I apologize for not having written in awhile. I've been trying to put together a yard sale, with the proceeds going towards this trip, and I just got back from vacation as well.
I went to visit family in Missouri, whom I hadn't visited since 2005. 7 years! For me, it was quite a relaxing time, and a bit eye opening as well.
I attended church with family on Easter Sunday, at a church a considerable bit smaller than the one I go to. The first thing I noticed when I walked in though, was that for such a small church, they sponsored quite a few missionary families, I'd say maybe 10. I was amazed! A church of approximately 140 members supporting 10 families all over the world! God is truly working through this church!
I was lucky enough to hear an update from one of their missionaries who recently returned from a 6 month trip to Haiti. After church, I ran up to her, because I wanted to talk to her about her experiences. I explained that while my church sends short term mission teams out all the time, but this would be my first trip, and asked if she had any advice for me.
We discussed her experiences as a missionary. She and her husband live in Missouri for 6 months, then move back to Haiti for 6 months, and have done this for the past several years. Both places are now home to them. She has helped to establish an orphanage in Haiti, and in special cases, raises money to bring the critically ill to the USA to seek medical treatment. She could not imagine her life being any more full right now, and would hate it if it were any less.
As for her advice for me, she told me to be incredibly flexible, but at the same time, to be myself. So many times missionaries go to these places, and have to 'live up to being model Christians', which eventually depresses the missionaries, and leaves those that they are helping let down. I cannot put on a front that I am perfect, when I am not. I am still a work in progress myself, and need to be able to show that as I teach the gospel to those who do not know it. James 1:2-3 tells me to consider it joy when I face trials because my testing through those trial produces perseverance. But verse 4 teaches "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything." I will continue to be a work in progress, and will continue to strive towards perfection, though I may fall short...but all of this is to mature me in my walk of faith.
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Right now, I am a bit discouraged. Team Red had a great meeting last night, and we are bonding as a team quite well. We had a language lesson from a Slavic woman who now lives in our area, and it was really cool to hear the language we will soon be surrounded by. As for the discouragement, we got our monetary progress reports last night, and I still have A LOT of fund raising to do. I am now one third of the way to my goal, but if I don't bring in a lot more funds here in the near future, my plane ticket cannot be purchased. Right now, all of our tickets are reserved, but have a deadline for payment.
I am faithful that God answers prayer, especially those submit my more than one person. Would you please pray that I am able to bring in the funds for my trip? I appreciate the support I've been given, through this blog as well as in the real world, and having folks who have my back is ALWAYS reassuring.
Hence, the reason for our yard sale. I am now going through outgrown kiddio clothes, books I read but no longer need, DVDs we just don't watch anymore...all sorts of things that are doing nothing but collecting dust in our home, but can help buy my trip plane ticket. It's quite exciting, to be purging everything that I have, so that I may go and do His work, I'm just hoping it all pays off (and I will be joining my team on the trip)!
Once again, (shameless plug) if you are willing and able to donate an offering of support to the trip, please click the link at the top left of the page. You will then be sent to a secure payment page, where you can donate to the Prague Short Term Mission Trip, in the name YONNA, and I will be credited. Thank you so much, even for just considering this option.
Hoping to write again soon with some good news! In the meanwhile, be sure to stop over at The Mudrik's Blog and check out what they've been up to...pretty good stuff!
Showing posts with label Moodring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Moodring. Show all posts
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
We are NOT going for Jesus...
We are going WITH Him.
We are going to do His work right by His side, just as He will be along ours. He tells us so in Matthew 29:20: "And surely I am WITH YOU always, to the very end of the age".
These were the words that struck me last night as I sat in on the meeting where I'd eventually meet the rest of my team. About 50-60 people gathered in the room where display boards and colorful pamphlets had been neatly placed, along with 3 ring binders with the names of the places where the teams would go. Red for Europe, Orange for North America, Blue for Latin America, Green for Africa and Yellow for Asia. Of course, we were told to sit at any open chair at a table, as they were not yet splitting us up by group.
I chose to sit at one of the tables, and in speaking with those there, found myself surrounded by both veteran mission trippers, and newcomers as well, which made me very comfortable. I was secretly hoping that my own group would be the same in make up; that we'd have veterans, as well as a first timer to share my experiences with.
After a prayer and an icebreaker, we sat and discussed some of the basics of the trips. I found that I had been one of the first people chosen to go on one of the trips (I turned my application in as soon as I could after they had been released), and that they had still been interviewing people for the trips, as late as just before the meeting began.
One of the biggest things we talked about last night was health issues. Not only do we want everyone healthy during the trip, but we want to make sure that everyone stays healthy enough to go! Immediately, I put a reminder in my phone to make an appointment with my own doctor, so that I could get a check up, and make sure that my asthma is in check before I go. I also need to see a dentist, since we all know that one little toothache can kill anyone's good time anywhere in the world. I am so grateful that we have doctors in my church who are not only willing to share this information and their services with us, but are actually going on these trips with us, to serve just as we will. We were given reminders and tips (with more to come, I'm sure) to keep all original prescription containers (boxes for my inhaler and daily meds), to pack those in carry ons, to bring about 25% more than we think we will need; bring a personal first aid kit and pain medications; walk around on long airplane flights to prevent bloodclots, etc., etc.
Also, explained briefly, was the issue of fundraising. While each person is to make efforts to raise their own funds, we are working as a team. For instance, let's say that I work hard, but only get 75% of my funds raised. Another person on my team may raise more than enough, and then would be able to share their donations with me, ensuring that I am able to participate fully. Your donations will not go to waste. They will be used fully, to ensure that all needs are taken care of. Also, periodically, we will be given a tally of how we are doing (financially), as well as who gave (amounts don't matter here!)...so please, if you plan to donate in my name (or for my team) share with us who you are. I would personally like to thank you for your gift, and keep you up to date on what is being done with your funds.
Finally, we were asked to gather in our groups to finally meet and greet one another...I was so FIRED UP to meet mine! I had already been given the head's up that we'd have a pretty small group, but that's cool with me. I see it as an opportunity to be a tight knit group. Last year, there were 81 people who went on one of the trips, so I am sure that not every person got to have one on one time with all of their travel mates.
Disclaimer: Once meeting my group, I did inform them of this blog, and asked their permission to use them in the blog. I may or may not use their real names, but the experiences we share, along with some of their personal thoughts will be used. From each of them, I was given permission, though at any time, if they are uncomfortable with the information I release, I may edit the blog with revised information.
As I mentioned before, I knew of my team coordinator, as she was one of my interviewers. "Liz" is someone I have seen around the church quite often, as she serves in great capacities there. Her son "Taylor" will also join us on the trip, though he wasn't at the meeting last night. Taylor is completing his third year in college now, and joined our group by phone last night. This is cool, because it will be the first trip that Liz and Taylor have ever taken together, and he is using it as a learning experience. Taylor and I met about a year and a half ago at the North American Christian Convention, where we both served as a part of the Worship Team; I as a singer, and he as a musician. He's a cool and talented guy, and I look forward to sharing this experience with them.
"Jeff" is another servant I have seen around church, and can now include a name with his face. He is going on this trip because he wants to serve the Mudrik's themselves. He once went on a business trip to Rome, and had some downtime, so he wanted to find some missionaries in the area. After contacting home to find out who was in the area, he met the family, went to dinner with them, and found out that they had never had anyone come and seek them out, just to show them support. "Cheryl" is another woman going on our team that shares in this feeling with Jeff; she has the heart to go and serve the Mudrik's, and provide them with whatever support they need. After reading the Mudrik's Blog, I, too, feel compelled to go, and be for them whatever they may need (my daughter is also wanting to serve them, and suggests that we send some goodies over for their children!).
"Phil" has been a member of our church for years, and actually taught one of the classes The Mudrik's attended when they were members of our church, back when they were newlyweds (before the children and the move to Prague), and has a relationship with them already, and can't wait to go and serve them, and see what their life is like, now that they are parents, and teachers.
"Becci" is another who, like myself, had intentions on going on another trip, but God felt that she'd better serve with the team in Prague. As it turns out, He knows best, because she LOVES carpentry and building, which could be alot of what we will be doing on this trip.
As it stands right now, this is our team. Right now, there are about 70 people being sent on the Mountain On 5 (MO5) mission, but there are a few more still being interviewed (Reminds me of Luke 10*!). We may have one or two more join us within the next week, but its still looking like we will be the smallest group being sent out. I look forward to getting to know these folks, growing as a team with them, and preparing our hearts to go out into this world as The Hands and Feet of Him, collectively. When you support me, in finances or in prayer, you also support them, as well as The Mudrik's. We look forward to adding your name to our team.
Let's Go, Team Red!
So, is there anything else you'd like to know about our team? Anything you'd like to know about The Mudrik family? Myself? Our trip to the Czech Republic? Please ask! Comment away! Let me know what you think, feel, or suggest anything you'd like me to blog about. You are taking this journey with Team Red, and I want to make sure you feel welcomed. You are the reason why this blog is here, as YOU are The Hands and Feet of Him as well! Comment away!
*Luke 10:1-3: After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
We are going to do His work right by His side, just as He will be along ours. He tells us so in Matthew 29:20: "And surely I am WITH YOU always, to the very end of the age".
These were the words that struck me last night as I sat in on the meeting where I'd eventually meet the rest of my team. About 50-60 people gathered in the room where display boards and colorful pamphlets had been neatly placed, along with 3 ring binders with the names of the places where the teams would go. Red for Europe, Orange for North America, Blue for Latin America, Green for Africa and Yellow for Asia. Of course, we were told to sit at any open chair at a table, as they were not yet splitting us up by group.
I chose to sit at one of the tables, and in speaking with those there, found myself surrounded by both veteran mission trippers, and newcomers as well, which made me very comfortable. I was secretly hoping that my own group would be the same in make up; that we'd have veterans, as well as a first timer to share my experiences with.
After a prayer and an icebreaker, we sat and discussed some of the basics of the trips. I found that I had been one of the first people chosen to go on one of the trips (I turned my application in as soon as I could after they had been released), and that they had still been interviewing people for the trips, as late as just before the meeting began.
One of the biggest things we talked about last night was health issues. Not only do we want everyone healthy during the trip, but we want to make sure that everyone stays healthy enough to go! Immediately, I put a reminder in my phone to make an appointment with my own doctor, so that I could get a check up, and make sure that my asthma is in check before I go. I also need to see a dentist, since we all know that one little toothache can kill anyone's good time anywhere in the world. I am so grateful that we have doctors in my church who are not only willing to share this information and their services with us, but are actually going on these trips with us, to serve just as we will. We were given reminders and tips (with more to come, I'm sure) to keep all original prescription containers (boxes for my inhaler and daily meds), to pack those in carry ons, to bring about 25% more than we think we will need; bring a personal first aid kit and pain medications; walk around on long airplane flights to prevent bloodclots, etc., etc.
Also, explained briefly, was the issue of fundraising. While each person is to make efforts to raise their own funds, we are working as a team. For instance, let's say that I work hard, but only get 75% of my funds raised. Another person on my team may raise more than enough, and then would be able to share their donations with me, ensuring that I am able to participate fully. Your donations will not go to waste. They will be used fully, to ensure that all needs are taken care of. Also, periodically, we will be given a tally of how we are doing (financially), as well as who gave (amounts don't matter here!)...so please, if you plan to donate in my name (or for my team) share with us who you are. I would personally like to thank you for your gift, and keep you up to date on what is being done with your funds.
Finally, we were asked to gather in our groups to finally meet and greet one another...I was so FIRED UP to meet mine! I had already been given the head's up that we'd have a pretty small group, but that's cool with me. I see it as an opportunity to be a tight knit group. Last year, there were 81 people who went on one of the trips, so I am sure that not every person got to have one on one time with all of their travel mates.
Disclaimer: Once meeting my group, I did inform them of this blog, and asked their permission to use them in the blog. I may or may not use their real names, but the experiences we share, along with some of their personal thoughts will be used. From each of them, I was given permission, though at any time, if they are uncomfortable with the information I release, I may edit the blog with revised information.
As I mentioned before, I knew of my team coordinator, as she was one of my interviewers. "Liz" is someone I have seen around the church quite often, as she serves in great capacities there. Her son "Taylor" will also join us on the trip, though he wasn't at the meeting last night. Taylor is completing his third year in college now, and joined our group by phone last night. This is cool, because it will be the first trip that Liz and Taylor have ever taken together, and he is using it as a learning experience. Taylor and I met about a year and a half ago at the North American Christian Convention, where we both served as a part of the Worship Team; I as a singer, and he as a musician. He's a cool and talented guy, and I look forward to sharing this experience with them.
"Jeff" is another servant I have seen around church, and can now include a name with his face. He is going on this trip because he wants to serve the Mudrik's themselves. He once went on a business trip to Rome, and had some downtime, so he wanted to find some missionaries in the area. After contacting home to find out who was in the area, he met the family, went to dinner with them, and found out that they had never had anyone come and seek them out, just to show them support. "Cheryl" is another woman going on our team that shares in this feeling with Jeff; she has the heart to go and serve the Mudrik's, and provide them with whatever support they need. After reading the Mudrik's Blog, I, too, feel compelled to go, and be for them whatever they may need (my daughter is also wanting to serve them, and suggests that we send some goodies over for their children!).
"Phil" has been a member of our church for years, and actually taught one of the classes The Mudrik's attended when they were members of our church, back when they were newlyweds (before the children and the move to Prague), and has a relationship with them already, and can't wait to go and serve them, and see what their life is like, now that they are parents, and teachers.
"Becci" is another who, like myself, had intentions on going on another trip, but God felt that she'd better serve with the team in Prague. As it turns out, He knows best, because she LOVES carpentry and building, which could be alot of what we will be doing on this trip.
As it stands right now, this is our team. Right now, there are about 70 people being sent on the Mountain On 5 (MO5) mission, but there are a few more still being interviewed (Reminds me of Luke 10*!). We may have one or two more join us within the next week, but its still looking like we will be the smallest group being sent out. I look forward to getting to know these folks, growing as a team with them, and preparing our hearts to go out into this world as The Hands and Feet of Him, collectively. When you support me, in finances or in prayer, you also support them, as well as The Mudrik's. We look forward to adding your name to our team.
Let's Go, Team Red!
So, is there anything else you'd like to know about our team? Anything you'd like to know about The Mudrik family? Myself? Our trip to the Czech Republic? Please ask! Comment away! Let me know what you think, feel, or suggest anything you'd like me to blog about. You are taking this journey with Team Red, and I want to make sure you feel welcomed. You are the reason why this blog is here, as YOU are The Hands and Feet of Him as well! Comment away!
*Luke 10:1-3: After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Welcome...Here We Go!
So...for the past few years, I have wanted to take an STM, or Short Term Missions trip. I watched as teams from my churches came and went, and felt myself wanting to go and serve as well. I never really looked into it, since I am a single mom and all (what about the kids? what about the cost?). Then, I moved and changed churches, and the church I am now a member of is BIG on Glocal Missions (global and local...ya like that, huh?). After seeing so many people return from times of service, I felt an even greater pull on my heart to go and serve...so I began praying about it. (Isaiah 6:8, "Here am I. Send Me.")
And here I am...now blogging about my first upcoming experience!
It is my plan to keep this updated as much as possible with the process leading up to the trip. To start, let me post the letter of support I am emailing...and we can go from there:
And here I am...now blogging about my first upcoming experience!
It is my plan to keep this updated as much as possible with the process leading up to the trip. To start, let me post the letter of support I am emailing...and we can go from there:
Hello there!
2011 was a great year for the kiddios and I. We moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and everyone is happy and doing well at their schools and job. We were blessed with a great home to live in, and a wonderful church family; though we don’t have a lot, we certainly do have enough. What more could we ask for?
I am writing you today to let you know what an exciting year 2012 will be for me. I have been invited to participate on a short term missions trip with Mountain Christian Church to The Prague, Czech Republic this summer. I am ON FIRE with excitement about this, as I have wanted to serve in this way for years!
From Operation World: “The Czech Republic has had quite a long and turbulent religious history. Believers suffered, especially under the Communist regime.” The freedom they have since gained has resulted in a significant ‘falling away’ of religious influence, to the point where the country is now over 70% non-religious. Can you imagine living in such an area, where beautiful churches are used as concert halls and theaters, yet never to be the house of God?
From June 22 to July 6, my team and I have been charged to go and help Marek and Elaine Mudrick and their family, who have been living and teaching in the Czech Republic for years now. With my own personal experience as a school teacher, I am hoping to use those skills to assist their ministry through their “UpWord Project”, which allows access to the public education system, helping to further language studies and multicultural education, among other things. We will also participate in the construction of the Rivenhill Retreat Center, and meeting the local needs of the ministry with cleaning, organizing, and LOTS of prayer walking!
It is such an honor and privilege to go on this trip and I am humbled by the opportunity to do so. Would you consider partnering with the team and myself on this journey? If so, you can serve our team by praying for us, making a financial contribution, or both. You can donate financially by going to https://www.nfpsystems.com/contrib/contrib.asp?org=139 Short Term Missions, and specify Europe/Rayona Young. Your support, in any capacity, will be most appreciated.
Thank you so much for your consideration in helping me fulfill not only a personal dream, but also God’s call to The Prague. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.
Gratefully,
Rayona
So...there we go. It's a beginning. I can't wait to go on this trip of service! I have been researching and blog following (the Mudrik's have a blog, http://mudriks.blogspot.com/ ), praying and researching some more, all to make sure that I am ready to go and be The Hands and Feet of God.
I look forward to this journey, and hope that you'll join me every step of the way!
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