Well all, 2008 had already started off as an amazing year and, with what is to come, I can't wait to spread the news. I've been convicted to travel the world to spread Gods love and Word to the nations. In August 2008 I will be going on my 1st international Mission Trip to Ethiopia in Africa. We will be loving on orphans and widows in the town of Axum. I've always had a place in my heart for Africa but never imagined I would have the opportunity to go. This year I have been inspired by some very special women in my life. In Jan 2008, a great friend of mine, Susan K., left her job as an Advertising Executive to travel the world on mission to Oman, Yemen, Ethiopia and India. Each week she has been sharing details of how God has wrapped his arms around her during this trip and led her to experiences she could never have imagined. In Feb of 2008, my sweet friend Jennifer went on a Mission Trip to Guatamala and came back spreading the news of her amazing trip. I was inspired by her renewed passion for Christ and how, in going to Guatamala, she was able to find a new spiritual perspective in her life; gaining more than she gave during her experience.
I then began wondering where God would lead me. As our church began their new mission minded initiative, they outlined 27 mission trips they were supporting for 2008. I looked into various trips, prayed about it, went to a few meetings, and shared my desire to go to Africa with friends. I found in these conversations that I had friends who had my same desire to go to Africa. My dear friend Celeste approached me with a trip she was considering to Ethiopia. During this same time I volunteered at the Step Into Africa exhibit at our church; a walk through exhibit showcasing the lives of 4 children affected by the AIDS pandemic in Africa. John and I were both extrememly moved and even decided to sponsor a little 6 year old boy, Mose, from Malawi in Africa. We're looking forward to receiving all the information on him so we as a family can communicate with, pray for, and support him.
But I digress.....during the Step Into Africa experience I KNEW I had to go to Africa this year. I could feel God convicting me. Celeste then went to the 1st meeting on the Ethiopia trip and filled me in, and it was a perfect fit. After talking it through with John, and getting his FULL support (which meant the world to me), and praying about it, I made the decision to jump in with 2 feet and go for it.
Pure and Undefiled religion before God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble James 1:27
Mission Trip Details
We will be hosting a vacation bible school at an oprhanage in Axum in the morning and on the streets in the afternoon. We will also be supporting the orphanage by providing clothes, food, dental work, medical screenings, and eyeglasses. Others in our group will be doing construction work on the orphanage. We will also be visiting widows in the area purchasing grain and food from them to donate to the orphanage. Some men in our group will be traveling to a monastery to bless the priests and monks with new sandals, a dental clinic, new/used clothes, food, and eyeglasses. I am so excited to see how God chooses to use me on this trip. He is so faithful!
I then began wondering where God would lead me. As our church began their new mission minded initiative, they outlined 27 mission trips they were supporting for 2008. I looked into various trips, prayed about it, went to a few meetings, and shared my desire to go to Africa with friends. I found in these conversations that I had friends who had my same desire to go to Africa. My dear friend Celeste approached me with a trip she was considering to Ethiopia. During this same time I volunteered at the Step Into Africa exhibit at our church; a walk through exhibit showcasing the lives of 4 children affected by the AIDS pandemic in Africa. John and I were both extrememly moved and even decided to sponsor a little 6 year old boy, Mose, from Malawi in Africa. We're looking forward to receiving all the information on him so we as a family can communicate with, pray for, and support him.
But I digress.....during the Step Into Africa experience I KNEW I had to go to Africa this year. I could feel God convicting me. Celeste then went to the 1st meeting on the Ethiopia trip and filled me in, and it was a perfect fit. After talking it through with John, and getting his FULL support (which meant the world to me), and praying about it, I made the decision to jump in with 2 feet and go for it.
Pure and Undefiled religion before God is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble James 1:27
Mission Trip Details
We will be hosting a vacation bible school at an oprhanage in Axum in the morning and on the streets in the afternoon. We will also be supporting the orphanage by providing clothes, food, dental work, medical screenings, and eyeglasses. Others in our group will be doing construction work on the orphanage. We will also be visiting widows in the area purchasing grain and food from them to donate to the orphanage. Some men in our group will be traveling to a monastery to bless the priests and monks with new sandals, a dental clinic, new/used clothes, food, and eyeglasses. I am so excited to see how God chooses to use me on this trip. He is so faithful!
Now my next obstacle, besides getting a passport, shots, etc., will be fundraising for the trip. The entire trip will cost approximately $2,450, whew! If you feel led, I would greatly appreciate any donations to help in raising these funds. Please let me know if you feel led to help support this mission. Regardless, your prayers are always greatly appreciated!
Donations (check) payable to:
Rozalyn Payne
Rozalyn Payne
(on Memo line write : Rozalyn Payne/Ethiopia)
Mail to:
Rozalyn Payne
Rozalyn Payne
1806 Cross Point Rd.
McKinney, TX 75070
Please email or contact me with any questions or if you would like to hear more about my mission trip. Contact: 214-683-9022 cell or rozalyn@rrileymedia.com
Thanks all and God Bless!
No comments:
Post a Comment