Dear Friends and Family,

A couple of months ago, our church, The Fountain Church in Lawrenceville, GA, announced an opportunity to travel to Guatemala on a mission trip. As soon as the words hit my ears, I felt a calling to go. If you know the story of Jonah, you understand why I am being obedient and following that call.

The video posted is to give you an idea of the area I will be traveling to and the people I will have the opportunity to share some time with, pray with, laugh and do life with. Oftentimes, people see mission trips as a means to change others. Some even believe that missions are more bad than good. In school, we learn of how indigenous people were forced to conform or lose their lives with the introduction of Christianity. This is not that. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe we are to meet, love, share, and do life with people where they are. God created us all to be so different. I see the beauty that Revelation 7:9 speaks of. "...and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands." I am going on this trip with a heart to learn and grow. In all honestly, I am totally aware of the humbling experience I am about to embark on.

We will be leaving on August 18-25th to travel to several regions of the country. our first stop will be in Guatemala City, where we will visit the city dump. Thousands of people live there who are stuck in a generational cycle of poverty. Most are born into it and never leave. Our team will be partnering with local leaders who have an established ministry in the Guatemala City dump. The ministry is supported by several organizations and provides a community center as well as a full scholarship program for children who have been raised in or around the city dump. This program was implemented through a ministry called For the Love of Missions. Their mission is to help without hurting by coming alongside God and established leaders who serve from the heart of the word. They work with children who have aged out of national programs but are desiring to continue their education and break generational cycles of poverty.

In addition to Guatemala City, we will also be doing ministry in a small, poor, remote village in the upper mountainous region called Pop Abaj. The community has been undergoing development for several years to help implement basic necessities like water, electricity, and structural housing for impoverished families.

I would like to invite you to help me join the missions team through prayers and donations. I've raised a portion, but I am still in need of donations in order to participate in this life-changing opportunity. If you are able to donate, it would be very helpful and appreciated. If you are unable at this time, please join us in prayer for safety, for God to be received and glorified, and for our efforts to His service.