Joel's YWAM Fund

Hello~ :)

For six weeks, I've been here at YWAM Kona being dramaticallyrocked by the love of Jesus!  I've seen the Holy Spirit working through me and all of those around me. I've witnessed God's awesome miracles being done in not only others, but also myself.  Ever since I was 7 years old, I've had a fatty tumor in my neck. It's always been there.  Last week, the speaker we had in class asked if anyone had a tumor, to come up so we could pray for them. But before anyone even prayed for me, my tumor was gone.  God is awesome. He works in incredible ways!    This is just one example of all the awesome things that God is doing here. 

I've been privilaged (and almost spoiled) to be part of the media team here on campus releasing videos to an audience of over 30,000 viewers! I'm also privilaged to showcase my gifts and talents here such as my musicianhood by leading worship every Sunday night!  Coming here, somebody once told me to not make plans for after my DTS (descipleship training school)..  Now I understand why.  I've grown so much over these last 6 weeks.. I am now able to hear God's voice so much clearer. He talks to me. He guides me. He comforts me. And sometimes, he even shares his plan to me for my future.  He is my best friend. His love is so incredibly beautiful and overflowing that I can't keep myself from sharing it with others when I'm out in the streets or in public. 

The first time I heard about YWAM was when Andy Byrd (my school leader) came and spoke at my local church. I remember watching him and listening to him speak about God. He would do it with such passion  that the whole place was made aware of the Holy Spirit's presense in the room.  I remember thinking "I want that joy!" ...  Now, I find myself witnessing to others without even trying..  I'm simply being. Words flow out of my lips without hesitation. I am so in love with God that I can't hold it back. 

Here is a little bit of me sharing the Gospel:

https://vimeo.com/185764389

  In about a month, God will be sending me to France to share the Gospel and his love to this nation.  I will be doing hands-on mission work such as street evangelism, counseling, children ministries, teaching, and church/community service projects with the people of France AND will be directly working with the Syrian refugees.

The reason for my writing is to humbly ask for your support, first and foremost, through prayer. Please pray that the Lord will work in and through me to touch the lives others. Also pray for my spiritual and emotional readiness, the preparation of my heart and the hearts of the people who I will encounter while I am in training and on the mission field, and for meeting the financial needs of this YWAM experience.
The other way I would welcome your support is financially. In total, the 6-month experience of training, outreach and airfare, will cost upwards of $11,000.  With help, lots of dedication, and many personal sacrifices & investments, I have my school fully payed for. Though, I am still in need of funding for my outreach phase.  I have worked very hard and will continue working until my goal is met, and would be grateful to have your partnership in raising the other half for my outreach.  :)

I am extremely humbled and honored by this new opportunity that God has given me. I cannot wait to see what the Lord is going to do in these upcoming months.

-Here is a short video that I made of my class when we were praying for all Nations:

https://www.facebook.com/ywamkona/videos/1471759372853154/

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More Info:

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) is a missional organization that focuses on mentoring and training youth to be sent out to the ends of the earth as the hands and feet of Christ. YWAM’s goal is to “know God and make Him known”.
This program consists of two parts: DTS (Disciple Training School) Lecture Phase, and Outreach Phase.
Here is a video that shows you where I am currently studying and what a DTS is made up of.

https://www.facebook.com/ywamkona/videos/1333362070026219/