Well, after some hasty preparation and a dangerously small amount of forethought, here goes my first post! I’ve been playing around with the idea of blogging for a good while now, and since I’m gonna be heading to Alaska to do some really cool stuff for the Kingdom, I figured that now is a good time to start! Stay tuned for info about my trip, what I’ll be doing, and just general thoughts from a freshman in college who’s throwing himself across the country for 10 weeks. Thanks for stopping by – it means a ton that you’d want to know what’s going on in my life!

If you’d care to read it, below is the gist of my support letter for Cru (the campus ministry I’m involved with here at USC). The way that Cru does summer missions is unique, and if I’m honest, it’s pretty neat. They recommend sending out letters to people you know and asking them if they’d be willing to help support your mission by giving financially and by praying. In my case, it’s a great reminder of the community I’ve grown up around. I get to let people know how the Creator of the universe is using little ol’ me to make a difference in the world, and they get the opportunity to help me do that! So give the letter a read! But above all, pray for the work I’ll be doing, and if you feel led, I definitely won’t say no if you send help my way 🙂

Hello! I hope you’re doing well–I’d like to let you know how I’ve been doing lately! I’m wrapping up my freshman year here at the University of South Carolina, and I have to say that I really love it here! I’ve learned a lot, in and out of the classroom, and I’ve made some great friends here in Columbia. Most importantly, I have grown in my faith in Christ, and I am learning to lean on him each day. I’ve gotten involved with quite a lot on campus this year, including Student Government, RHA, and a campus ministry that has quite honestly changed my life–Cru.

 

I first became involved with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) in the fall of last year. As a college ministry, Cru’s mission is to be a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ–I can say with a lot of confidence that I’ve experienced exactly that! Because of Cru, I’ve been able to take the Gospel to students here at USC and across the country. These experiences have shown me just how important it is to fulfill God’s Great Commission–to go and make disciples. Especially this year, God has given me a strong desire to dedicate my life to sharing the Gospel.

 

This summer, I have the opportunity to put to work the desire that God has given me and the training that Cru has equipped me with! From May 21st to July 31st, I am planning to go on a ten-week mission with Cru to Juneau, Alaska. While I’m there, I’ll be getting a job and using it to minister to the people working alongside me. I’ll also be trained to make disciples and I’ll be discipled by someone myself. I’ll also be learning what it means to be a man according to God’s word.

 

In order to go on this mission, I need to raise $2,950 for ministry materials, housing, and excursions we’ll make while in Juneau. In addition, plane tickets to and from Juneau cost about $600. These costs do not include meals, gear, or other out-of-pocket expenses I will have to pay for throughout the trip. As you might imagine, raising the necessary funds will be one of my greatest steps of faith in preparation for the summer. Would you prayerfully consider supporting the work I’ll be doing by giving a gift of $50, $100, $200 or more to reach students for Christ in Alaska? Of course, whatever amount the Lord leads you to give is the right amount. The easiest way to give is on Cru’s secure online giving site at https://give.cru.org/0928084 (just Google “Cru online giving” and enter my donation number, 0928084). Or if you prefer, you can simply write a check payable to Cru and mail it with the provided envelope.

 

As much as I need financial support, God’s presence in my life and your prayer during this trip will be so much more important in advancing his kingdom. Thank you so much for being a part of my life, and someone I can trust to support me as I go out and fulfill the Great Commission! Your prayers and support will change the world in an eternal way–I cannot express enough gratitude for that! I appreciate all that you’ve done in my life.

Thankfully,

Cade M. Patterson