Last summer, I was given the opportunity by God's grace to be a part of the Sea to Sea Bike Tour. What you may not realize is the lasting effect it has had on my life. In the past year, God has taken me on a spiritual journey through roads and paths I had yet to venture. I struggled for awhile after the summer wondering what God wanted me to do with my life, feeling a tug, knowing he was calling me into new waters. God has been continually molding me and preparing me for this moment and has instilled in me a strong purpose and need to "uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed".
Earlier this year, I went to MissionFest in Toronto for the Friday night concert but God had something planned more for that evening. There he put in front of me an opportunity to be a part of the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Justice Discipleship Training School (DTS). I had never before considered something like this, as I'd always thought this was something that only younger youth became involved in. During the weeks to follow, I felt God's strong call that this was where he wanted me to be. I believe God has prepared my heart and has called me to share of the love and grace he has shown me and to use my gifts to help those who are victims of injustice.
This DTS that I will be attending has a very special focus of giving attention to the various social injustices in the world, ones that weigh heavy on my heart.
* 2 children per minute are trafficked for sexual exploitation
* Over 27 million are enslaved around the world
* Over 13 million are orphaned due to AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa
* 3 Billion People do not have access to the Gospel
"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked" Psalm 82:3-4.
Field Assignment
I will be gone from September 26, 2009 to February 20th, 2010. The time will be split between the lecture phase, which is based on a plantation in Barbados and then heading off on outreach to South America to apply what we have learned. I ask that you continually keep me and the 19 others on my team in your prayers as at times things will be very intense and emotional. I also covet your prayers that I may be open and flexible to new experiences and used in ways I never imagined I could be.
With all large mission trips, however, there are also many costs and I am hoping to fundraise $3000USD for the outreach portion of my trip. Please take the time to pray and consider if you feel lead to donate. Cheques can be made out in my name, Stephanie Webb and sent to 252 West 32nd Street, Hamilton, ON L9C 5H6.
"With God all things are possible" - Matthew 19:26.
Thank you.
In Christ Alone,
Stephanie
