Today, I had the opportunity to go around to the three churches on my charge. What a privilege to share what God will be doing in my life. Also, what a joy to have such a loving community of believers. I’ve gone to West Hill UMC my whole life. The Blue Mountain Charge is my home. I’ve been taught by so many different people and now I get to share that love that has been taught to me to people across the world!
Speaking to the churches is not an uncommon thing. I’ve done it in the past for other things as well. I’ve been getting over a sickness and of course on Saturday I start to lose my voice (yet again!). Well, today rolled around and it still wasn’t the greatest-raspy and painful. My mom told me of a time when her trio was going around to churches and the same kind of thing happened where she was losing her voice. But, you know what? God is good and she sang what she needed to just fine. And, the same happened today. God provided and I made it through the services (with lots of water, cough suppressants, etc)–surprisingly, the first being the worst and a little rough, but nonetheless, I survived! Faith can move mountains!
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
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To those who aren’t part of the Blue Mountain Charge and haven’t heard my presentation….here are a few subjects I talked about:
How did I choose the WR? My friend Jackie and I went to Creation in 2013 as a graduation gift to ourselves. We were walking around and ran into the Adventures in Missions Stand. It was promoting the World Race–an 11 month mission trip to 11 countries. Fascinating! Especially for two young adults who 1. love to serve others 2. love adventures 3. want to share the good news 4. love to travel So, I took some pamphlets home and kept “running” into them throughout the next few years. Eventually, I made the decision I was doing this!
Where will I be going? Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, India, Nepal, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Romania, and Ukraine.
What are these countries like?
Colombia- Home to unreached tribes, a large student population rapidly rejecting the Gospel, and thousands of children living on the streets
Ecuador- Half the population is at or below the poverty line
Peru- Extreme poverty and class inequality. Corrupt government hinders economic development: teenage pregnancy, crime, and substance abuse are prominent.
India- Baby girls are killed and lepers are considered untouchable (caste system). It is not uncommon for beggars or children to ask for money. 29 languages are spoken here. Hinduism reigns at 80%.
Nepal- The left hand should never be used for eating, handling food, or shaking hands. 2005: Earthquake that left the country in shambles. Mt Everest is located here!
Rwanda- 1994: Over a 100 day span 1 million Rwandans were killed (Genocide) and 2 million displaced. Men are dominant and sit in chairs while women or children may be required to sit on the ground.
Uganda- There was a lengthy Civil War where children were recruited to fight. Child labor & prostitution is still prominent. It is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Kenya-Half of the population lives under poverty and are affected by: malaria, diarrhea, malnutrition, and pneumonia. Because of this, 73% of the population is under 30, and HIV/AIDS devastates the country.
Ethiopia- Coffee bean originated here! Civil wars and famine have devastated the land which results in poor water quality, especially in rural areas.
Romania- Gypsies are abundant and rejected by society. Orphans and widows struggle to get above the poverty line.
Ukraine- The orphan population is growing as well as human trafficking. 75% believe in God; yet only 37% attend services regularly.
Watch the video at END of this post to see what life on the field looks like!!
FUNDRAISERS! T-shirt sales END on 4/29! Sm-XL: $15, 2XL& 3XL: $17
Hoss’s–APRIL 29th (Next Sunday!) Get your brochure to take along so I get credit!
Other fundraisers to come! Stay tuned!
P.S. I’m 25% funded!! Thank you everyone who has donated so far and those who will donate! God’s kingdom is growing because of you!!
Prayers always welcomed!!
