Hello, dear friends!
Intro: My name is Kaitlyn Pindak. I am a sophomore music education major at Union University. I am an adventurer. Maybe the credit needs to go to my parents who are quite the adventurers themselves. They told me of their adventures they had, and I especially loved hearing them talk about Ireland. Growing up, my Grandma Pindak and Aunt Eileen have read my younger brothers and I stories of Ireland and its rapturous folklore. Ever since I was little, I have wanted to go to Ireland. It's always seemed like a far-off dream, but, who says it just has to be a dream? Why not make it a reality? So, as many of you know, I have been trying to figure out a way to go to Ireland this summer and do some missions work. Well, it's starting to look possible! I have realized that the only way that this would pull through is God making it happen and He is!!
Step one: PASSPORT
I applied for my first passport toward the end of February and, after many days of long anticipation, I received it a couple days ago in late March!
Step Two: CONNECTIONS
I had a few connections of people who had been to Ireland, or knew people who lived there- but nothing solid.
Talking to Dr. Greg Thornbury, a professor of philosophy, Dean of the School of Theology & Missions, and the Vice President for Spiritual Life at my college, Union University, I found out about Indigenous Outreach International, IOI in Jackson, TN. I didn't really think about it very much until I had my passport in my hand, wondering where to go from there.
So, on a whim, I looked up IOI's number, and talked to Aaron Hardin from IOI on the phone for about an hour and half. The next day, I went in to The Bishop's Beard, a little store in the Casey Jones Village that sells merchandise for support of the ministry of IOI, to talk to Aaron and his co-workers some more about Ireland. We talked about IOI's purpose as an organization and possibilities of going to Ireland.
Many of you probably want to know a little more about IOI...
IOI is a small organization that intentionally reaches out to indigenous ministers of people groups with the purpose of making disciples for Christ. Their primary focus is Ethiopia, but they also have people stationed out in Brazil, Germany, the USA, and, of course, Northern Ireland, which is where I would go!
Step Three: PURPOSE
My purpose would be to go to Northern Ireland in an area that is nominally Protestant, but largely full of immature Christians who need discipleship and a tangible example of the gospel. I would be staying with people connected to IOI and working with them to reach the youth in Northern Ireland as I stay for June and July in summer 2013. I would most likely work as a summer intern with either a ministry connected to IOI or a local church. Plans are still being set in stone. More information to come.
Step 4: PLAN
Right now, I am trying to fundraise as plans are being set in stone. I have $2,000 set aside for this trip but I have about 2 months to raise another $2,000 to afford this trip! This first half should cover my round-trip plane ticket, which is the expense, but the rest would cover my stay for two months. I am planning on setting up a fundraiser booth in Casey Jones Village with a local art shop on Saturday, April 27 from 9am-5pm to sell some original artwork and desserts and advertise my trip!
My biggest request is for prayer as I prepare for this trip. Encouragement, scripture, and prayer are my most important needs to go! But, if you also would like to support me financially, I would very much appreciate it! Donations to IOI are tax deductible!!!
Make out checks to Indigenous Outreach International with my name in the memo. Their address is:
Indigenous Outreach International
Post Office Box 10173
Jackson, TN 38308
If you have any questions for them, their number is (731)664-9960!
The encouragement that I have received concerning this trip is overwhelming! Thank you all for your support! May the gospel be our purpose for all we do and say each and every day! :)
