Philemon 1:4 I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
When I was 12 years old I felt like God called me to be a Missionary. I began going on trips every summer and a few spring breaks. When Rudel and I became youth pastors we couldn’t wait to take our youth on a mission trip. Being protective of our students we didn’t want to go with just anyone.
Our first choice was Covenant MERGE Ministries. MERGE is a part of Covenant World Mission which is from the Evangelical Covenant Church. The MERGE Executive Director, Dale Lusk, has a mission statement
“Our mission is to share and experience God’s love through an ongoing physical, intellectual, cultural and spiritual exchange; to use every group’s unique gifts, talents and abilities with those of others; to enhance lives; to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ; to build the international Body of Christ; to glorify God”.
This statement was exactly what we wanted to be a part of. We went with MERGE that year and loved it!
Recently an opportunity for partnerships in the United States has arisen and people of all ages are looking for affordable, safe and flexible trips close to home. Our goal is to partner with churches and Evangelical ministries in the United States and Canada involved in their communities, and come alongside to support and encourage them in the ministry they are already doing. Covenant World Mission has approved me to help organize these trips. My official title is Domestic Trip Coordinator.
As a Missionary I have the opportunity to partner with believers all over the World. Would you like to stand beside me on this journey in prayer and finances? My goal is to have 80% of the finances given or pledged by February 1, 2012. $2500.00 per month for the first 12 months then $3800 per month for the second year of service.
If you have any questions please contact me with the information above. I look forward to hearing from you and “deepening our understanding” together! Jenifer DeCastro
