Growing up in church I had always wanted to go on missions trips. I like to travel, experience new cultures, and to help others out that were in need. The passion that I had for missions came up when I was the age of 10. I did a missions projects for AWANA's, and did mine on Africa. I think that it is kind of ironic that almost 10 years ago I did a missions project on Africa, and am now able to actually go there.

 

My first missions trip that I had ever done was when I went to New Orleans and to Gulfport, Mississippi. Gulfport is the place where we stayed during the nights. I was part of the kitchen crew that went down there for Hurricane Katrina relief. We fed the men, women, and teens that went out to do the rebuilding of houses and other projects. I went one night with a group that was going to Bourben Street in New Orleans to witness to people. During that night we were told to had out Bibles to people that we came in contact with on the street. I came across a gentlemen that was from Jamaica. I spoke with him for awhile on how the hurricane had affected him, why he came to New Orleans, and then I shared Christ with him. He prayed with me and accepted Christ into his life. I gave him the Bible, and prayed with him again that he find a church to attend and stay connected to that church.

 

I have not heard from him since then. I was the age of 17 when all that happened. From then my passion for missions grew even more after that. I volunteered to do things around my own community. Went to nursing homes, helped out at the soup kitchen, raised funds for kids that their only meal was the meal at school and would be hungry the rest of the day due to lack of income in their home, I participated in the 30 Hour Famine that World Vision does and raised food to give to the homeless shelter, and many other things. God has given me a deep passion for people and all I want to do is help them in any sort of way that I can. I love to do the work of the Lord. 

 

God has blessed my life so much. I believe that we are not to keep blessings for oursleves, but that we are to share them with others. I believe that is one reason why we go on missions trips. To bless other people, other countries, and share the love of Christ with them. He is the ultimate blessing that anyone can ever receive.

 

I am excited about how God is going to use me this summer in Africa. I know that he is going to do amazing things for the people over there. I am grateful for the support from family, friends, and my church. Being unemployed in search for a job, and not getting anywhere on that is tough. Though,  I know that God is faithful and provides for His children. He called me to go on this trip, so I know that He will provide. It is truly amazing in the way that God works!

 

God Bless you guys!