I pray that this letter finds you doing well. There is something exciting that I would like to share with you!
This year I've had the desire to be used by God again in an international setting since my mission trip to Brazil last summer. Several weeks ago, the Lord laid it on my heart to go on a mission outreach with a team from Surfing the Nations (STN) to Egypt, Jordan and Israel, which will be from 24 November to 23 December 2010. A friend on staff with STN suggested this Middle East outreach and I began praying God's will for me regarding this trip. Of course I'd love to be a part of this amazing outreach, but I wanted this to be a “God thing” and not just a “good thing.” Through much prayer, Scriptures of encouraging confirmation and other circumstances, God has continued to point me in this direction.
The nation of Israel is of special interest to me. Israel is God's chosen people! In spite of this fact, not all Israelis have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Bible shows that God always redeemed and restored His people when they repented after their turning away and rebelling against Him. Even today, He continues to care for Israel. God's forgiveness, mercy and grace is unceasing! The Lord constantly proves Himself faithful and true in my own life, even in my unfaithfulness. My prayer for this outreach is that I will be a willing instrument to be used by God to plant seeds of His love in the hearts of the people I encounter, bringing them at least one step closer to living their lives for the Lord.
I look forward to using the skills and talents God has given me. He will equip me further to join with the others in my group to do His work. Whether here in Hawai`i or abroad, I am constantly amazed at the ways God chooses little ol' me to make an impact in His Kingdom!
Just to give you a some background info, STN is a humanitarian/missions non-profit 501(c)(3) committed to impacting local and international communities through the sport of surfing by meeting needs and changing lives. While in Israel, Egypt and Jordan, our team will be traveling to Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Amman, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This trip will focus on the Muslim and Jewish cultures in this area of the world which is often referred to as the “10/40” window.
What we hope to accomplish during this trip:
*Learn about Bibilical history
*Evangelism
*Build relationships
*Surf
Surfing in the Middle East? As a matter of fact, yes! :) STN strives to promote a positive image of the sport of surfing as a part of a healthy lifestyle and as a means of giving back to society. The goal is to counteract the widespread perception that surfing is only about individual fulfillment and satisfaction. This is done through:
*Feeding the Hungry Programs
*Weekly Surfers Leadership Training
*Island Youth Program/At-Risk Youth
*Surf Contest in Egypt
*Surf Camps
*Local & International Humanitarian/Outreach Trips
The cost of my trip:
Airfare - $1800 (Estimate)
Ground Fees (transportation, housing, etc.) - $950
Food/Spending - $500
Grand Total - $3,250.00
I will continue to ask God to direct my steps in preparing for this outreach. During the trip, I will do my best to keep a journal so I can relate the events of the trip to you upon my return.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
1. Pray! - Please lift up this outreach in your prayers. Your prayers are most important and are very effective. Some things you could pray for:
* Me to be used by God in Israel, Egypt and Jordan
* The team as a whole
* Team safety
* Lives to be changed in Israel, Egypt and Jordan
* People to come to know the love of Jesus
* Finances for all team members who may not already be fully funded
* Additional finances to bless those in the nations where we will be traveling
* Housing
* Wisdom for the Leadership
* The Egyptian, Israeli and Jordanian governments
* Surfing The Nations ministry here in Honolulu
* My family
* The friends STN has made in the past
* That God would open old and new doors
* The Egyptian Christians and Messianic Jews
* Missionaries who are stationed in these nations
* Trip planning and logistics
2. Network! - I need you to help network with me. Please pass on the word or this information to others who might be interested in supporting me.
3. Support! - The deadline for the airfare and ground fees is on 24 October. In Philippians 4:19, God says He “will supply all [my] needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Even though the cost and close deadline are daunting, I know that where God guides, He will provide. I know these are financially difficult times for many of us, but any donation that you feel led to give towards this outreach would be a HUGE blessing and most appreciated. The easiest way to give is online through PayPal (you don't already have to have an account):
*Near the top of the main page, click on "Send Money."
*On the right-hand side of the page, you can enter my email address (keikiokeAkua7@aol.com), your email address, and the amount you would like to give.
*Under the “Personal” tab, please select “Gift,” then click “Continue” to go to the next page.
*Follow the instructions as required. (If you already have a PayPal account, you can fill out the information on the right-hand side of the page.)
If you prefer to send a check/money order, you can make it out to Jazz Jones (Memo: STN November Trip) and mail it to:
3527 Kilauea Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
Mahalo in advance for your prayers and support!
God's aloha and blessings on you,
jazz
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