My faith journey calls me down a new path…

In May of this past year, I felt a strong calling to step back from the daily busyness of life and take an honest look at the life I was leading. When I paused and looked around me, I saw a loving family, loyal friends, a career that excites and fulfills me, and opportunities to give back to those around me.

I felt so abundantly blessed, yet I was keenly aware of an irritation in my soul—a gnawing feeling that there was something missing. Not only could I not shake the feeling, but I didn't want to. More than anything, I wanted to find the filler for the hole that was suddenly so apparent in me. So I began to seek.

I researched ministry and mission opportunities, and requested more information for one that seemed to speak to my heart- the National Evangelical Team, or NET ministry in Australia. Within a week, NET Australia had called, and after hearing more about the ministry, I politely told them I didn't think it was for me.

It entailed a year-long ministry commitment, requiring me to quit the job I loved, move out of my home, leave my family and friends, and spend a year traveling from city to city in a van with twelve other young adults. Much like the disciples, we would have no home. Traveling from parish to parish and ministering to young people, we would depend on parishioners to provide us with a place to sleep, food to eat, with our only funds being a monthly stipend of $80USD.

This was a little more than I was searching for, and while the idea of spending a year doing mission work seemed incredibly exciting, the idea of giving up the security of my job, the comfort of my home, the independence and freedom of choosing my day to day activities, and being halfway around the world from my family and friends for a year was terrifying!

But the woman from NET told me she had been praying over my application, and encouraged me to spend some time in silence with the Lord, further discerning. I told her I would, and after hanging up the phone I spent some time in silence. I made a list of all the things that frightened me. For the next two weeks, I prayed intensely. After much discernment, it seemed that I was scared to death at the idea of being completely alone and totally dependant as I surrendered all my worldly securities to Christ.

Christ has always been amazingly generous in my life, opening doors and providing opportunities to serve him while allowing me to experience incredible personal growth. Struggling in my discernment, a friend of mine suggested I ask God for a scripture and then a confirmation. So I did.

The following day, while praying in adoration, I received the following scripture:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

My confirmation came the following day, as God began to handle the items on my list of fears. One of my greatest fears was that God had gifted me in my career, and that I might be throwing that away by taking a year off for mission work. I discerned that yes, God does have great plans for me professionally, but what He desires of me now is a year of giving back. A tithing of my time, talent and treasure. A year spent in total and complete surrender—my total focus on Him and service to His people. An opportunity, by sharing my faith and trust, to witness to His abundant love, generosity and care for those who love Him.

I accepted the calling and will travel to Australia in January 2008 and stay through November 2008 doing mission work. As one of 40 young adults serving on NET Australia 2008, I will be working to plan and promote the 2008 Catholic World Youth Day in Sydney in July 2008. WYD is organized by the Catholic Church and is the largest youth gathering in the world, with over 500,000 young people in attendance. Young people from around the world gather to build bridges of friendship and hope between continents, peoples and cultures. Through the WYD experience, young people worldwide will make a pilgrimage of faith, meet, and experience the love of God.

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more….

After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'

His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25: 14-30

In the past, so many of you have shared your talents with me. The genuine love you have shared with me has brought me to this place in my life. Now I would ask that you invest in me again. I seek your support in the form of intercessory prayer. I know next year will be challenging, and I need people praying for me to give me the courage and strength necessary for this exciting ministry.

I also invite you to support me financially. I am committed to raising $5400 prior to beginning my work with NET Ministries. While this amount does not cover the full expenditure during my time with NET, (total cost is over $13,000) it is a very valuable investment in a better future for thousands of young people.

I welcome and appreciate any support you are able to give.

My sponsorship target of $5400 can be achieved if I can find 30 generous people each willing to support me with a monthly donation of $20/month for 10 months or a one-time gift of $200. If you were able to support me in this way or any other level, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity you are giving me to have an impact in the lives of so many young people.

I will be able to keep you informed about the impact your support is having (NET Newsletters and updates from me) and give you peace of mind by showing that many young people will experience the Good News and thousands of youth will become more engaged in their church and community life.

Please prayerfully consider supporting me and the ministry with prayer and financial support. Your support gives the ‘green light’ for my Ministry work with NET.

Thank you for all you have done for me and continue to do. Your friendship and support are my life’s greatest blessing!