A year on mission in teesvalley

Now most high school graduates go onto college. That is what I certainly thought I would be doing. But as my senior year drew to a close I did not know where I was going to go to college. I had no peace about anywhere. I just could not seem to find clarity on the issue. This confused me because not only had I been praying for clarity but so had all my close friends and family. There was just no contentment to be found in my spirit. That is until one Sunday morning.  Mike Taylor came to speak in our student ministry on the same Sunday my table group had just prayed that I would know what God wanted me to do with life after high school. As mike spoke he brought up something called a “Gap Year” this wasn’t just a year taking a break from school but a year living in England, a year working with youth, a year loving and serving the communities that make up a place called Teesvalley. This gap year was a year of doing missions. After hearing about this I just had this sense of peace come over me like “This was it” this was what I was suppose to do. I started praying about it, talked to my parents, and then I applied. As the interviews happened and the time drew closer and closer I just knew this is what God wanted me doing.  In July I went on a mission trip to Teesvalley with my church choir. We worked with schools, did community service such as “litter picking,” worked with kids doing sports camps and had nine concerts. My time spent there was really incredible. Though it wasn’t the easiest of things to do. Going into that trip I did not expect such a challenge when it came to running the sports camps.  There were   kids from age six to age twelve. So many of the children we worked with had no concept of respect. A lot of them acted out but it was not always just to be mean but because they were crying out for attention. One little girl that I was around wanted to take an arm sling from the first aid kit and after I let her all of her friends wanted one, when I asked why they all wanted them so badly their reply was “because when your injured people actually give you attention.” This moment for me was a wow moment. I could see how desperate these kids wanted to be cared for and loved something that was pretty evident is they weren’t getting that at home. These are the kinds of kids I will be working with getting to love on them and serve them. My heart has become burdened for these people and for this community burdened that they would see the hope and comfort found in Christ. I know that Christ is using Teesvalley Youth for Christ and other ministries out there to bring light and revival. This fall instead of going to college I plan to take a gap year living in England serving these communities. Now something like this is an amazing opportunity but also very expensive.  Before I leave I need roughly $4,000  plus a plane ticket along with $3,000 that will need to be paid either before or during my gap year. I am fundraising with a goal of $7,000.  Any amount of donations is appreciated. Even if its only $10. If you cannot help me out finically I would ask that you be praying for me as I leave. If you would like to get a weekly update with what is happening along with prayer requests let me know and give me your email! Would love to share what the Lord is doing with me and in Teesvalley.