The excitement begins...HERE!

WEEEEE!

Here we go, about to begin another whirlwind of trainings, meetings and prayer, and I am so excited about every little bit of it.  I've gotten my brochures, set up my donations page (see the link at the left, if you're interested and able to help out financially!  Just be sure to specify 'Mexico - Rayona' when you do).  My support letter is ready to go out, and I am already on a prayer plan for this trip.  I've spoken to the trip leader, and let him know that I got word, and am officially on the trip, and he says "great.  Let's chat before the group meets, because I have something in mind for you", which is really cool.  God obviously had a need, and knew that I could be used for that, and I am grateful, for whatever it may be.

Below, you will find my letter asking for support.  While finances are needed, I would appreciate your prayers even more.  This is another go round of short term missions for me, and God is truly at work!

Hello there!

I am writing you today to let you know what an exciting year 2013 will be for me.  Again, I have been invited to participate on a short term missions trip with Mountain Christian Church; this time, I’ll be off to Puebla, Mexico.  I am quite excited about this, as I truly love having the opportunity to be ‘the hands and feet of God’ by serving others not only here locally, but also globally!

From August 10 to 18, my team and I have been charged to go and help Christian Missionary Fellowship International with their outreach program on a college campus in Cholula, Puebla in Mexico.   With my personal experience of running Campus Life and Diversity Programs at my university, I hope to be able to best use my skills to reach out to the students there, and help to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.   We will participate in first week/orientation outreach, 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 www.mountaincc.org and clicking on ‘Online Giving’ at the top of the page.  Once there, click “Don’t Attend Mountain’, Short Term Missions, and specify Mexico/Rayona Young.  Your support, in any capacity, will be most appreciated.

I am very thankful to God for blessing me as richly as He has and am excited to use the talents He has given me to serve some very needy people in Jesus’ name.  Our Team will host a post-trip celebration soon after our return.  This will be an opportunity to share stories and photos illustrating God’s faithfulness on our trip.  I will let you know the date, time and location soon

Thank you so much for your consideration in helping me fulfill not only a personal dream, but more importantly God’s call in Puebla, Mexico.  Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Gratefully,

Rayona 

Back at it again!

Long time no see, dear reader!

Please accept my apology for not being around more, or providing more updates from the Prague trip. I certainly hope to remedy that soon.

I am writing now because I just received news that I have been accepted onto the team going to Mexico late this summer! PRAISE GOD! After last year's trip (which was AMAZING, by the way) I knew in my heart that serving God in this way is something I want to do again and again.

After thought and a bit of logic, I figured that a one week trip would be better on my kids, as well as my job, since my position there changed. I am offered vacation time and pay, however, I cannot take 2 weeks at once again. That's quite alright though, because God had a plan for me, and where'd I'd be going...He knew all along that it would work out to His favor...and mine!

So be on the lookout for new blogs over here, with pictures, countdowns, interviews and everything else that you have come to know of me. Also, I'll be touching upon my 'ninja packing' methods, since I am really only trying to take my carry on for this trip (of course, team items won't count as a carry on, but I'm talking about my personal bag), as well as other short term missions opportunities.

 In the end, I just want to say thank you for still being around. I appreciate that you have taken an interest in whatever brought you here, and the fact that you're still around. HERE WE GO (again)!!

<3,
~yonna

MO5 "This Is Life" Video from Mountain Christian Church on Vimeo.
Here is the video that my church put together, as a sort of collage of all of the trips that were going on at once. Look closely, and you'll see a familiar face a time or two (and some bright red hair as well!). And thanks for being so patient with me. I am not only still recovering from jet lag, but also trying to process my 're-entry' back into my regular life after mission.

CHVALA BOH...Today is the Day!

It's here.

Throughout the night, I've been half sleeping.  I'm excited!  I would wake up and begin thinking about all kinds of things, pray to myself, and hope to go back to sleep for another (short) period of time...

The Mountain On 5 movement has begun.  On Wednesday, we had a small team return from a short trip to China.  Thursday, our Southeast Asia/Yellow team took off.  Just a few hours ago, the Kenya/Green team met at church,and as I type this at 7:47am EST, they are on the plane, ready to take flight.  Both groups had a team of well wishers at church, ready to send them off with a cheer.  Tomorrow, at 4:30am, both the Mexico/Blue team, and Arizona/Green teams will be meeting at church for their send off.

Team Red/Europe meets at church today at 3pm, which honestly, is a really great time to be meeting.  The middle of the day; I can still run last minute errands, have a great breakfast, and spend time with folks I love before I go.

I am still excited.  I am hoping to feel this way all day...instead of the nervous/anxious mess that I could be.

Team Red is prepared.  We have packed.  We have prayed. We are unified and we are ready to work.

LET'S GO!

~thank you all for the support, prayer and love you have shown Team Red so far.  It is greatly appreciated.

CHVALA BOH,
(Praise God),

~yonna

A Quick Check in...

I know its been a minute, but believe me, I am still doing his work.

I have gone to the doctor,and let him know that I am going on this trip.  He checked his information, and because the Czech Republic is well developed, I shouldn't need any special medications or shots or anything.  If I am feeling unsure, he referred me to a travel medicine center for a check up. (Unfortunately, this center isn't covered by my insurance, so unless a flex spending account would cover its payment, I won't be going.  Just being honest.)  He has put me on different meds for my asthma, to make sure that is regulated well, ensuring that I won't have problems while there.  Also, I have been working out, and he's put me on a strict diet and I've undergone blood work to rule out a few different issues within me.  Basically, I want to be as healthy as possible when I get there, so I can focus on what I need to: serving.

On Wednesday, I meet again with my team.  From what I've heard, we have grown from a team of 7 to a team of 10, and I am excited to meet the new members.  It was also mentioned that someone of these new members is a master carpenter, which is great...because I can put together IKEA products, and hang pictures well...but that's the extent of my carpentry expertise, lol.

I will also get an update on fundraising.  I have humbly mailed and emailed fundraising efforts, I have made a Facebook page; I have even added a link on this blog (in the upper left hand corner, check it out!) requesting donations.  It is my hope that in supporting this blog, you are also willing to give as you can to this mission trip.  I will be sending personal thank you's as soon as I am notified of my donors, and I look forward to writing everyone.

There is much to do!  Just looking at the date, 4months from today, my team and I will be there, and working for His good! EXCITING!

Again, I thank you for your support.  If there is anything you want to ask, suggest or if you just want me to know you've stopped by, please comment.  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Mark 1:17...when He said 'Follow Me", who knew I'd be following Him to Europe? 

We may not have a lot, but we have more than enough

Tonight was my first time going to a meeting of our GO (Global Outreach) Ministry.  This is the ministry that runs the Glocal Missions program at my church.  It was an eye opening experience, that's for sure.

As I walked in, I saw a few people that I knew by face, but had never really connected with.  This is quite possible, since my church has close to five thousand members.  We have a Saturday afternoon service, 3 services on Sunday mornings at our main campus, and 2 other services at our satellite campus to serve all of these members.  Even though I am on the worship team, and see alot of the members from the stage, I still don't know every face...so I was a little nervous and shy...which is completely out of my character!  Luckily, one of the few faces that I did know invited me to a place at their table, and began to talk with me, and introduced me to others at the table.

I looked around the room, and saw the information about the different missions trips that were being planned for they year, and instantly got excited.

Anyway...that is not the point of this entry...my heart is.

At this monthly meeting, a meal is served.  I learned that every time the meal is offered, it is from a different region of the world.  Tonight's meal was made by a couple in the church who were originally from Burma.  They offered us a traditional Thai meal, something I have always tried to stay away from, thinking that it would be spicy (and I can't handle spice).  It was AMAZING!  Certainly, I have had a mind change there.  Each person was asked to give an offering of $2.20.  An odd number, I thought...and then it was explained.  It is based on Colossians 2:20, "Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules". Of course, the scriptures go on to explain what these rules were, such as not touching, not tasting...so since dying to self, and being born again into Christ, we no longer have to follow  the rules of the world.  We are supposed to handle and taste and touch all of these things that God has made...

okay...I am getting a little off topic.  Anyway, $2.20.  First of all, most of the world can feed itself on $2.20 a day.  A DAY!  I often can't even spend that little on coffee, let alone an entire meal.  And it was a great and filling meal at that...

And I am full as I type this.  Which makes me think...I just paid $2.20 for a meal, and got my fill.  What a blessing to be able to go to bed, and sleep comfortably, versus going to bed to forget about hunger.  

Makes me think of other things I take for granted...like how I am overweight.  How my gas tank is between a quarter of a tank and half.  How I went to college, and now go to work everyday to take care of my family's needs.  How I am a single mom, taking care of my 3 kids. 

I could be like others in this world.  I am overweight because I have plenty to eat...whereas there are others

who don't.  My lack of gas for the week means I have a car...92% of the rest of the world does not.  I

went to school and got a degree to get a good job...while there are kids around the world who cannot go 

to school, because they need to work.  And I may be a single mom to my kids...but at least they are not 

orphaned and left to fend for themselves.

I have been blessed with abundance, even when it doesn't look/feel like it.

^{1 Timothy 1: 13} Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown 

mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me 

abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that 

deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

From the beginning...

I guess I should begin at the beginning (duh) of how I got onto the team going to Europe.


My church has a Glocal (Global and Local) outreach ministry that is serious about serving the needs of others around the world.  They have been charged with making sure that those who are sent to serve do so with a pure heart.  Afterall, the purpose of these short term missions (STM) trips are to serve!


Once I had it in my head that going on an STM trip was something I wanted to do, I seriously prayed about it.  This is a huge deal, and I didn't want to go into it blindly.  I talked to others who had gone on trips about their experiences, and they were real with me.  "Not everyone can do it", "When you know  you're called to go, you WILL know" were some of the things they told me.  There was even one woman who told me"while it sounds great, that just isn't something that's on my hear to do".  Clearly, this has been on my heart for years, but it was never the right time.


Well, the Glocal team was pushing a new thing, called MO5. This stands for Mountain (my church) on 5 different continents/regions of the world.  There are needs that need to be served everywhere in the world, and we are planning to send 5 teams out at the same time.  Teams will be going to Mexico (North America), Arizona (USA, North America), Mathare Valley in Nairobi, Kenya (Africa), Southeast Asia (exact location is not being made public, for the safety of the team), and Prague, Czech Republic (Europe), which is where I will be going.


Of course, when I finally felt the call to go on a missions trip, I just knew I'd be going to Kenya...but clearly, God had other plans for me.  I'll talk more about that in a later blog...


So I filled out the extensive (12 pages!) application, prayed and turned it in.  I had gone to an informational session to hear about the different works that would be done on the trips, and had scheduled my interview.  These trips are pretty popular, and we even have some people who a veteran STM servants, which is why interviews are needed.  The ministry staff wants to make sure that the people who are sent on these trips know that this isn't a vacation; that they are spiritually ready for the task; that those who go on the trips know what they are getting into and can handle the stresses that come along with being a missionary.


So I prayed and prayed...and asked for prayers, and had my impatient and anxious moments...and then i finally got my notice.  I was accepted onto the team!


Now I am sending out e-mails, drafting a letter to send out snail mail with an insert to describe my trip to supporters and praying, still, to be prepared for this trip.  Net week, I will be attending the Glocal Ministry's monthly meeting, to hear what they have been up to, and what plans I can help out with.  I don't yet know who else is on my team with me, but I have met our leader (I had no idea at the time, but she was one of my 3 interviewers!).  All of the teams meet together at the end of the month for a big celebration, and then we will begin team building on a monthly basis.  Just before we leave, we will be meeting more and more often, to learn personalities and conflict resolution styles, etc.


I look forward to these next 5 and a half months, and cannot wait to embark on this journey.  Glad to have you along for the ride!

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:

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!