The Gospel. People. Culture. 

When you're around me, it doesn't take too long to realize what I'm passionate about.  I have been given the opportunity to tap into those passions in a similar way that I've been doing here in Dallas, but this time, the opportunity will take me to Ethiopia.

What have you been doing in Dallas?

I'm so glad you asked. ;)  For as long as I can remember, my faith in the transforming work of Christ has been a center-point for me.  Throughout the years, I have been involved in various church activities, Bible studies, and even various efforts to share my faith, including trips to Moldova, Mexico, and Nicaragua.  But it wasn't until this past year that the proverbial "light bulb" went off.  Evangelism - sharing with people the hope I've found in Jesus - isn't an activity to check off a to-do list, it is a lifestyle.  I jumped in with a ministry at my church (Watermark) called Unashamed.  We were equipped intensively on various evangelism tactics and key Scripture to use in conversation, but more than that, we were sent out into OUR OWN city for entire weekends at a time, to face the often uncomfortable nature of sharing with our peers.  We were challenged to be unashamed of the gospel with the needy and broken right in front of us.  In leading several of these weekends, it became clear to me that this shouldn't just be about a weekend of evangelism, or an overseas trip each year.  This HOPE is worth offering my life.  It is worth offering an awkward conversation with the cashier.  It is worth praying fervently for my co-workers and entering into dialogues consistently about my faith.  It is worth hugging the homeless woman and reminding her she is loved.  It is worth looking up from my regular tasks and believing He places opportunities there, too.  It is worth offering my time and resources.  When that "light bulb" went off, everything changed.  While I certainly have room to grow, it's my hope that this opportunity will further equip me for the journey!

So, why share internationally?

The second part of Acts 1:8 says, "you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  My workplace, my community, my country - those are my Jerusalem; my Judea & Samaria.  By His grace, I am striving to answer that call, but I also cannot neglect the final part of that verse - the ends of the earth.  While I've participated in similar, life-changing trips, it has never been an overflow or continuation to my call locally.  This time, it is.  I finally see how it all fits together and feel called to GO.

Who are you partnering with?

I will be traveling July 29 - August 7 with a team from Watermark Community Church as we partner with e3 Partners Ministry.  We will work closely with local Ethiopian Christians to build relationships and share Christ with Ethiopians who have never heard the name of Jesus and help fulfill e3 Ethiopia's vision of planting churches within the unreached peoples of the Arsi Oromo.

Pray.  Encourage.  Give.

Those are the three major "asks" I have from you.  I humbly admit that I won't be able to do this without your support.  I trust that God will provide and it would be an HONOR to have you on my team.  Please consider partnering with me in prayer, especially, and if you are able and feel led, financially.  The total trip cost is $3,950 and a bulk of this amount is due March 15th.  I am grateful for your prayerful consideration.  Thank you!

What a gift it is to live life with purpose!

Until the WHOLE world hears,

Johnna