Dear General Board of Global Ministries,
I write to you with excitement, anticipation, and an eager heart. Two months ago I returned from the beautiful land of Cambodia, after a two week long mission with my grandmother. We joined a Louisiana Volunteer in Mission team, with the leaders from Mandeville, LA. You see, my grandmother and I were tired…exhausted actually. We had just returned from another mission to Honduras, also under the United Methodist Church and a LAVIM team. Our summer was filled with the joy of missions. Yet, I did not anticipate that this mission to Cambodia would be just as life changing. I knew nothing about the country, culture, or the language. I was familiar with all three of these traits on all former missions to Mexico, Honduras or city ministries in the states. But with Cambodia, I knew nothing. I find it amazing how the grace of our God crosses all earthly boundaries, and with relentless love, allows connections to be made between His creation. The Holy Spirit was present in every aspect of our mission. I saw the Spirit in conversations with fellow team members, and through the broken conversations I carried on with the local people. The "Koinonia" was present and fellowship was of Him.
The missionary "spark" has been with me ever since I found the Lord (and the Lord found me) at the age of 15. After being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, I knew that my life would never look the same, and that every single day was a blessing from our Father. I knew that I would never be able to have children of my own-yet I must with every ounce of my being, become a mother to those who do not know Jesus. The word for "Parent" and "Teacher" in the Old Testament Hebrew is the same definition. in the Hebrew language, the very root for "parent" is the word yarah. This word means, "to shoot an arrow" or "to direct" something or someone. I know that although in the earthly realm, I may not be able to bear children, I will and have been called to teach and to guide. Also, I learned that life was to be filled with peace, but that life was also short, and we must be people of action and of love. I know that all are called to be missioners, yet I know a specific missionary calling on one's life is something special and cannot be ignored. I am a rising Junior in college at High Point University in North Carolina. I pray that next summer, the summer of 2013, I can spend it in the Kingdom of Cambodia introducing them to the love and saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I recently heard a life-changing message on the difference between gifts and talents. Being raised in a home where my father is a motivational speaker and author, and my mother is an outgoing business woman, I found myself with the drive to be "successful" (however one is to define it). I soon began to realize though, that an earthly talent may signal, but it not indicative of a Spiritual Gift. I know my talents are rooted in entrepreneurial ability and hard work, but my Spiritual Gift has been found clearly in teaching. The Lord has used this gift to build up the body and community surrounding me. A gift must build up the body of Christ- and I am willing to embrace and fulfill a calling on my life in regards to the gifts God has so graciously given me.
I am passionate about teaching the Word of God to youth, adults, and my peers. I have a strong desire in my heart to aid women and serve them as well. We will be called before God on the things that we know. And, I have clearly seen the condition of Cambodia. This is a land where Bibles are scarce, and teachers are even fewer. There is a need, and there is a calling. When 95% of the nation has either not been introduced to, or is rejecting the power of Our Savior, something must be done. And now that the Lord has convicted my soul to move, I am in His hands.
As a college student my summer calendar is open and I am ready and willing to serve as an individual volunteer for the summer of 2013 between May 15th, and August 10th. I worked with Ms. Irene for two days in Cambodia under the CHAD program, and saw a great need. In addition, I spent time with Clara and witnessed a vast calling. I am willing to be placed wherever the greatest need arises.
Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to continuing to serve the Kingdom of God!
Alexa Crawford
alexamcrawford@gmail.com
916.380.2599
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