Update - May 2012 - SWITZERLAND, here I come!

Hola, amigos! Hello friends and family!

As most of you know, after traveling to Mexico as a student on a mission’s trip for 4 years in a row, I’ve been living in Mexico for the past 10 months working with the YWAM Organization. I’d love to share with you what God has been doing and where he is going to take my at this point in my life.

In the summer (June-August 2011), I was able to work as volunteer staff for Mission Adventures – a short-term missions trip for youth – in Ensenada. We were able to take students to many different parts of the city doing ministries and outreaches, build houses, and experience a new culture in a safe and fun, loving environment, build strong relationships, and see many students come to Christ.

 After a short trip back to a few states visiting family, I heard God calling me back to Mexico once again…little did I know, I’d be staying three times longer than I’d planed. During my second time here, I’ve spent about 90% of it working under Tym and Sam Kemp, the YWAM Ensenada Base Directors. As a family of 8, from ages 18-5 years, (not including me) I am their full-time live-in nanny, home school teacher of three, dishwasher, taxi, laundry do-er, and anything else needed! I have enjoyed every second of it! We’ve been able to find a home-group church nearby as well where we’re able to connect with other English-speaking Christians in the community. I’ve had some opportunities to use my photography skills for some of the staffs’ engagements, pregnancies, weddings, and musical opportunities. I’ve also had more opportunities to go and staff MA on weekends and certain weeks when teams come in and to been a part of house builds and outreaches for many families, be a part of the worship services, and meet the locals in the colonials. It’s such an encouragement to be able to lead these church groups into the selflessness of becoming a servant.

Because of my past relationships during Summer Staffing, one huge door has opened up this month for me this coming summer. My previous leaders Jean-Philippe and Sarvia Godin have offered to take me as summer staff for Mission Adventures Burtigny, Switzerland. There, I will have the opportunity to work under these incredible spiritual leaders and friends, reaching the Swiss youth and taking them on an outreach to Romania from June 25-July 25. This is an answer to many, many months of prayer of seeking the Lord on my next step for my future, and I’ve been given so much conformation that this is where I should go.

In preparation for my journey, I am seeking support both financially and in prayer. In order to get there, I will need to raise around $900 for my plane ticket by the end of May/beginning of June. So far, I have $150 raised! Praise Jesus! Because it is all volunteer missionary work, I will need to pay staff fees of around $900 (800 francs) which includes food, room and travel expenses - no extra for living expenses. Would you consider supporting me in getting to this new season in my life and spreading the gospel of Christ to Europe? It would be an honor and privilege to spread God’s kingdom with your help and I would be so grateful! If you cannot support financially, prayer for finances, warfare, heath, safety and provision is always appreciated!

I appreciate your thoughts and prayers for my support.

Much love and Christ's Blessings -
Rachel