Why T.?
I grew up knowing that missionary work was important and that praying for “lost souls” in other countries was important as well. But I always believed that missionary work was not that important?it wasn’t central to being a Christian, it was just for people who wanted to take that extra step and make that extra effort. Even though I went on several short-term missions as a student (and one after graduating college), I still had the mindset that my summers?my “dead time”?were times for missions, but the school year was for things much more important like school and career.
However, this flawed thinking was completely changed after the 2003 New Life Fellowship retreat. At the retreat, God completely changed my perspective on missions and He called me to be a long-term missionary. The problem was, though, I didn’t know where.
Before the fall retreat, there were several places that I wanted to visit as a missionary some day. Two particular areas were India and Latin America. I was drawn to India because I had heard a missionary talk about India in the past. Also, I was leaning towards Latin America because I have a minor in Spanish. But at the New Life Fellowship fall retreat, when I heard the speaker share about his ministry in T., God gave me a heart for the KT. However, even as God was giving me a passion for T., I doubted that I would actually go there because I let skepticism cloud my faith.
A few weeks after the fall retreat, I attended the Urbana 2003 Missions Conference. At that conference, I made a commitment to God that I would go on missions for at least one year. However, I came back to Texas still unsure as to where God would send me. I prayed daily that God would lead me to serve him overseas. I also asked Phil Shin to help me find a place where I could serve the Lord.
After a few weeks of praying, Phil Shin approached me with the option of T. He told me that the area was in need of English teachers. Wait! I’m a teacher! God knew where my heart was and He opened doors for me even though I doubted His power. “For nothing is impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37
About T.
T. consists of mainly three major dialect distinctions. The vast majority of these groups have never even heard of Jesus Christ. NEVER! As a missionary in T., I will be teaching English to students between the ages of 19 and 25, all who come from different parts of T. In order to share the Gospel, I know that I will first have to build relationships with my students. And as these students begin to trust me and see what Christ has done in my life, God will provide opportunities to share His good news.
My Requests
I cannot do this on my own strength. (Philippians 4:13). It is only through God’s strength along with your prayers and support that the people of T. can come to know God. Please pray that:
? I would be a living example to the people of T.
? I would overflow with love for my students just as Christ loves them.
? Hearts of the people of T. to be responsive to God’s Word.
? For team unity and the JTP rug business.
As I go to T. to serve the Lord, I want to remind you that you don’t have to be a missionary to get involved with missions. Just as God opened the doors of T. for me, the Lord has opened opportunities here in Houston for you to become involved in what He’s doing throughout the world. I hope that you would, through prayer and thought, consider supporting me financially. I need to raise approximately $12,500 of which 20% ($2,500) will come directly from my own pocket ($10,000 of external support needs to be raised).
1) Travel airline ticket: $1700
2) Living Cost ($700 USD/month * 12 months): $8400
3) Language fees ($500 USD/semester * 2 semesters): $1000
4) Vaccinations: $200
5) Flight to Board of Directors meeting in June: $250
6) Horse Festival: $350
7) Health Insurance: $500
8) Cost of TESL examination: $80
9) Visa: $50
TOTAL COST: $12,530
Together let’s share the message of the cross and fight the good fight for the Lord. I thank you all for your love and support. You are truly a blessing in my life. God is good all the time!
Your sister in Christ,
Rebecca
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37-39
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