Michael's Mission Trip to Piura, Peru

Hello everyone, it's Michael Phelps, Jr. and I am excited to be participating in another life-changing journey. During the summer of 2012 I had the privilege of traveling to Europe as a Student Ambassador with the People To People Student Ambassador Program. I was able to visit and study in six different countries; Ireland, Wales, England, France, Belgium and Holland. That experience has strengthened my maturity, independence and level of responsibility. I had a wonderful time and I've gained so much from that experience, and eager to gain so much more.

I recently applied and was selected to participate on a short-term mission trip to Piura, Peru with Commissioned by Christ and fellow schoolmates. This mission trip will take place during the Spring Break of my senior year of high school, April 18-27, 2014. I am looking forward to making this experience the most memorable, exciting and selfless trip yet. I am excited for the opportunity to spend my free time serving those in need. I am hoping that this wonderful experience will draw me closer to Christ through serving some of His poorest families of Piura, Peru. Many of the people of Piura and the surrounding villages lack the basic necessities of life. Some go without food and clean water. Many of them lack the necessities we take for granted each day, such as electricity, drinking water and bathrooms in our homes.

The activities and experiences during this mission trip will be rewarding and humbling and will open my eyes and heart in ways that I can only imagine. As a missionary, I will be participating in a few social service projects that the Santisimo Sacremento Parish is carrying out to improve the standard of living for the people in the community. I will assist with building homes from bamboo, distributing food and care packages, and working in an orphanage. We will also have the honor of meeting the people of the parish and celebrate Mass with them. An experience like this will strengthen my confidence and independence which I will need when I go off to college and out into the world as an adult. You can learn more about this mission trip and the parish by visiting the following links: http://commissionedbychrist.org/home/pe0414 and http://www.santisimo.org/us-principal.htm.

Currently, as a senior at Bishop O'Connell High School, I am a well-rounded student-athlete. I am a cellist with our string orchestra, a member of the Young Men's Executive Club, and a member of our varsity football team. My favorite subject is forensics, which I plan to study in college. I am a scholar with Capital Partners for Education (CPE) and a member of Future Focus with KIPP DC. I participate in a number of volunteer activities with CPE and Bishop O'Connell Christian Service Projects. I am also a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden.

This mission trip will not only be a blessing to me, but more importantly a blessing to those I will serve. I am kindly asking for your generous support and sponsorship for my participation as a missionary to Peru by contributing an amount of your choice. Your contributions will be truly appreciated and used to cover airfare, lodging, transportation while in Peru, food and most importantly the project fee.

If you are willing and able to make a donation, please make a donation here on this page or remit payment to:
COMMISSIONED BY CHRIST
PO BOX 431, Fairfax, VA 22038-0431
Include missionary information: Michael Phelps, Jr.

Thank you in advance for your consideration, support and sharing this information with your family and friends.

Michael Phelps, Jr.