I first got the call to missions when I was 14, at a youth camp our church attended every summer. We were asked to pray about our futures and not leave the altre till we felt peace about where God was leading us to. I recieved the call to missions and from there no action was taken. Until almost 2 years ago when I signed up with AIM for a one-month trip to Swaziland, Africa.
It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and forever changed my heart. It made me want to go on even longer trips and spend my life on the field. In Africa, and all over the world.
I ended up graduating high school early, but I didn't exactly want to go straight to college this fall, so instead I spent many months looking for a much longer term trip.
God kind of turned around my prospects though, and I ended up going on a very short 2-week trip to Puerto Rico this past summer. I didn't understand why I was going to be quite honest. I wanted a 3-month to a 9-month trip. Not 2 weeks.
However, from there my leader, Kayla Phillips (from Swaziland, and Puerto Rico) introduced me to the Novas Project. It was perfect, and I spent the rest of my time there in Puerto Rico praying about this trip, and if it was meant for me to go on. It was! And I'm so excited to be going on a long term trip to share Christ's love and compassion on the world!
How was I called to the mission field? God has given me a heart for helping and loving people. I have a passion for helping others and most of all kids!
This past summer I was living in NC with some family, I was planning on returning to college. I ended up dropping out for different reasons. So with no plans for the future, I could think of no better way to spend my time than being a servant for Christ through missions. I truly cannot wait! I'm looking forward to meeting all of you!!!
We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I'm expecting...
God to open doors! I've been waiting for Him to show me what to do with this love for people and missions, for several years now. I expect this trip to answer that question in my heart and life. I'm ready for God to open doors and reveal little by little the path that He wants me to take.
To grow in confidence! I struggle daily with insecurities and questioning my ability in Christ. I'm expecting this trip to show me who I am in Christ and what I'm capable of doing in His name. I am expecting God to speak through me and use me to make a difference.
To grow in my faith! I have no idea where the money for this trip is going to come from. I've had people question if this trip will even take place and I'm counting on God to prove Himself faithful once again. I am excited to see how God is going to take me by surprise in His provision for me.
I'm nervous and still have moments of uncertainty. I don't know how everything will work out but I know that God has placed a call on my life and all He needs me to do is answer that call. All God needs is all of me... He takes care of the rest.
Each participant will select a specific region and submit it by November 1st. Keep in mind that a region must have at least 5 participants in order to have a green light to go. If the region you select does not qualify we will let you know by November 2nd and ask you to select another region.
Instructions:
Please select a region and submit it to admissions@adventures.org. The subject title should be "Novas II Region Selection"
Note: You are only selecting a region, not a country. Country selections will be made on the basis of how many people request a specific region. You will be notified of your specific country no later than December 5th.
We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I"m expecting...
When I think about expectations for this mission trip, a few things come to mind, but I'm mostly expecting to grow. Grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and so many other ways. I expect to be pushed beyond my comfort zone and into something greater than I can ever imagine. I know its not going to be easy and that this is going to be the most challenging thing I've ever done before but in turn be the most rewarding. But I know that through God I'm up for the challenge. Also I expect to help people and through this they will grow. Basically I expect to come back different, to become a better me. Plus I expect it to be alot of fun! And I'm so excited to get to go on this mission trip.
We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I'm expecting...
I have a few expectations about this trip, but I also have no idea what to expect. Right now I have to continually surrender the efforts of raising support for this trip to the Lord. I know in my head that He will provide but its not as easy to apply that to my heart. Other than that, I don't have too many worries...at least not right now. I do wonder what it will be like to live so far away from my family and friends for so long; I have my emotional moments. However, I can't wait to get to know my team and really bond together as we spend 8 months on the same mission field, serving the same people. The Lord is going to move is mighty and powerful ways while we are there and I can't wait to be apart of it. I know that because I serve a God who it beyond the understanding of the human mind, I can hardly begin to dream about what He will do through us while we are there. My prayer is that I (as well as my team) will continually seek the Lord so that we can live up to our full potential while we are there. I expect to be challenged, pushed out of my comfort-zone, and broken while I am there. I just don't know what that is going to look like.
We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here's what I'm expecting...
As I prepare to head out in to the mission field, many thoughts, concerns, and expectations are running through my head. Lately, I have been trying to grasp what life will be like away from my family, friends, and home for six months. I am expecting that God will perform a complete makeover and transform me in ways that I cannot imagine now. Looking back on times that God seriously reconstructed my heart, I never could predict the transformation that He was about to cause in me. I look forward to being pleasantly surprised by how He reshapes my heart.
Also, I am expecting to enjoy an awesome fellowship with my team members and to form a family like bond with them as we serve together. I am super excited to meet them and to hear all about their stories and the ways that Christ is moving in their lives.
I expect to be challenged in ways that I am unaccustomed to and to be forced to seek God to make it through each step.
Overall, I expect that, regardless of the circumstances, God will be in control of the events and outcomes through each part of the journey. I am excited to see what He will do in me.
I wanted to share with you a story that has touched my heart.
A worker in China writes: "I am a single woman working in a Chinese city alone, but God is with me in everything! When I first arrived in my city, I moved into my apartment and called my family to give them my new phone number. My mother's first statement was, "An ambulance has just picked up your sister. She will be dead by the end of the week." (She had been suffering with cancer for some time.) I didn't know what to do.
After investigating a way to get to the states, God led me to call home again. I said, "God, I can't. I know my sister is gone." However, I called and found out that my sister had just died. I talked to my mom for a while and then sat on my couch alone. I asked God, "Why am I here? I should be with my family!"
Immediately there was a knock on my window. A young lady said, "I was told that I should come and see you. May I come in?" Totally unaware of what I was going through she plopped down on the couch and said, "I have been searching for God. Can you tell me about the true God? She accepted Jesus as her Savior that day.
I thanked God for reminding me why I live overseas and that I am never alone. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of grief, He is with me. Those who think I am a team of one can't see the One who stands beside me."
Psalm 23:1-4, "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside the peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me."
God has called each one of you for a specific purpose. At this time in your support raising some of you may be asking, "Will I get enough raised?" Please do not get discouraged, work at it with all your might. Get your prayer teams to pray. This is when you need them around you the most. Don't lose sight of your goal.
Don't miss the opportunity that God has placed in front of you, like the woman in China, she was obedient to God and look what God did for her. Don't get discouraged, if you are, please let us know. We want to encourage you and pray for you.
I wanted to share with you a story that has touched my heart.
We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before