I’m really excited to have a chance to go back to Africa this summer with a young adult from my congregation. Here’s an ‘interview’ we published in the church newsletter with the information:
I had a chance to catch up with one of Advent’s young adults for a conversation about faith formation, God’s call on her life, and what’s next for her. Listen in on this conversation with Kamy Jesse.
How long have you been a member of Advent?
Kamy: I have been a member of Advent since I was in 5th grade. I was honored to wear the old badges with my name and the word “member” underneath it. I’ve loved growing through Advent and helping Advent grow as well.
What has been one of your highlights of faith formation in your time here?
Nothing has made me appreciate Advent and the opportunities it gives the youth more than the mission trips they sent me on. Because of the generosity and excitement from Advent, I’ve gone through 8 mission trips to 7 different places.
Now that you’re not technically in ‘youth’ anymore, what are you doing to continue the growth you experienced on mission trips?
As I have graduated, and I have outgrown the “mission trips”, I’ve been searching elsewhere to do mission. Advent has continued to walk with me as I spent last summer as a Camp Counselor in Alaska, which is a journey that is still impacting me to this day.
What is it about travel and mission trips that gets you so fired up?
As I continue figuring out my spiritual identity, and what I want to pursue personally and professionally, I find more doors open to mission and travel. It just so happens that I am in a point in my life where travel and letting God direct my life is extremely easy.
What is your next adventure in exploring God’s call for your life?
Ever since Sr. Michelle came to Advent and I’ve seen the fire she has for Kenya, I’ve slowly felt my heart yearning for it. Now I’m really excited because she has invited me to come with her on a trip to South Sudan through Kenya in May, where we will stop in to learn more about the Lutheran Church in Kenya, and visit with people who are doing really interesting ministry that combines missions, children and teaching, three of my passions.
What do you want Advent to know about this trip?
This trip connects a lot with my own personal strengths of working with young children, as well as my professional goals of becoming a high school science teacher. When I think of the multitude of blessings and growing that could come from this trip, it only increases my desire. I want so badly to connect my profession with my faith, and this trip will give me a chance to explore what that might look like.
How can Advent join you and support you and Sr. Michelle as you go on this trip together?
In order for a trip like this to happen, I need the best prayer warriors (which Advent can provide), not just for myself but for Sister Michelle, our safety, and our travels. But also, I would like to invite the whole congregation to support me in this trip in whatever way they can, whether that’s making a donation towards the expenses, attending an information session before we leave and when we get back, or committing to pray for us and follow our updates via email or other social media.
How does supporting and sending you on this trip benefit Advent?
Besides the many ways this trip could benefit me, I really see how this trip could benefit Advent. Nothing would make me happier than talking about my trips and experiences and being able to help Advent make a connection to a place that could really extend the ministry of Advent into a context we have yet to explore, at least not in my time as a member here. I think it would be wonderful to establish something there for Advent where we can continue to spread the love, hospitality, and community that we so heavily represent. Who knows what doors God might open to us, even as we continue to seek ways of serving neighbors in our immediate community.
When is this trip happening?
The details of this trip are still being formulated, but right now I expect to travel from May 18-May 31. I need to be back in time for my next summer mission adventure, which will be to spend a second summer in Alaska. I anticipate the travel/lodging expenses for the trip to be close to $2,500, and am committed to covering some of that with my own savings and money from work.
Is it safe to go to South Sudan?
Although there has recently been some unrest in South Sudan, the missionaries in Juba are prayerfully and very carefully preparing to continue doing ministry to people in that country. What a great opportunity it will be to be an encouraging and supportive presence to them as they encourage and support friends and neighbors.
So how can people support you on this trip?
If you have any questions about this trip, please don’t hesitate to ask. I will be at a table outside of the narthex for the next few weeks with more information. First of all, please pray for me. Secondly, if you feel led to make a contribution towards the cost of this trip, you can make a tax-deductible check out to Advent Lutheran Church and put “Africa Mission Trip” in the Memo line. Checks can be mailed to Advent: 7550 N. Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32940. Also, soon there will be a way to give donations online at www.adventsuntree.com.
How can we find out more about the ministries you will be visiting in Africa?
These are some of the ministries Sr. Michelle and I will be visiting and learning more about:
*Supporting the families working with Mission Aviation Fellowship (http://www.maf.org/) who are beginning a school under the oversight of Rosslyn Academy (http://rosslynacademy.org/)
*visiting and learning about the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (http://elckenya.com/)
*visiting and learning about the ministry of Rift Valley Academy (http://www.rva.org/)