So, I’ve been trying to figure out how to thank you for all the support over these last couple of years. I thought about making a video, or even just posting something of me talking, but I remember just how much some of you stated you enjoyed reading my blogs. So I decided to write this blog to let you know just how much it means that you chose to partner with and support me. So without further ado…
Over the last 2 1/2 years, together we have raised over $26,000! I wanted to share with you all what that actually did…
It sent me out to 12 different countries, 25 states, and over 60 U.S. cities.
What did that look like? It looked like sharing the gospel. Be it preaching in a church in Panama, on a street in the Philippines, or talking to J at the homeless shelter in North Carolina, these last 2 years have been full of sharing the story of Jesus.
It looked like building projects and manual labor. From building a soccer field in Guatemala, to yard work in Portland, to building a play set for a family in Indianapolis, there has been some long lasting work done. You have helped bring change to many different people and communities around the world through your gift.
It looked like feeding the hungry. From passing out food in a village in South Africa, to serving hot food from the back of a truck in the Philippines, to serving in a food bank in Bonham, Texas, to serving meals to the homeless in Phoenix… You played a part in making all those things happen.
It looked like teaching. I loved being able to use my art to help teach children English. It didn’t matter if I was in Guatemala or Indonesia, I was able to find a way to make learning fun and break the language barrier.
It looked like Evangelism. No, I didn’t stand on a street corner with a bull horn, but I did tell people about Jesus Christ. Whether it was driving around in the van and being asked about it, or painting a mural in Malaysia and being able to share our faith with the business owner, we were constantly sharing about the hope we have with those around us.
It looked like Women’s Ministry. We held events in Panama and Cambodia that helped create a desire for christian community among the women there. We came alongside women here in the states, like Elaine and Zaria, and got to encourage and uplift them. We walked alongside women in the homeless shelter in North Carolina that experienced hearing the voice of the Lord for the first time, and saw hope returning.
It looked like Children’s and Youth Ministry. From traveling to a village in Panama to put on a children’s program, to living in a children’s home in Lesotho, to helping out with youth groups here in the states. Your generosity allowed me to be able to go into these places and share the love of Christ with the next generation.
It looks like Anti-Trafficking Ministry. In Swaziland, I went out on Valentine’s Day and share with a couple women what love can look like. In Thailand, I walked the streets at night and prayed over not only the women but also the men who needed it too. In the U.S. I’ve met and talked with women involved in A21 (a global anti trafficking nonprofit) and just encouraged them in the work they are doing.
It has looked like Homeless Ministry. Whether it was buying bread for the children on the streets in Cambodia, or going with the dream center in LA to skid row and handing out snacks, homeless ministry has played a huge role in what I have been doing out on the field.
It has looked like Music Ministry. Music is fun in any language, so it really helped break barriers overseas. Not to mention the blessing it is to help foster an atmosphere of worship everywhere we go. Whether singing children’s songs in Indonesia, worshiping on the beach in California, or just strumming in the living room in Alabama, music has been an integral part of this journey.
It looked like art ministry. I was able to do murals in 3 countries overseas. We were able to walk women through healing during Beauty For Ashes events where we use art to break the language barrier. I have been able to bless people through prophetic art pieces during fundraising and as gifts for hosts during this trip. I’ve also been able to use art as an evangelical tool to help open up conversation with others about God.
It has also looked like Disaster Relief. We were able to go help home repairs needed after a hurricane came through in Panama City, Florida.
And that’s not even half of what has been made possible because of your willingness to support me in this kingdom journey. I have been so blessed to be able to do the things I’ve done, but there have been bonuses too.
Bonuses like being able to see smiling faces like these.
Bonuses like being able to have wild adventures along the way!
Bonuses like these incredible views.
And the biggest bonus of all is the people that will always hold a place in my heart.
I have so much to be thankful for but I want you to know how thankful I truly am for you. I thank God for you, because without you none of this would have been possible. You chose to partner with me in this calling the Lord has placed on my life. You chose to invest yourself, through the resources the God has given you (your energy, your prayers, and your money), in this work that God has called me and that means the world to me. I could not have done this without you.
You may not have known but you also played a part in growing me to trust the Lord’s provision. To trust that He is good and He does provide, because there were times on this that I definitely doubted that. When I left in January for this trip, I had $12 in my bank account. Yet here I am, 9 months later, and still wanting for nothing. Through donations like yours I have seen the love of God towards others and towards myself. Thank you. Thank you for your obedience. Thank you for you generosity. Thank you for everything. I pray that God overflows the baskets when He repays you for your faithfulness. God bless you!
