YWAM: My Mission

My name is Maddie Nilson.  I grew up in a military family and lived all over the world. I’ve seen a lot of people in need – physically and spiritually.  At age 5, I prayed and gave my life to Jesus.  In 6th grade our family sponsored a child with World Vision. Through that experience I knew a big part of my life would be dedicated to missions and sharing the love of Jesus with others. My long term plan is to go to college, get my physical therapy degree and combine it with missions.

Now at 20, I have the awesome opportunity through Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Kona, Hawaii to do my first short term (6 month) mission! It’s called “ENGAGE Disciple Training School" and lasts from 7 July, 2016 through 16 December 2016.   I knew this ministry was the right one at the right time – every other one I looked at, the dates, location etc. didn’t work.  This one just brought me to tears.

This is a pivital point in my life entering into the adult world and the choices I make need to be directed by God. In this mission I want to discover His clearer plan for my life.   It's about giving up my will . To be able to 'walk upon the waters wherever He will call me'.
I want my life and choices to glorify God.  There are a lot of people who have very difficult lives and while God said we would have troubles in this world - He also said "I have overcome the world".  I want to share that good news with people to give them hope and the choice for eternal life with Jesus.

The mission is 3 months in classroom training and Bible teaching at YWAM in Kona, Hawaii and 3 months in another country. We help in the communities with food, medicine, and building, and sharing about salvation through Jesus with Bible studies, street ministry, kids ministry etc.  

I am raising and earning money for the cost of schooling, the mission, food and lodging at both, my plane tickets to YWAM in Kona, HI and the ticket to the other country.  We won’t know where we will be going until well into our school phase, after our staff has prayed.  Currently I am working two jobs to help save money for the mission trip, but after calculating my time and income, I will only be able to save about $5,000.  The cost for everything is $12,000.  I have until the end of the school phase, SEPT 30, 2016 to raise the other $7000 I will be needing.

Not everyone is called to overseas missions, but like my pastor said -  "Those who believe in Jesus are called to share with those who don't know Him".  I want to invite you to be my partner on this journey.  We are all a part of the body of Christ, but have different skills, talents and callings.  Your tithes or donations will help God spread His message through me.

I will be sharing updates throughout this mission with you on my YWAM facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/maddiemissionywam/timeline

Thank you for all the prayers and support,

Greatly appreciated
God Bless
-Maddie