**UPDATED***

Hi! My name is Joshua Monson, and I am a devout believer in Jesus Christ of Nazareth, my Lord and Savior! I have recently been called by Him on a mission trip to San Diego and potentially Mexico while I obtain my TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) Certification. I have stepped out on faith; trusting that I am doing the will of God with plenty of confirmation and direction from Him through reading, prayer, fasting, and seeking wise counsel from strong men and women of God around me.

Unfortunately, due to some very extreme extenuating circumstances I had to delay starting my schooling and leave where I was staying while I was in San Diego. A lot of adversarial resistance came up to the point where my living situation became hostile, dangerous, and unhealthy for a variety of different reasons. There was a lot of deception about what I was walking in to with the work exchange (living situation) and unfortunately affected the timing of certain things. I saw God move tremendously and accomplished everything He sent me to do while there. However, my personal goals were not met as I had to come back early and was unable to start my schooling. I am back in Portland now. I'm settling back in and figuring out where I will do my schooling and working on still obtaining finances for living expenses while I do my schooling once I find a safe, healthy, and reliable space to do so.

I am still hoping to raise money for things like food, hygiene, and any unforeseen expenses over the next few months. I am actively looking for work and doing my best to utilize food panties for food as well as hygiene products. Many of them are overwhelmed with the rising need in our communities amidst the government shutdown affecting people's benefits like EBT (food stamps) and cash assistance. Anything you donate will go directly to these areas of my life. I was hoping to obtain these benefits while I was in California to get help get me through. However with the combination of the government shutdown and my unforseen emergency exit that did not happen.

My schooling is 11 motnhs and anything helps. I will continue to serve and do outreach as I re transition back to Portland. I will also continue serve in the communities God has called me to be a part of in anyway I can. I still truly believe that the Lord has BIG plans for me and those around me. I believe He wants to use us and myself to continue radically changing the PNW. This city (Portland) like most of the United States and the world for that matter, is desperate for hope, love, and community. I want to do anything I can to show this city and the communities here the love of Jesus Christ in any way I can through a variety of ways. If you can't donate your prayers and shares of my continuing journey, missions, and obtaining my certification are VERY welcomed. I am extremely grateful for anything you can give either monetarily or through prayers!

If you have questions or want to know more about my altered but continuing journey feel free to reach out and I will get back to you as soon as I can! I hope this finds everyone well. I pray that you be filled with the love of Jesus, His Holy Spirit, the peace that surpasses all understanding, and good health inside & out. Sending love and prayers in Christ Jesus our Lord! Shalom shalom!

Love always,

Joshua T. Monson