When I was 14, I started serving in my church as part of the worship team playing the drums at every service for 4 years. At 15, I started recording and touring with various bands and was successful. Two years ago, at 23, I was struggling to make the decision to leave the band scene, because I realized I wasnt doing what God wanted. It was a difficult decision, because I was being offered a contract from a major music label and more money than I can imagine. After lots of prayer and godly counsel, I obediently resigned from that lifestyle and came to work full-time to serve the LORD! It is a part of my DNA to be involved in my community. I have built fences, done yard work, found shelter for teens living on the streets, fed the hungry, spent time with the parents of runaways, told Bible stories to children and mothers, taught them worship songs, and helped with crafts for children at the CV Rescue Mission. There is nothing more gratifying than sharing the love of Jesus and knowing that God has used me to make a contribution to the Kingdom. It was that longing to share the love of Jesus, that has taken me to this place in my life. This decision has taken many months of prayer too. I made every excuse for not stepping out of my comfort zone, but those excuses only created chaos in my heart. I knew God was asking me to be obedient to Him and acknowledge the longing He had placed in my heart to share His love. He was asking me if I would be uncomfortable for Him, and I had to answer YES! Once the decision was made, I have been at peace, secure in knowing that even though Im not sure what the next several months will be like, I am excited that God is going to use me. When Pastor Brent Philips came to visit with friends at Southwest Community Church over a year ago, he shared with me his calling to start a new church in the heart of south central Austin, Texas, which is the skid row area. As I prayed for him and his ministry, I eventually realized I was being called to step out in faith and offer my time to Brent. Pastor Brent lives amongst the people he serves and teaches. The churchs mission is to bring Gods Kingdom to earth by reaching out to people who find themselves in difficult circumstances As I talked more to Brent about what he wants to do in his community, the more I knew I wanted to serve with him. A short-term mission trip would not be long enough and I want to take several months to hopefully see the fruits of our labors. Serving this length of time with Brent allows me the opportunity to be attached to his hip as his Intern to see his role as the pastor, work with him to establish better community relations, grow his ministry and to put my passions into practice. My long-term goal is to have a better understanding of how to reach my community and introduce them to Jesus and with a better knowledge of the calling God has for my life. I am hoping you will be a part of my mission with your prayers. I will be working with Brent as a Volunteer Intern and hoping not to take another job while I am here. I need your prayers for the following: for my finances while I am here; for my friends and family I will be leaving behind; for a hedge of protection around my trip; that I will find affordable housing; for my health and safety; that my work will be blessed; that I will find work when I come home; and that God will put His thumb in my back to push me out of my comfort zone. Know that I am praying for my friends and family that are helping support my mission trip, as well as, praying for those that are coming along side me as I continue on this journey.