My name is Gracie Cram and I am so grateful to have an amazing opportunity this summer from July 30 through August 6 to go with my church, Saddleback Covenant Church (SCC), on a missions trip to Costa Rica. SCC is working with a Christian organization called Boy with a Ball (https://boywithaball.com/). Boy with a Ball is a 21st century missions agency that helps to prepare churches and their youth to reach other at-risk youth with the love of Jesus, and assist them to transform these at-risk area’s communities. On this trip, we will be serving the youth and their families in these areas by strengthening infrastructure where needed (such as sidewalks, houses, stairs, etc.), assisting in teaching English, and participating in ongoing developmental work of the Boy with a Ball teams. I could not think of something more amazing than being able to share the word of Christ to these children and families in Costa Rica!

I am so excited to see how God will use me on this trip, and how He will work through me to make a difference in this community. In the recent few months especially, my relationship has flourished with God and I know this opportunity will help me to grow even closer to Him and use my faithful love for good. This trip has many possible challenges for me personally, but I know that what God will do with me is far more important than any worries or fears that come my way. I feel as though the Lord is encouraging me to overcome my obstacles by putting Him first and living surrounded by the safety He provides me with.

My hope is that, if you feel it in your heart, you would pray for my church, our partnering organization, those in need in Costa Rica, and myself. We need prayers for a safe and smooth trip, for financial needs to be met, and for our presence and the Holy Spirit to make a change in so many people’s lives. Prayers are very powerful, and even if you are not one to normally pray, I would encourage you to pray over this missions trip and all those involved, because even your words make a difference.

At this time, I need to raise $2,500 to attend this trip to cover many things including plane tickets, food, etc. This is another way that you can be involved in my experience, by providing any means of financial support. Any and all donations would mean the world to me, and it is my goal to raise over my amount needed so that any extra money can go to those struggling to get together enough money to go on this mission. I would love to help those who are only held back from going to share Christ’s love out of their hearts with Costa Rica because they do not meet the payment requirement. The cost is already quite a challenge, but I have it in my own heart to try to exceed my own goal.

Thank you so much, and God bless!