For the third year, the BSM at UTSA will be going to Los Angeles (our 'ends of the earth') on mission trip. We will be leaving mid-May for a one week period of service in the roughest parts of Los Angeles: Skid Row and South Central (also known as "Gangland").
God has used these mission trips to profoundly impact and influence and shape our students and the ministry at UTSA. Every trip has been nothing short of transformational. Students are stretched (as am I) to the limits, and the lessons learned in that context are taken and applied to San Antonio-to our campus and to our city. This trip is not 'spiritual tourism' and not for the faint of heart. Each year we go, we pray specifically for only the 'called out ones' to go with us. We recognize that if a student were to go on this trip just to 'see Los Angeles' they will be highly disappointed (because we're not seeing the glitz and glamor of L.A.) and will crash and burn because the experience is quite intensive.
He has used this trip to transform lives in Los Angeles, our students' lives and as a result, our campus and city. Missionaries are birthed on this trip. Students come back forever changed.
These are tough economic times. The past two years God has faithfully provided for the called out students to go. We are trusting Him to do the same this year. The challenges this year are the tight economy and the 'giving fatigue' that many individuals and churches are experiencing. We are taking 22 students and the cost per student (airfare, lodging, meals, transportation) for the week is $900.00.
This year, students are finding it particularly difficult in raising support. We are taking a mixture of students who are returning for a 2nd or 3rd tour of duty in LA and freshmen who have never experienced this trip and what God does in this context. Our students do not come from the wealthy or privileged families-many of them are working to help get through school and are doing their best to save money and to raise funds to go and serve in Los Angeles. Many are reporting just how difficult it is to gain support. We are blessed in that many are covenanting to pray for and with us. We also need the provision only He can provide.
I am asking (and this is something I have not done before) in a very straightforward way if you or your church or a Sunday school class or a missions team would consider giving to help our students go. We will gladly do all we can to give you reports and information on the trip when we return. These students are passionate for Christ and are eager to go where most people would not want to go. They do have that sense of 'calledness.'
Any amount is greatly appreciated. We see this mission trip as a faith venture from now through our return. We can do nothing of value in our own strength. We do not have the personal or financial resources. All must be from Him and come from Him.
If you feel so led to give, please know that your gift is going to change lives-literally. Your investment in our students will leave an indelible mark on their souls as will the work they will be doing in some very difficult places.
If you are led to give, you can send a check to the San Antonio Baptist Association,, 5807 I H 10 W, San Antonio, TX 78201. Checks would be payable to San Antonio Baptist Association. In the memo section of the check, you may write: BSM L.A. Mission Trip Gift. All donations are of course tax-deductible.
There are over 90,000 homeless in Los Angeles County. Los Angeles has the greatest economic disparity between the 'have's ' and 'have nots' in the U.S. The darkness there is great-but there is also a Great Light shining Hope in midst of despair. Would you pray about and consider supporting our students as they prepare for one of the greatest and most challenging experiences they will have in their young lives?
Your prayers and consideration are greatly appreciated.
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