I'm a relatively new blogger, but I know enough to know that when someone who blogs a lot hasn't posted in a while they usually say something along the lines of, "I know it's been a really long time since I've posted..etc., etc." But I'm going to just come right out and say that I just haven't thought of it. I think God prompts me to write about certain situations in my life, situations that have changed my life or impacted me in ways that have changed me forever. And I truly believe that this is going to be one of them.
The past few months of my life have been extremely impactful, and God has shown me what He wants for my life. I have been able to see clearly the selfish, flawed sinful person that I am, and the plan that He has that is so much better than anything I could imagine. I don't know about you, but the closer I become with seeing who I am with and without Him, the more disgusted I become with myself and the more I desire to throw that icky sinful nature person out to the birds. A few weeks ago I was at Joshua House, the young adult ministry at my church, feeling particularly so selfish and praying that God would change my heart. Then, I heard an announcement that there would be an opportunity for a group to go to Nicaragua and Costa Rica for a mission trip to serve the churches there and do medical outreach. I immediately felt a tug from the Holy Spirit. I knew that this could be an opportunity to get out of myself and my bubble and serve Him in a whole new way. I went to the information session, applied the next day, and asked God to open the door if it was His will. Sure enough, that's what He did. And I couldn't be more excited to see what he will do with that open door.
I am so excited for this opportunity to go on a mission trip. Since I began walking intimately with Jesus after my sophomore year, I have desired to serve him on a mission trip and obey his command to take care of the poor and take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. And since I've moved to Columbus 2 years ago, He has provided everything I need, an amazing group of friends, a wonderful Church, and He has even given me a job that allows me to have a whole week of paid community service hours aside from my normal vacation hours. He has always provided what I need and truly want, and now he has provided me with the opportunity to serve Him and reach the poor and powerless.
On
July 28th I will be departing on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua
and Costa Rica for two weeks. For the first week of the trip we will stay in
Ometepe, Nicaragua. Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America and the
second poorest in the Hemisphere - in fact 80% of the population lives on less
than $2 per day. While in Ometepe we will work with our local church plant to
do medical outreach, minor construction projects, and serve the kids and
families living in the area. After a week of service on the island we’ll travel
down to Palmares, Costa Rica and spend the second week doing outreach projects
in the cities of Palmares and San Jose. While in Costa Rica we’ll be able to
serve the poor and marginalized women and children at a local community center
as well as share the love of Jesus with people in the city who have no contact
with Christians or the church. It is our hope to bless and encourage the
churches we will partnering with as we learn what it means to meet the
spiritual and economical needs of the people in the poorest and richest areas
of Latin America. Through the trip we are praying for God to change our
perspective about the world, our lives, and the lives of the people we are
serving.
This
is an amazing opportunity to serve God, but I need your help. The first way you
can help is monetarily. I need to raise $1,800 by July 15th, and
would appreciate the help from anyone who would be willing to give. Also, we
are building a new church in Nicaragua. The church is very poor and is limited
in raising funds. As a team we want to bless them not only with our manual
labor, but with monetary resources as well. After everyone has raised their
share of trip costs, we hope to continue to raise money to give to the church
when we get there. If you are able to give, follow the link below, and you can
make any size (tax deductible) donation you are able to. In return for your
donation I would love to keep you updated on what happened and how your money
was used on the trip.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-
I
truly believe God will do amazing things during our mission trip and no matter
where you are in your relationship with Him, I ask that you please pray. Pray
for the people in Nicaragua and Costa Rica we will be serving, that the funds
will be raised, for the health and safety of our team members, and that we
would be able reach the churches with the love of Christ.
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet
of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good
tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)
Thank you all for your love and support!
