Dear Friends and Family,
I hope all is going well with you and your family. All is swell on my end. I’m writing to let you know of an amazing opportunity God is giving me.
This past year, I moved to Austin. I’ve always wanted to experience such an eclectic city as an adult. However, during that experience, I had an extremely difficult time finding a church to call home, and I found myself only attending worship when I came home to visit my family, in Houston. Eventually I found myself thinking about moving back. While there where other contributing factors in my decision, like a more affordable community college, I am realizing God brought me home for a greater purpose. The more I thought about reconnecting with my church family, my heart was telling me youth ministry is where I needed to be.
When I first brought up my passion with my pastor, he was also excited with the possibilities God was opening in our growing church. I first heard about the Residency program through other prospective residents. Residency is a one-year process of personal and spiritual development for individuals who are considering full-time ministry. Pastor David, my church pastor, saw me as a great candidate to be a youth resident at the CrossPoint 810 location.
Youth ministry is so incredibly important to me because I believe it has made me into the young woman I am today. During such a complex and confusing time, I feel it is imperative that our youth be surrounded by Jesus and guiding mentors and be submerged in experiences that not only bring them closer to God, but provide them an environment that encourages them to serve selflessly.
Also, I believe the 810 area is in much need of such a youth ministry. These needs were outlined in local middle school reports that highlighted the fact that 91% of the students in this mission field are receiving free or reduced lunch. Sadly, other factors including family mobility rates, a high rate of single parent homes, and a lack of general lack of mentoring and parenting results in a youth population that struggles academically and lacks the sense of community that can provide the stability that they don’t necessarily receive at home.
With this on my heart, I’ve been blessed to be provisionally accepted into CrossPoint’s Residency Program. During the next year, I will dive deep into His Word, be mentored by leaders of the Church, and bring the light of God to the lives of the youth in the Spring Branch area.
While this is a great opportunity, I can’t do this all on my own. I need your support. First, I’m asking for prayer. I ask that you commit to pray for me as I go into this mission. Pray that not only my life is changed, but that also I influence the lives of those I serve. Second, I pray you and your family graciously consider supporting me financially. This residency is an unpaid position, but it is going to be a full-time commitment. Attending school only further complicates the situation. Partnering with you in this won’t just be helping me, but also those who haven't stumbled across the Kingdom yet. My goal is $1,040 in monthly support for the next twelve months, either through monthly commitments, and/or one-time gifts. In the past, small monthly commitments add up to usually 70% of the residents’ fundraising. Pledged funds will go directly to supporting me during this experience. However, half of my funds needs to be raised or committed before I can actually begin my work. Yes, it’s an intimidating number, but God has brought me this far, and I have faith in Him carrying me to the finish line.
If you feel called to team with me, with prayer, financially, or both, please see the enclosed commitment card, along with your commitment and related forms to CrossPoint Community Church at the address indicated. Your gifts are tax deductible.
I know you probably have many questions, and don’t worry, you’ll hear from me in the upcoming months with monthly newsletters. Meanwhile, feel free to get in touch with me, and find out where I stand in my journey. Thank you for all the love and support you’ve given me this far. I can’t wait to see how God’s going to use me in His plan.
Your Sister in Christ,
Sheryl Casarez
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