Hello,

I hope everyone is doing well!

As you all know, I’m currently a junior majoring in Classical Voice Performance. Recently I received my notification that my application to participate on an international summer project with Cru had been accepted. I’ll be going to Valencia, Venezuela from May 8th – June 15th to participate in the ongoing college ministry that is occurring with Cru. Our primary focus during the summer will be reaching Venezuelan students with the Gospel through various large group outreaches, building relationships with students and also building our own relationship with the Lord through fellowship, weekly meetings, Bible studies, etc.

As great as this sounds, I can’t do this alone. I need your help. In order for me to participate in this summer project, I need to raise $4,500 to cover the cost of my portion of the summer project budget. In order to meet this need, I’m asking people to consider partnering with me in two ways: one is by praying for me regularly, and two, by supporting me financially.

Tumblr Family, would you prayerfully consider being a partner with me in ministry this summer by praying and giving financially? I’m trusting that God will raise up partners who will support me $100, $250, $500 or more by my support deadline of May 23rd (Or just a $1!! I’ll take it all!!). I know that not everyone can give those amounts, but any amount would be appreciated. God is the one who must speak to people’s hearts to be involved in my ministry this summer. I’m can’t wait to see how He raises this money!

 If you are not a Christian, thank you for getting this far into the e-mail! If God puts it on your heart to give to me, who am I to ask why? If you are, I have one request. I value prayer over money, and if you would take some time out of your day to speak to Jesus on my behalf, I would love that! If you do, please let me know so I can properly thank you! If you feel that God is leading you to give, you may use https://give.cru.org/0733718 and donate online, or send a check/money order to my work place (Please message me!) Please make all checks payable to Campus Crusade for Christ. Because my support deadline is quickly approaching, I will follow up with you in a few days to see what you are thinking. Again, thanks so much in advance for your encouragement, and thank you for taking the time out to read this letter!

If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask!

Sincerely,

operaandsoul

One time, I was in this ‘relationship’.

It was in middle school, and I’m pretty sure I told the kid yes because it was something for my friends to be jealous of. (I know, I suck…)

But here’s the thing: we didn’t really have a relationship. We held hands down hallways once or twice and ate lunch together, but that’s where it stopped. No dates, no deep conversations, nothing. I didn’t even meet the guy’s parents after school.

Our relationship wasn’t personal. It wasn’t real, and I didn’t really know him.

Sometime last year, I realized that I was doing the same thing with Jesus. I would say that we had a relationship, but I would only walk with Him and hold His hand on Sunday. No personal bible-reading time, no daily prayer, nothing. I didn’t even share the Gospel with people I knew.

Our relationship wasn’t personal. It wasn’t real, and I didn’t really know him.

Jesus is not a middle school boyfriend. You can’t just pull Him out of your pocket on Church Sunday and Bible Study Wednesday. He wants a personal relationship with you. He wants you to desire to know Him, to take time to glean and learn from Him! I promise you’ll like it a whole lot better when you do. The closer I get to God, the more I see His wonders.

And let me tell you something: My God has plans!