For those of you who don’t know me, I am Isaac.
I graduated from the University of South Carolina Friday May 7th, 2021.
This is a big transition and many people have been asking me, what’s next? I’ve been offered a few opportunities to begin a career. The opportunity to further my education through a Master’s degree has definitely been on my mind. However; in the past couple of months, I have felt a deep calling in my heart to a different and more rewarding kind of education. After praying about this for the past couple of months, I feel the Holy Spirit leading me into the mission field.
Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, I have asked many of my Spiritual Mentors for insight. After much prayer, and many long hours of research, of over 100 non-profits, focused on Missions, God has made it clear.
I’ve been accepted to a Discipleship Training School in Mazatlan, Mexico through Youth With a Mission (YWAM). Loren Cunningham, is the founder of the international Christian missionary movement. Cunningham founded YWAM in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1960 with his wife, Darlene Cunningham, at the age of 24. Their vision statement is, “To know God and make Him known.”
A Discipleship Training School consists of two phases. The first is a lecture phase. It’s my understanding that this will consist primarily of lectures in a classic classroom setting. Each week, a new topic will be covered such as; The Character and Nature of God, The Heart of God, Listening to God, Missions and much more. Guest speakers are often present and YWAM has been teaching young adults the gospel for years. This phase is four months long and costs $3500.
The second phase is the outreach phase. This is a two-month mission trip, in which we will take what we have learned and be given opportunities to apply it. This campus often goes to Africa or Asia for outreach. The outreach phase costs vary from $2,500 to $4,500 depending on the demands of destination. Students will not learn the destination until half way through the Lecture Phase (I look forward to sharing with you as soon as I find out).
So, In 7 weeks, on June 27th, 2021 I am to embark on a new journey to Mazatlan, Mexico to answer God’s calling to know him more and make him known.
I literally cannot go without you.
First, I would like your prayers. Without prayer, I have no chance of the inevitable cultural shock, homesickness and being overwhelmed anxieties of life. I’ve seen throughout my life how powerful the prayers of others are.
Secondly, I would like your encouragement. I am 22 years old and graduated with honors from USC. I have made many amazing connections in Columbia, SC. This decision doesn't make a lot of worldly sense for many. Actually, many people have asked me, “Do you realize that you are about to walk away from once in a lifetime opportunities for a wealthy career and luxury"? I know I want to be wherever God is leading me and I am asking, that if you believe as well, to contact me and send some encouragement.
Lastly, I need funding. I am so thankful to Langston Baptist Church in Conway, SC for being my rock. I grew up in this church. I am sure that without a doubt, God is still using the people at Langston to inspire and help me to embark on this journey. Langston will be collecting all donations so that it is one less thing for me to try and keep up with. All donations are fully tax deductible.
I will be blogging as often as my schedule allows and dependent on availability of WIFI. I hope that you will travel with me through this blog. I hope that we can stay connected through the Contact Tab in the blog. I hope that you find encouragement in your faith that there are still young people in this world who actually care about the mystery of The Gospel.