Ecuador Mission Trip
Donation protected
Dear Friends & Family,
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
How many times have you heard this verse but not really listened to the words? I know I can recite this verse as a second nature but never really understood the power behind it. This is a promise from our Creator. As I approach graduation from DePaul in June, this verse is becoming more and more applicable to my life.
This Fall, I felt God calling me closer to him as I threw myself into two internships and a full load of classes, trying to set myself up for future success when I graduate this Spring. My entire college career, I have stressed about finding the right internship because I saw it as the thing that successful college students did. However, this quarter left me unhappy and stressed out, despite being in a position of success, as I saw it.
I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to attend a Fall retreat with my on-campus Christian ministry group, Cru, which I’ve done the past 2 years, but this year the decision to leave behind my homework and take time to spend with God was very difficult. This weekend turned out to be the most rewarding and joyful times of my entire Fall quarter.
At fall retreat, I made another risky decision to sign up for a mission trip to Ecuador this December 10-17. I have been offered this opportunity every year but have ignored it, always selfish with my time over winter break. But I know the only valuable time I spend is when I’m acting as the hands and feet of the Lord. This is why I feel so joyful about my upcoming trip to Ecuador. I know that, instead of holding an internship over this break, that I should give this time to the Lord and accept the ways He is changing me and preparing me for my life after graduation because only in Him will I find true success, not in these earthly symbols of success.
On my trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador, I will be teaming up with Cru movements on 3 separate campuses to meet college students and share the gospel with Ecuadorians who are curious about faith. We will also take a day to serve children in one of Guayaquil’s most impoverished neighborhoods. Finally, we will cap off our week with two days of experiencing Ecuador’s incredible beauty and recreation, including zip-lining, rappelling down waterfalls, and swinging on the edge of a mountain. I can't wait!
I ask as you enter this holiday season, as you shop for gifts and spend time with your loved ones, that you make a donation towards my trip. I need to raise $1,600 in this short time, but I know that the Lord is faithful. Even if you don’t feel able to give, I hope that my testimony will inspire you to give your complete attention to the Lord as this new year approaches.
All the Best & Happy Holidays,
Caroline Buchanon
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
How many times have you heard this verse but not really listened to the words? I know I can recite this verse as a second nature but never really understood the power behind it. This is a promise from our Creator. As I approach graduation from DePaul in June, this verse is becoming more and more applicable to my life.
This Fall, I felt God calling me closer to him as I threw myself into two internships and a full load of classes, trying to set myself up for future success when I graduate this Spring. My entire college career, I have stressed about finding the right internship because I saw it as the thing that successful college students did. However, this quarter left me unhappy and stressed out, despite being in a position of success, as I saw it.
I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to attend a Fall retreat with my on-campus Christian ministry group, Cru, which I’ve done the past 2 years, but this year the decision to leave behind my homework and take time to spend with God was very difficult. This weekend turned out to be the most rewarding and joyful times of my entire Fall quarter.
At fall retreat, I made another risky decision to sign up for a mission trip to Ecuador this December 10-17. I have been offered this opportunity every year but have ignored it, always selfish with my time over winter break. But I know the only valuable time I spend is when I’m acting as the hands and feet of the Lord. This is why I feel so joyful about my upcoming trip to Ecuador. I know that, instead of holding an internship over this break, that I should give this time to the Lord and accept the ways He is changing me and preparing me for my life after graduation because only in Him will I find true success, not in these earthly symbols of success.
On my trip to Guayaquil, Ecuador, I will be teaming up with Cru movements on 3 separate campuses to meet college students and share the gospel with Ecuadorians who are curious about faith. We will also take a day to serve children in one of Guayaquil’s most impoverished neighborhoods. Finally, we will cap off our week with two days of experiencing Ecuador’s incredible beauty and recreation, including zip-lining, rappelling down waterfalls, and swinging on the edge of a mountain. I can't wait!
I ask as you enter this holiday season, as you shop for gifts and spend time with your loved ones, that you make a donation towards my trip. I need to raise $1,600 in this short time, but I know that the Lord is faithful. Even if you don’t feel able to give, I hope that my testimony will inspire you to give your complete attention to the Lord as this new year approaches.
All the Best & Happy Holidays,
Caroline Buchanon
Organizer
Caroline Buchanon
Organizer
Nashville, TN
