Dominican Republic Missions Trip
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Hey everyone! I'm raising money for a missions trip with my church (The City Life Church) to the Dominican Republic. Our travel is in support of a long-term commitment we have made to the village La Guazara, in partnership with Food for the Hungry, to support the people in that village in several sustaining ways. We'll be leaving in June, and I couldn't be more excited!
Let me tell you a little bit about my personal "why" for going on this trip. I've been a local missions girl for years, serving in various ways in my region because I believe wholeheartedly that we must give back to our own communities. For the longest time, I "knew" that globally-minded missions weren't my deal, that other people were called to that, not me.
Then several years ago, my husband Allen felt the call to participate in a missions trip (with our same church for the same village with the same partnership and goals!). During this time, God shook my heart wide open. He helped me to see that the command to "go forth" is a privilege meant to be undertaken by all of God's disciples... and that it doesn't always mean literally or geographically going anywhere, but simply being part of the process however you are able. I became a "sender" by supporting my husband behind the scenes as he went on three trips. Our family has also sponsored children in the village, we've helped other missions team members raise funds, and have been part of missions leadership at City Life.
In all this, God began to fill me with the desire to "go forth" as well. But the timing was never right... work obligations, finances, and pregnancy were my priorities in other seasons. Now, God is opening the door and saying it's my turn!
To be honest, this season of life is just as busy... I've got a 10 year old and a 6 month old, even greater work responsibilities, and many other things on my plate. And the "planner" side of me also wonders why God didn't clue me in sooner, since the trip is less than a month away. All I know is that when God speaks, sometimes He does so with a sense of humor about our "plans" and expectations about how and when He will do things! But however He speaks, however He calls us forth, we can confidently trust and "go forth" with Him right by our side!
So here I am, setting up a fundraising page for my very first missions trip! I'm a little bit nervous but mostly I'm excited to partner with City Life, Food for the Hungry, and Jesus to be physically present for this community which I've been serving behind the scenes for several years now. It's a humble thing to connect with others, and I'm always in awe of how God weaves this tapestry of our time and space with His plans and purposes. I'm expectant for all He has in store!
I appreciate your support so much, whether it's financially or through prayer and encouragement - it means the world to me. THANK YOU for helping me GO FORTH!
Stefani
Let me tell you a little bit about my personal "why" for going on this trip. I've been a local missions girl for years, serving in various ways in my region because I believe wholeheartedly that we must give back to our own communities. For the longest time, I "knew" that globally-minded missions weren't my deal, that other people were called to that, not me.
Then several years ago, my husband Allen felt the call to participate in a missions trip (with our same church for the same village with the same partnership and goals!). During this time, God shook my heart wide open. He helped me to see that the command to "go forth" is a privilege meant to be undertaken by all of God's disciples... and that it doesn't always mean literally or geographically going anywhere, but simply being part of the process however you are able. I became a "sender" by supporting my husband behind the scenes as he went on three trips. Our family has also sponsored children in the village, we've helped other missions team members raise funds, and have been part of missions leadership at City Life.
In all this, God began to fill me with the desire to "go forth" as well. But the timing was never right... work obligations, finances, and pregnancy were my priorities in other seasons. Now, God is opening the door and saying it's my turn!
To be honest, this season of life is just as busy... I've got a 10 year old and a 6 month old, even greater work responsibilities, and many other things on my plate. And the "planner" side of me also wonders why God didn't clue me in sooner, since the trip is less than a month away. All I know is that when God speaks, sometimes He does so with a sense of humor about our "plans" and expectations about how and when He will do things! But however He speaks, however He calls us forth, we can confidently trust and "go forth" with Him right by our side!
So here I am, setting up a fundraising page for my very first missions trip! I'm a little bit nervous but mostly I'm excited to partner with City Life, Food for the Hungry, and Jesus to be physically present for this community which I've been serving behind the scenes for several years now. It's a humble thing to connect with others, and I'm always in awe of how God weaves this tapestry of our time and space with His plans and purposes. I'm expectant for all He has in store!
I appreciate your support so much, whether it's financially or through prayer and encouragement - it means the world to me. THANK YOU for helping me GO FORTH!
Stefani
Organizer
Stefani Smith
Organizer
Hampton, VA
