Around 10 years ago I was at a Campus Crusade for Christ conference and went on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic. During and after both of these experiences, I felt the Lord pulling my heart towards ministry. During 2021, I moved to Florida and was able to truly make my faith my own, and learn how to build my own Christian community. In 2022, I moved back to Erie and my little sister passed away. God was able to use that devastating event to put a fire in my heart for serving Him and the church again, while also helping me understand what peace with Him looks like. In October 2023, the feeling that I should be in full-time ministry frankly overwhelmed me. Through much prayer and conversations with mentors, this internship in Japan was brought to my attention.

After even more prayer, mentorship, and the application process, the Lord has made it clear that this is the first step of my calling. We will be working with existing churches, youth, hosting mission groups from the United States, and helping locals practice their English. With the local churches, I will be volunteering at opportunities presented to us and attending services. I will also hopefully be able to encourage youth in their faith walk and organize events for them. There will also be opportunities to build relationships with non-believers by allowing them to practice their English, and also exploring the local areas. My personal goals are not much, other than allowing God to move in every situation and build at least one impactful relationship.

I am hoping to learn what full-time missions and pursuing God’s calling for me looks like. Your support, partnered with Converge’s guidance and training will hopefully give me a foundation to start pursuing full-time ministry.