Hello friends and family,

I am excited to tell you about an opportunity that I have to go on a mission's trip for a year! As some of you know, I have just graduated from high school in January of 2022. I am now moving on to a new and exciting, yet scary chapter of my life. Ever since I was saved through Jesus when I was a 12-year-old boy, I've always had a burning passion for those who don't know Jesus. Growing up, I have really enjoyed going to my youth group, serving in my church, and going on a short-term mission's trip to Guatemala (2019). As I grew up in maturity and in my faith, it has solidified my love for Jesus and my desire for others to be saved! Because of this, I feel called to ministry, whatever that might be. And now that I am older, I have been praying and searching for the next step that God has for me. That's when I have discovered this ministry, Experience Mission, and their IMMERSION Gap Year program.

Immersion Gap year is a nine-month program for young adults who have a passion to travel, serve, and to share The Gospel in a cross-cultural setting. It seemed like an amazing opportunity, so I applied, interviewed, and then I got accepted! Now begins preparation season, and I am now getting ready for this exciting journey in front of me! It's going to take hard work, but it will all be worth it. I just know that this is something that God wants me to do, and I can't wait for this epic adventure, and all that God will do!

So, I start this adventure in August! I'll join my team for three months in Costa Rica, in the southeast region Talamanca. When I'm there, I'll be investing in other people and sharing the good news of Jesus to folks all while being immersed in a new culture. I then get the privilege to come back to the States for the holidays and spend time with friends and family before I embark on the second part of the trip in Africa! At the beginning of the new year in 2023, I will then go to South Africa for two months where my team will help act as a bridge between two opposing sides of racial and status segregation. I will then spend the remaining four months split between Lesotho and Namibia where my team and I will help advancing their communities though agricultural work, serving in the local churches and volunteering in the schools.

Bringing others to Christ has been a passion of mine for many years and I feel like God will use this trip to reach the lost. But I also know that none of this would be possible without your prayer and financial support. I am most importantly asking for your prayers! I am looking for a network of family/friends to encourage me while I am in a challenging and foreign environment. I would absolutely love it if you would consider being part of that network!

In order to cover travel, food, housing, insurance, and other miscellaneous costs, I need to raise $15,200 over the next 6 months! I would love to have fundraised $3,000 by Saint Patrick's Day, and $7,000 by the end of May. The best way to contribute financially is through a one time or monthly donation. You can give through the Experience Mission website (which I recommend) or mail in a check directly to Experience Mission. All donations are tax deductible, and very much appreciated!