November 3, 2014
Dear Friends and Family,
As many of you may already know, God has placed a huge call on my heart to serve those less fortunate, both here in the States and overseas. I was recently accepted to Adventures in Missions, an organization that sends out thousands of missionaries on short and long term missionary trips around the world. Through this organization, I will be participating in an 11-month missionary trip called “The World Race”. In my specific route, our group will be going to South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, India, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. However, in order to attend this mission I must raise $15,500 and $776.10 for service and insurance. And that’s why I’m reaching out to you. But first, I’d like to share how God graciously led me to this decision to abandon my “comfortable life” here in northern Virginia and travel the world in Jesus’ name.
I always had a passion for missions since the sweet age of 5, but it wasn’t until I was 15 that I knew for sure that this is where God wanted me. When I was 15, I went on my first missions trip to Mexico. A few years later, I had the privilege to serve in the Dominican Republic. It was on that trip that God gave me confirmation to become a missionary, but I had hesitations as I did not want to move forward with nothing to offer. So, I decided that after high school graduation, I would go to Liberty University to study nursing and from there continue on into full-time missions. But, God had a different plan.
When graduation came, I was all ready for classes when God suddenly placed a free missionary trip to Ghana right in my lap. But because of the set plans I had in my head, I declined the offer. When the time came for me to leave for Liberty, I was provided with another missionary opportunity to attend Youth with a Mission in Puerto Rico. I knew that it had to be of God, so I decided to put college on hold and went for it. Although I learned a lot, I was disappointed that my heart was not in complete surrender throughout the experience. I decided to apply again for another missionary school hoping for another shot at a deeper experience, but sadly got rejected by the program. I was so hurt, but I still knew in my heart that missions is where God wanted me to be. And I was determined to get there, no matter what it took.
I decided to take a short break and started doing hair. I had it in mind that hair school would just be a temporary season in my life to help raise funds while God worked on my heart. Over the past 4 years as a hair stylist I’ve had many great opportunities and have been able to live comfortably. But recently God started tugging on my heart about getting back to the whole reason of why I started all this in the first place. This season of my life away from missions has been both a challenge and a blessing, and I’m excited and eager to build His kingdom and become closer to Him through this incredible opportunity.
I’ve realized that it has always been difficult for me to humble myself and ask for support. But in preparation of this trip, God has shown me that this isn’t about me. Yes, He is using me physically, but really this is a partnership with God, my financial supporters, my prayer supporters, and the people He is sending me to reach.
With that, I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting me in The World Race. Whether a one-time donation or a recurring financial commitment, every little bit helps. You may donate directly to my personal pagehttp://trinaserrano.theworldrace.org/, by clicking “Support Me” on the left-hand corner, or you may write me a personal check. Donations to my personal page are tax-deductible.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter. Thank you in advance for your support and prayers.
Sincerely,
Katrina Serrano
