The Journey Begins

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

No, I haven't left the country yet but that doesn't mean I haven't begun the adventure! Summer of 2011 planted the small seed in my mind of the possibility of going on an over sea's mission trip. While I was extremely interested, the business of a new job and stresses of moving from our farm house of 23 years to a log cabin in the woods took priority. The idea of going to Thailand, however, never left.

Fast forward a few months into my fourth semester of college and third year of working with the SR High youth group. Announcements of the Thailand trip were underway and applications available. While the trip was for High School students, I knew they would need leaders. I pondered, prayed and gnawed over the prospective and finally took an application a week before they were due. Nate and I discussed the trip, and we both concluded that God was really speaking to us both about going. While ministry and missions are both Nate and I's passion, we both feel we have been called overseas... wherever that may be!

Ryan Snyder, the director of youth ministry and head of the trip not only readily accepted our desire to go as leaders, but was excited for our opportunity to learn and grow in the field we are called to. He paired us each with experienced missionaries assisting us on the trip, Ed and Carol Scheureman, who lived in Thailand for many years. Not only are we leading on this trip, but also learning much.

Two Thailand team meetings have already come and gone, with another quickly approaching. With it has come the preparation of our trip such as passports, travel itinerary, and raising support. I have my passport application filled out and sitting on my dresser ready to go to be confirmed, and the dates of the trip asked off for work! Now I need to begin raising my support from... well... you!

Our team to Thailand is not just composed of the 25 of us going, but also of each of our families, friends, co-workers, church members and brothers and sisters in Christ. We need your prayer and support as we begin the spiritual, mental and emotional journey that will very soon take us on a 36 hour flight to Thailand! And yes, let us address the white elephant in the room. I do need monetary support as well.

The entire trip will cost me between $2,600 and $2,800 dollars for the 15 day adventure. We will be leaving PA July 15 and arriving back home (Lord willing!) July 30th. On our trip we will be assisting fellow missionaries in their local work, as well as teaching ESL (english as a second language) to students, ministering to hill tribes, visiting an orphanage and prayer walking around the city.

Since I threw so much information at you at once on this post, I will be sure to update as much as possible on the progress of our meetings, my support, and eventually what happens while on my trip!
If you are interested in receiving a support letter from me, feel free to shoot me an e-mail!!
brinkofdawn@gmail.com

Thank you friends and fellow journeymen for joining me on this exciting adventure we call life!