I feel as if this post won't really fit into this mix that I'm creating with this blog, but it's something I wanted to share anyway.
To any of you who don't know me personally, I'm very passionate about missions. Even before I became a Christian, I always had a desire to travel the world and tell others about Jesus. When I attended my first Acquire the Fire in 2008, it was then that I heard about an opportunity for missionary work with Global Expeditions. Global Expeditions is the missionary branch of Teen Mania Ministries, an organization that is committed to provoke a young generation (teenagers like me in 2008!) to passionately pursue Jesus Christ, but their mission doesn't stop there. They not only want teens to be consumed with the love of God, but to take His life-giving message to the ends of the earth. In the last 25 years, Global Expeditions has taken over 67,000 missionaries to over 69 countries worldwide. After attending the Global Expeditions Breakout session, needless to say, I was amazed. I signed up right there and then to go on a trip that summer of 2009 to Dallas, Texas. To summarize that trip in this post would be too hard, because it was the trip that changed my life. When I came back home, my heart burned for me to go again. It didn't matter where, I just wanted to go.
Now, almost 4 years after that summer, I have the opportunity to go on another trip! I applied and was accepted to go to Tyler, Texas. I'm excited about this trip, because Global Expeditions is committed to equipping me to be effective in reaching out to others in the United States, while also challenging me to become more aware of the needs of others in my own community here in Canada. I can't think of a better way to spend my time than sharing the Gospel with others and allowing God to change my own heart and life in the process.
During this trip, I'll be working with a group of people to spread the Gospel in Tyler. This trip is special in that it's specifically for young people ages 11-13. I can't tell you how happy it makes me that kids that young want to go on a mission trip! I know what you're thinking, "You're not 11, 12 or 13 years old. Why are you going?" Well, I'm actually going to be serving as a Missionary Advisor. A Missionary Advisor (or MA for short) oversees a group of 4-6 students of the same gender, providing one-on-one interaction with the young people. Basically, I'll be responsible for their development, and have the opportunity to serve along-side these girls while acting as their mentor throughout the trip. I'll be meeting with the other MAs in Garden Valley, Texas (about 30 minutes away from Tyler) on June, 13th. Then, two days later on the 15th, the students will be joining us and we will be trained on what we'll be doing in Tyler. During our trip, we'll be serving the people of Tyler through children's ministry and community events. We'll also be using "Personal Evangelism" by having the opportunity to share our testimonies with the people we interact with.
The total cost of this trip will be approximately be $1000. This includes the cost of the trip itself, travel, health insurance, food and lodging. During the next several weeks, I'll be working very hard to raise the funds to go. I wanted to begin by asking you to be a part of this trip with me by helping with the finances. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated, and because Global Expeditions is registered for Non-Profit, your donations will be tax-deductible!
If you'd like to support me, there are a two ways you can donate:
1. Mailing a cheque Simply make the cheque out to Teen Mania and include a donation coupon (please ask me for this) and you can send it to
(If you're Canadian) Teen Mania Canada
Box 472
Bloomfield, ON
K0K 1G0
(If you're from anywhere else) Teen Mania
PO Box 2000
Garden Valley, Texas
75771
2. Online giving If you're Canadian, you can go to this link or if you're American, you can go to this link instead to donate with any major credit card and use my Missionary ID # 2549491
Your support is a key part of the incredible ministry I know will happen in Tyler! If you have any questions at all or want to receive updates on fundraisers and how finances are going, you can shoot me an e-mail at lsayesr@hotmail.com or you can call a Global Expeditions representative at 1 866 545 6239
My goal is to have $400 raised by April 1st, so thank you for your consideration. Your prayer and encouragement will also be cherished!
I know this was another long one, but I really appreciate you taking the time to read this. I'll be adding a page soon about my trip that will include updates.
Thanks for reading!
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