Hello, friends & family — near, far, and those I haven’t talked to in way too long...

Since I was a child, I’ve felt that sharing the love of Jesus Christ was part of my purpose. I've dreamed of serving God and loving people beyond my own little corner of the world. But for 30 years, mental health challenges made that dream impossible.

Then in 2019, God healed me. And because of that healing, I am now ready, willing, and able to do something I once thought I never would: volunteer for a missions trip.

This July, I have the opportunity to serve in Africa with my faith community at The Bridge Church of Bradenton, Florida. Specifically we are heading to the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).

Why Eswatini?

Eswatini is a beautiful country facing heartbreaking challenges — poverty, unemployment, and one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world. Many children are orphaned or living in child-led households.

Through a partnership with Children’s Challenge and Pastors Iwan and Yolandi Van Zyl, The Bridge Church helps support nine community centers, known as care points, that feed over 2,000 children every day.

While there, we’ll be painting, cleaning, and organizing classrooms. The part I’m most excited about, though: doing arts and crafts and playing with the kids. They need to know they are seen, valued, and deeply loved — by us and by God.

A Little God Wink

A few years ago, after I got well, I planned a trip to Europe because I felt a responsibility to experience other cultures. I even got my first-ever passport! That trip never happened — but now I’m absolutely convinced God had something else in mind all along. That passport? It turns out it was meant for this trip.

Investing

The total cost of this trip is $4,000, which covers airfare, lodging, food, and materials. I want you to know that I am personally invested — I will be contributing $1,000 of my own money toward this trip.

If you feel led to give financially, thank you. Whether it’s $100 or $1, every gift matters. I also understand that not everyone is in a season where giving financially is feasible. Another meaningful way to invest is through prayer.

Prayer isn’t the “extra” — it’s the foundation of this mission. Whether it’s one prayer or many, each one matters. I’m asking for prayer for safety, humility, open hearts, and that God would move in ways far bigger than anything church could plan.

An Honest Note

I know I’ve been out of touch with some of you. Life, healing, and growth sometimes get messy and quiet. If you’re reading this, please know that reaching out comes from a place of gratitude and trust, not obligation.

Thank you for reading my story, for praying, giving, sharing, or simply believing that God still calls and equips those who are willing. "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" --Isaiah 6:8

With love and deep gratitude,

Lorraine / Lori / Lo