I’ve been reflecting on life lately and have noticed that I have been chasing the “American Dream” too much…striving to climb the corporate ladder, be rich, and be successful. I know this is not where life is found and want to take a step back to readjust. While money is a gift and being successful is not a bad thing, it can rob you of true joy if you put too much focus on it.

An opportunity has come for me to go on a short-term mission trip to Ethiopia this summer through my home church (Watermark Community) and e3 Partners Ministry. I have prayerfully decided to go to Ethiopia with 19 others as we partner with Ethiopian Christians to do children's VBS and adult outreach for men and women. The ultimate goal and prayer of this trip is to build relationships and share the good news of Jesus with Ethiopians. As we share Jesus with our Ethiopian friends, we also hope to fulfill e3’s vision of planting churches within the unreached people of Arsi Oromo.

First and foremost, I ask that you pray for the hearts of the Ethiopian people we will encounter in July. I would also ask that you pray for myself and the 19 others joining me – that we would be used by God and be radically changed from it. Lastly, I would ask that you prayerfully consider supporting this trip financially. The total cost of this trip is $3400 and half of it is due May 31st. I do not write this letter with the intent of being 100% fundraised by friends and family. I have been proactive in raising money for this trip by being an Uber Driver Monday – Friday from 5:00am – 8:00 am before starting my 9-5 job. These make for long days, but I know it’ll be worth it.