So here it is.

All right, here it is. I'm writing this blog because I want to give you all a bit of insight into what it is I do. I'm a student. I'm studying biology at a medium-sized school in Texas. I love to run, watch movies and travel. Actually, I love to travel on mission (for those of you who don't know what that is: it means I want to travel the world and tell people about Jesus. If you don't know what THAT means, stay tuned, and I assure you, I will talk about that soon).
I believe God has called everyone to go on mission. For some people, that means staying put in the States and serving those placed around you. For others, it means going to another state, or another country--maybe for a short time, maybe permanently. Anyway, to start this off, I'm going to tell you in three points what every person needs to know before going on mission (overseas or locally).
First, you have to know (very thoroughly) what you believe. Because if you don't know what you're talking about you'll do more harm than good. STUDY THE BIBLE. Learn the Word inside and out. Take a few Bible classes if you need to. Read some books on theology (I personally recommend C.S. Lewis. That guy's a genius--even better if you can read him with a British accent). Think to yourself, why do I believe in Christianity? It's a tough question, but imagine a nonbeliever asking you that, and it'll get you studying so that you can answer!
Second: PRAY. This is a big issue for me, because I like to think that I can do everything by myself. I have to tell myself every day to take a little quiet time and tell God how I'm doing, what's worrying me, and then thank Him for always being there for me. He already knows everything that's on my mind, but that doesn't mean He cares any less. And it's a huge comfort to know He's taking the time (out of the infinite time available to Him) to listen.
The third thing about missions is to remember you're not alone. You're not the whole Body of Christ, just a part of it. There's a whole population of believers out there all working toward the same goal you are: spreading the Gospel. Don't try to take on the whole mission yourself. Paul describes this quite beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12. As a biology major I find this analogy especially moving. It's perfect because in the human body, one part truly can't operate without the rest of the body. A hand on its own is useless; an eye, very intricate complicated in design, is pointless without a body to use it (for a deeper dive into this analogy, read Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Dr. Paul Brand, orthopedic surgeon and medical missionary to the lepers of India--you'll never look at 1 Cor. 12 the same way again). So don't separate yourself from your home church to go out and serve. You won't accomplish nearly as much, and you'll miss out on the support.
So that's my two cents in three points. Prayers are extremely welcome. God bless!
Upcoming trips:
-Nicaragua (Aug 18-26)
-Potosi, Bolivia (Dec 31-Jan 18(?))
"I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation---the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God."
Philippians 1:9-11