly budget plus $1500 return flight ticket) in order to stay on the field. If you choose to support me financially in this way, please donate online. In addition, I still have about $21,000 in student loans. If you would like to support me financially in this way, please make a check payable to Robby Smith and mail it to Robby Smith 2029 Strickland Drive Gainesville, GA 30501.
