Dear Friends and Family,
I am excited to say that, finally, after 5 and a half years I will be graduating from UCO! I will receive a bachelor’s degree in Child Development. However, before I go into my field, I have received an amazing opportunity to travel the world and carry out God’s ministry for the 11 months following my graduation. I have recently been accepted to go on The World Race. The race is essentially “a journey to 11 countries in 11 months to serve the least of these among real and raw community. It’s a year of Matthew 10 in action: ‘Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.’” Throughout this journey I will get the opportunity to experience life and reach out to the least of these in parts on Central America, Western Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
The World Race is a Ministry of Adventures In Missions. Adventures In Missions is a nondenominational organization focused on sending out believers to bring the Gospel to the far corners of the earth. Matthew 28:19 declares: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations”. Adventures In Missions aspires to put this verse into action.
I was first introduced to this ministry when a good friend of mine participated in the World Race in 2015. Throughout the last few years in college, I have felt like God has been pulling on my heart and saying “trust me”. At first this was with little things such as boys I was interested in or taking (small) leadership positions within my sorority and campus. In those things, God was always saying to me “trust me”. Whether good or bad, or stupid on my part, God kept saying “trust me”. Soon, “trust me” would turn into “follow me”. That is how I got here, to The World Race. I knew I wanted to travel one day and I knew I wanted to do something for people who were suffering around the world. I wanted adventure but I wanted to make it meaningful. Trusting and following God, with the encouragement of my friend who had gone before me, I applied for the Race, endured the interviews (which terrify me) and got accepted! Now that I have been accepted I am called to trust God again in fundraising for this crazy opportunity I have been given.
In trusting in God’s plan, I am asking for your help in a couple of ways. First, I ask you to join me in prayer as I prepare for 11 months abroad. Your prayers, thoughts, and encouragement will give me courage and strength throughout my journey. Secondly, I ask for financial support. The cost of the trip is $16,617. This will cover all living and travel expenses while I am away. As a part of learning to trust God, we are required to fundraise these funds. I ask you to please consider supporting me in whatever way possible.
Thank you for your time and prayerful consideration!
Shae Trotter
