As I sit and write this, I am pausing for one of the first times this summer. I just finished up another training camp, and for me it will be the last one (at least for a while). When I accepted this job, it was because I believe in the next generation. God has something special on those college age kids and I am honored that He used me for a season to invest in them.
During my time at Adventures, I visited several countries debriefing teams and spent more time in Atlanta than I had planned training. I was part of training and sending over 300 young adults out to the mission field. I helped interview and train nearly 60 leaders. There were many late nights and many weekends we spent teaching sessions, running team building activities and seeing God turns lives upside down right before our eyes.
We were able to get real with the participants about sex. I was able to pray for young women who had been carrying shame for years from sexual abuse, abortion and rape. I was able to look into their teary eyes and tell them how much Jesus loved them. Not only that He loved them, but that He died to make them new and they weren’t alone. Young women were learning that they are worth more than their sexuality and God had a purpose for them.
Miracles, signs and wonders. Seeing God instantly heal someone’s body and then open a door for them to experience inner healing as well. These participants went around the globe spreading His hope to over 15 nations. Not only did they learn to give on the field, they are coming home and learning to serve people here in brand new ways.
You made this possible. Your support, prayers and encouragement made it possible for me to work with these incredible young people and it’s a time I will never forget.
Not to mention during this summer Rein’s family was finally able to start their little food cart! Hot Stuff is what they called it; very appropriate for the Philippines. Now Rein and his family can make a living and help other families get food as well. Rein and his sister can go to school as well and have a chance at a healthy life! Never could that miracle story have taken place without you jumping behind my dream and generously investing your money into them. Each and every dime raised for Rein has gone to helping turn his family around. I hope to one day start a non-profit to help more kids, like Rein, and families get out of Smoky Mountain and get the health, education, food, jobs and spiritual growth they need.
I could go on and on; the faces, the hearts and the lives that God has changed through my experience with Adventures in Missions. From the Red Light District, to the jungles of the Amazon – God has been on the move and I am beyond honored that I was able to be a part of it. He showed me His heart for the world and I will never forget the moments that changed my perspective forever.
It is hard to believe that my time at Adventures is already coming to a close. As I approach my last week, I am reminded of all God has done in me during this season. I have cried many tears, laughed until I couldn’t breathe and loved more than I knew possible. Even though my season here is ending, I am stepping into a brand new chapter of life. This new journey will go on longer than the race and be different than anything I have ever done – marriage. After years of running after God and His purposes, He brought someone along to run with me. Together, we will continue to chase after the heart of the Father for His children. We don’t know where it will take us. Today to Texas, tomorrow to Thailand; only God knows how He will choose to use us, but we are open and willing to whatever He calls us to.
You have been so faithful to me as I have traveled and I am forever grateful for you. I ask that you would continue to lift me up in prayer as I step into this brand new adventure with my soon-to-be husband, Joshua.
Through the trips Adventures in Missions put on each year, people from 14 – 50+ years old are seeing their lives transformed. From high schoolers to parents, God is sending people to the field and the great commission is being fulfilled one life at a time. Without faithful sponsors and donors, this incredible non-profit organization wouldn’t be able to continue. If you would like to make a difference in the lives of all future participants and help Adventures keep spreading His love, you can become a supporter. Most of you have gotten behind me in all my fundraising endeavors and I pray you will again join me as I raise the last portion of my part in helping Adventures go on sending missionaries all over the globe. You can give through my blog. Just click on the “Support Me” or “Give” tab. I truly appreciate all of you for your support.
Thank you for believing in me and for playing a part in God’s story. This will be my last blog on here. However, I will be starting my own website. Stay tuned for when that will launch. I love you all and I am excited to be journeying with you! Onward to the future and all God has in store! To Him be all the glory.
