Turning a new leaf... Changing Seasons.

Such A Time as This...

Ministry: 

* This past summer I helped run 7 Sports camps at various churches up & down the west coast, California, Washington and British Columbia. Along with 3 other team members, we coached Soccer, Basketball & Cheer. We presented the Gospel every week using Bible Stories and Music/Dance intermingled with Sports Drills and training. 

* So thankful that many many prayers were answered!! We were safe, healthy and we were able to keep up energy and enthusiasm until the end. We finished strong! We grew together as a team & made friendships that will last a lifetime. 

* Working with Churches and church ministry directors has been one of the highlights of my time over-all at YMI. Getting to know them for months prior to camps and then getting to meet them in person, work alongside them and especially meet their kiddo's, the ones they invest so much time, love, prayers and tears on. Seeing and coaching those kids made it that much more personal to me, "why I do, what I do". It was incredibly rewarding and critical to the role I have throughout the year. 

* God allowed me to personally lead several young people to first-time decisions to follow Him. 

     This was especially exciting on 2 occasions; one of the children that made a genuine first-time decision to follow Jesus and "belong to Him" was "THAT" child. The one that was misbehaving, the one that would not listen, the one that required every extra ounce of my patience and grace, the one that would never sit still, the one I was CERTAIN was not getting most of our lessons. On Thursday (Gospel presentation day) When asked if anyone wanted to become a follower and belong to Jesus, this little boy was the first to raise His hand. Internally I rolled my eyes and thought there is no way he means this... I did not have much of a desire to pursue this and thought it would be a waste of time. But pursue I did and I asked him some significant questions so that I would know he was truly understanding what it was he was doing. He did!! He really wanted Jesus to know that he was one of his followers, he really wanted to belong to Jesus. He was so excited to say the prayer with me and ask for forgiveness and even more excited to tell his mom, "I belong to Jesus now, Jesus knows who I am!" It brought tears to my eyes and repentance to my heart. It was humbling to know God and the Holy Spirit can move in SPITE of me. And you just never know how much of what you're doing is seeping in. 

        The other was when the 13 year old girl who was helping in my classroom asked me if she could speak to me after and asked me some deep questions about wether or not when she "asked Jesus into her heart when she was little" it was a "real" conversion. She said she was unsure of wether or not she belonged to Jesus. She also confessed some things to me, that she had done that she felt were keeping her separated from God. She wasn't sure if she was truly forgiven. She also admitted that she never opened her Bible to read God's promises for herself. So I had an amazing opportunity that day to simply lead her in another prayer; so that she could be positive of her decision and commitment to Christ, and the next couple of days I was able to highlight some Bible verses for her in her own Bible and go through them with her after each camp day. At the end of the week she was glowing! She had assurance of her salvation, she knew Jesus loved her and forgave her! She was excited to read the Bible. It was another humbling experience for me to know that I was "there for the children", but you just never know who God will bring in your path and what HE is going to do, or WHERE He is going to show up! 

* All the Host families I had were amazing. Good food, great provision of basic needs, and good company! Very hospitable.  In particular my last host family was a large Ukrainian family (Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie, 6 total kids and my host Mom & Dad). It was very much like being in the actual mission field. It was very culturally different from what I had previously experienced. It posed some challenges for me, however, from that came 2 of the deepest friendships I could have asked for under these circumstances. 2 young women (close to my own age) with very very similar life experiences as myself, became "Kindred Spirits". Prayer partners and friends. They have since sent money to me as support. 

Personally: 

* I was able to have some time off upon returning from traveling and get my house more in order, since we moved just a week before I left! 

* I was able to spend much needed and long overdue quality time with my children as well as get some extra "shifts" in at BMW Northwest. 

* Yelena and Svetlana (Ukrainian women mentioned above) have come over to my house and I have gone out to lunch with them, even brought Svetlana to a church function my church was having. I have grown quite close to these ladies and am so thankful and blessed. I know our friendship is a long-lasting, God honoring and mutually edifying friendship that would not have otherwise happened if not for my experience at Sports Camp. 

* I took some time to reflect on the summer and some other obstacles that have come and pray and seek the Lord about my future at YMI. It has been 6 MONTHS since I began here as a full time YMI staffer. 

Coming Up:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... 

Having said that, it appears as though the Lord has released me from my calling to YMI.  My last official day as a "YMI Staff member" was August 28th. I have been working with my boss and co-workers to get things set up for my departure. It has been a JOY and privilege truly for God to allow me to be here, to make the friends and build the relationships I have, to serve Him and to facilitate others in doing so as well.

PARTNERSHIP: 

Ecclesiastes 3: 14 says... 

I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it...

I am no longer going to be "Faith-Supported" and cannot express gratitude enough to all of you for all the money that has come in at various times, a vehicle that was provided free of charge, moving help when that was needed, prayers of encouragement and voices of wisdom & counsel. 

But I am NOT stepping away from YMI completely and neither should you!!! I am already looking at ways to keep my "foot-in-the-door".  I am looking at leading Explore Missions Teams, ways in which I can possibly recruit my home church to HOST a Sports Camp next summer and other fundraising and volunteer work that may need doing occasionally. And obviously, keeping in touch with the close friends I have made being here. 

The work that God is doing through YMI still continues. I still 100% believe in what is happening here, the model they use for short-term trips, the training they do of young people to equip them to share the gospel, the curriculum they are writing for various camps to use around the world... all that still needs funding. If you too believe in what YMI is doing, I urge you to continue to support this great work and YOU can be PART of that something that God is doing. Because what God does... endures forever! 

If you would like to continue your support; you do not need to do anything. Your monthly contribution will automatically revert from "designated Mia" to YMI Operations. If you would like to cancel your recurring payments please email our Director of Operations John Stiffler at John@ymimissions.org 

Prayer Needs: 

*Praying specifically for a new ministry role that God would want for me & that fits my family's needs.  

* That decisions for Christ that were made this summer would be deeply rooted and watered. 

*Peace and comfort as this begins another chapter of grief for me. I am convinced that God is releasing me, however, I am very sad and already missing much of what I will be missing. :) 

Jenna and her cheerleaders! 

Jenna, Blake & Aubri taking a selfie at Stanley Park BC 

Stanley Park BC, CAN- Long live the Queen!

And sometimes... we slept on the floors of classrooms! #MissionaryLife 

And we were VERY grateful for all our accomodations, such as they were. 

Svetlana, Me & Yelena my new BFF's :) 

One Sports camp Groupie 

Girls night out, long after camp is over. Friendships built on Christ, and in the Family of God are eternal. 

Coach Blake about the get BEAT by those 2 kids! 

ROAD TRIPPIN'. How we roll. Jenna got a little bored. 

Coach Blake giving instructions on the next game/drill. 

Sum-Sum-Summer Time...

I'm a busy bee and have done so much the past 2 months. The highlight of which was traveling! A lot. Lots of pictures below!

Ministry: 

* Attended Base Sports first training in Sacramento, CA 8 days of intense (think 12-14 hours/day) learning our curriculum and how to actually run a sports camp.

*Met with my summer team mates, who came from around the country to be part of our summer group running camps around WA and even Canada. We are coaching Cheer, Basketball & Soccer for kids in preschool through 6th grade.

* Ran our first Sports camp (Think: VBS with 3 Sports sessions) in Elk Grove, CA and it was a huge success. Hundreds of children are hearing the Gospel. Many of them for the first time. Sports Camp reaches kids that are otherwise "un-churched" and we have had several first time commitments for Jesus! Praise the Lord.

* Headed to Bremerton, Auburn, Graham & Parkland WA to run a Sports Camp at a churches there. When we are in these cities we stay as a team with families from within the church.

* We have stayed with some amazing host families. It's been so fun getting to meet so many new people, build relationship and gain prayer support from families willing to share their homes and food with us. 

Personally: 

* Spent 2 extra days in California so that my Aunt Julie could come see me and had a wonderful visit with her and exploring Sacramento and Surrounding area.

* Went to Tennessee with my church youth group (including my son Josh) to a Youth Conference for our denomination. It was an incredible experience and much spiritual growth happened within our youth! 6 thousand High Schoolers heard incredible speakers, went to various classes, and attended amazing concerts.

* Unpacked my new home and got settled, have even hosted 4 dinner parties! Not bad for being gone most of the last 6 weeks.

* I have essentially been gone away from home for 4 weeks and have 2 more weeks of travel left. #MissionaryLife 

Coming Up:

* This coming week our YMI team heads to CANADA for Sports Camp and then back down onto the peninsula and we will wrap up our Summer camps on August 8th. 

Prayer Needs: 

* Praise that we have had successful camps, with no major injuries or drama! Our team gets along very well and still is going strong even after an exhausting week of camps.

* Pray that as we finish the rest of the summer in the next couple of weeks, we will finish well! We agreed in Sacramento, that momentum should remain strong for every camp and we want to do our best for every camp/church. So pray for rest, peace, continued unity, and strength! As well as HEALTH. We are all getting very weary!

* Please pray that I can get some more monthly supporters. I still need $800/month to be able to pay my bills! Whatever anyone is able to give, I know the Lord will multiply. Please consider being one of my contributors.  How to give is on this page:

                     http://calledtoroyalty.blogspot.com/2015_02_01_archive.html

* Please pray that my family, myself and kids can be united and get stuff done for school, dr. appointments and all that is involved in the daily life of running a household. I am working 7 days a week still and gone a lot for work so it's difficult for us to have quality time and/or just get things done! I need to manage time well, and also need some miracles for some of it. Relationships with my kids is getting tough to maintain. So as much as I love traveling, I will be glad to be done for at least a little while.

Pics: Blake, Aubri & Jenna. My teammates for the summer running different aspects of sports camp. Various Host homes, my Aunt & I in old town Sacramento, and one pic of the CHIC conference I attended in TN.

June, Spoon, Moon...

June 4-2015

What an intense and radical month it has been since I last posted. With the overlying theme that GOD IS FAITHFUL.

Ministry: 
* I was able to connect with many churches the last month and begin to prepare for upcoming summer camps.
* I was able to write articles and some curriculum for the coming months and next year.
* Coming up: Summer camps! I'm going to be teaching pre-school for many of our sports camps this summer and be "in the field" so-to-speak sharing The Gospel with children from California, Washington and British Columbia!
* I was in the office in Seattle quite a bit and was able to work collaboratively with folks, more than I had in the past few months. This was very encouraging.

Personal:
* My family & I were able to move successfully with the physical help & financial support of many of you!
* In addition to moving we had 2 graduations! One of my daughters graduated from college and another from H.S.
* God showed up in powerful ways to bring healing to our family in ways we didn't even know we needed it.

Praise: 
*In less than a week I was given roughly $3,000 collectively to pay for deposits on our new home.
* We had 6 men volunteer (some I had never met) to come and move our furniture etc... and I was able to turn in the keys to the apartment on time.
* God provided a house for us, in spite of some tremendous obstacles and I am so incredibly grateful.
* I was able to get 2 more monthly supporters!
* Through this process and trial, I was able to get concrete, absolute, confirmation from the Lord that this is where He has called me to be for this season. I am even more confident in my calling to YMI and I am very excited about what God has in store for me here.
* My daughter is home from college and a subsequent trip to Europe safe & sound and my family is together for the first time in 2 years.

Needs: 
* Financial: I still need 20 more people to commit to donating to us. ( whatever amount you can afford or feel led to give. I am asking/hoping for $35 per person.) I am still UNABLE to pay for specific bills and needs that our family has until I am 100% funded. Please pray for folks to commit and/or if that is supposed to beYOU.

FAQ link for details on how to GIVE here:
http://calledtoroyalty.blogspot.com/2015/02/faqs-frequently-asked-questions.html

* Travel: I am going to be traveling quite a bit this summer, please pray for safety, good health, provision for my kids while I'm gone, rest and unity among team members.
* Health: Please continue to pray for strength and health for my family. Especially with me working nearly 7 days a week. I am worn out. Trying to remain healthy & strong, I need restorative sleep at night and would like to have some days off.
* Vacation: I am praying about taking a vacation this year, I have not had one in several years. I'd like to visit family in California OR Vermont, sometime this fall. I need financial provision as well as wisdom of where to go and to manage my time well.

Thank you for reading and for your continued prayers and support!
Please SHARE!

Love,
Mia

Kylie's Senior picture. Graduated from Challenger H.S. c/o 2015. 

Maryn graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northwest University

Our new home in East -Tacoma, WA 

The struggle is real.

Transparency without Hype.

Matthew 14 28-29 
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 

I am writing to ask for money. I am praying that God puts it on your heart to support me monthly, even if you haven't felt that stirring before.

I need to raise a specific amount of income in order to provide for myself and my kids. I do believe this is what God has called me to do, so I am trusting HIM to prompt the people He wants to give. But, I know you will be blessed by it!

It's my goal to be able to quit working my outside jobs by the end of July. I am currently working 6 & 7 days a week to supplement the support. I am exhausted, not seeing much of my kids and my church attendance has been spotty. I have not been able to give 100% to any of the areas of my life I am called to.

If you like, I am happy to discuss my role at YMI and why it's important and what exactly you would be investing in, by supporting me. I love to meet with people and share what God is doing at YMI.

Many folks have asked me if I am certain I heard from the Lord when I took this job. I am certain. There were many factors and "confirmations" that led to this decision. It was not an easy one to make, to leave the security of earning my own income. To come to complete and total dependence on God. But in some ways, I know that is what He wants from every one of us. It just looks different for each of us. Some of us are relying totally on Him to provide a husband, or a child, or a miracle of a health concern, or some other financial need, or employment or deliverance. 

Jesus commanded me to step out of the boat, and I obeyed, in faith. I am doing the best I can to keep my eyes fixed on Him so I don't sink. 

I need 20-25 people to commit to donating $35 per month.

Will you also take that faith step out of the boat and join me in this journey? 

Thank you.

Mia

MAY the 4th be with you...

Hoped that popular Star Wars Euphemism would draw some of you into this page! It is indeed May 4 and a lot has happened since my last post just a month ago.

MINISTRY- 

* I have had a chance to attend an "Explore Team Leader" Training a couple of weekends ago and I have to say it was amazing to learn more in depth what that division of YMI is doing and what the needs are. 

Explore is our individual person-short term mission trips for youth ages 14-22. And they are always in need of leaders aged 23+ we have destinations all over the world, so if you ever want to go let me know! 

* I was able to spend some time with Drew Hester this month, he is my boss and the executive director of Base Sports. He currently lives in Colorado Springs but is moving to WA in about 6 weeks. It's been so much easier to accomplish work and collaborate on things with him here in the office and it's been fun getting to know him and his family a little too. 

* My Base Sports ministry partner, is leaving the organization to pursue a different calling the Lord has given him and his family in AZ. This is a wonderful opportunity for them and he leaves on great terms with us, but it does leave a big gap in Base Sports. Which means my role and responsibilities will change and increase. On the one hand, I am honored and excited, but on the other, he leaves rather large shoes to fill and I'm nervous about how much I still don't know! 

* In addition to talking to & praying for churches that we have planted VBS with for this coming summer, I have also been writing a lot! That has been such a neat thing for me, writing things such as articles for our catalog, blog posts for AWANA, curriculum including Bible stories and Children's stories and more. 

PERSONALLY-

* I experienced a health and financial set-back this past month. I ended up with very serious bronchial infection (they believe may have been whooping cough) and was in bed for a week and unable to speak for 2 weeks and weakened physically by lack of oxygen etc... I am only now feeling back to health but still have to take it easy. I am still coughing a lot, especially at night and this means less energy during the day & breath capacity which makes it difficult to walk around in downtown Seattle. My kids have been battling quite a bit of illness and/or injury too of various kinds. As a result of my illness I was unable to work so that is why finances have been hindered. As well as some extra expenses incurred as a result of 2 of my children graduating from school! April was definitely a challenging month. 

* I have the opportunity to go to Nepal in October. (where the recent natural disaster occurred) and help lead a team of youth to work alongside our missionary partners there. Details will be coming this summer.

* 2 of my children are graduating. One from High School and another from College. There are a lot of details involved, but mostly just excitement and pride! It's a joyous time around our house these days. 

PRAISES: 

* I was gifted a "new-to-me" car!! Thank you all for your prayers. Another missionary in our office had no use any longer for one he had, so he gave it to me! No cost. It was given to him previously by another missionary and so it goes on... I am praying protection and health over this vehicle and am just thrilled that God DID indeed creatively work that out for me! 

*I have 2 more people that signed up to support me regularly. I am always humbled and amazed at those who have committed to this. Most of the folks who have signed up are not folks I would have thought to ask... and I am so thankful to THEM for being inclined when the Lord stirred their heart for me. 

NEEDS: 

*I am still in need of 20-30 folks to commit to supporting me every month at $35-$50 per month. Would you please pray and consider being one of them? (I am THRILLED at the opportunity to meet any of you in person if you like, and discuss the HOW, WHAT, WHY of YMI and my role in it!)

*I am in need of "One-time" Special project gifts for some expenses I have coming up including missions trips which is not covered by my monthly support. As well as medical bills that I accrued during my recent illness and moving expenses. (see below)  

*I need to move into a house by MAY 29th. This is a fairly critical need, which involves many things.  I am PRAYING that I can find an affordable rental house in the same school zone as where my kids currently attend. They have had to move and change schools several times in the last few years and I'd like for them not to have to do that again. However, we will go wherever God leads. I also need extra $$ for moving costs deposits etc... and I would need actual physical help packing and moving. God can creatively work this all out, but please be praying with me that He does this soon.  

* Please continue to pray for HEALTH and protection over each of us. It has been difficult and unprofessional to miss so much work and/or school. Plus I'm just tired of feeling sick & tired.

* Please pray for all the many transitions coming up. Professionally and personally. Kids moving home from college, potentially moving into a new house, kids moving out on their own, new roles and such for me to fill with Nathan leaving and so on... pray for wisdom, knowledge, unity and organization of details.

Thank you for reading all this!
Standing with you for the Kingdom,

Mia 

EXPLORE LEADER TRAINING 

This is the catalog/magazine that YMI just produced & this is my 2 page spread.
Marketing gal Rose did the pictures & layout, but I wrote & designed all the text!
I just love being able to write... 

Our Spaghetti Tower. Team building & communication. 

Drew Hester Director of Base Sports.
Soon to be located in WA. 

April Showers 2015

"When it rains, it pours" as they say. This is so typical of Seattle anyway. But it is also relevant to my new job. On the one hand, it seems as though everything that could go wrong... has. But on the other I have been showered with blessings that are truly humbling.

Here is a brief recap of what I have had the privilege of doing at YMI since I started 6 weeks ago:

*I have helped write & edit curriculum for children. (My boss didn't realize that I am a writer and this is my very favorite thing to do. I'm so excited I will get to do more of this in the future.)
*I am continuing to build relationship with the younger gals in my office. (One of them even joined our young women's small group from my church, that I lead.) See pics below of a fun time I had with a couple gals, on our day off. One just moved from Cali & the other is from Peru! I got to take them around Tacoma and we spent the day at the waterfront.
*I have begun to build relationships with churches who are using our curriculum. It has been a tremendous joy to pray for and encourage ministry directors; many of them are volunteers and for some this is their first year and I've been able to use my experience to help them figure out how to best use our materials to have a successful VBS or SportsCamp in their churches. I am able to tell them that what they are doing matters! As well as offer practical advice for recruiting volunteers etc...
*A lot of what I have done so far has been administrative, since we are a relatively new division, I've spent a lot of time entering data into our Customer Service database and sending emails introducing myself etc... I even created my own job role!
* Lastly, my Division partner Nathan & I have been preparing for training which is coming up in June. We are heading to Sacramento area for 10 days to train our summer mission team (and myself) in the practical side of running Sports Camp.

Blessings:
*I have received commitments from 2 more folks, which brings my total # of monthly
   supporters to 4.
* I am 25% funded!
* My boss allowed me to alter my work schedule/hours somewhat so that I can "work-from-home" on Mondays & Fridays until the end of May which helps tremendously with the kids' schedules & needs.


Please pray for:
* The division of Base Sports is short-staffed for the summer currently. We need at least 2 more recruits (preferably 4) to be summer interns. (Interns are college athletes that run our summer camps. This is an 8-10 week commitment. They raise their own support similar to any missionary, but much of the money raised goes back into their pocket. Room and board is covered by sponsoring churches. If you know of anyone who may be interested please let me know. This is a critical need.)
* Continue to pray for health & wellness for myself and my children
* A creative solution to my car situation. Kylie also needs to get her license ASAP.
* Monthly support. I still need about 20-25 people to commit to at least $35 a month. Will you be one of them? I would absolutely LOVE the opportunity to meet with any of you in person to discuss in depth exactly what I'm doing and why. I'd love for you guys to partner with me in advancing Gods Kingdom. Now that I'm working from home (here in Tacoma) on Mondays & Fridays I can meet during the day. Please email me the best time & day that work for you.

I am genuinely enjoying getting to know each of you more and praying for your needs as well. Please do no hesitate to email me also, with prayer requests. I recently mailed out my newsletter and if you did not receive one but would like to, please email me your address.

Email: mia@basesports.org

Thank you so much for reading!

Until next time.
Mia

This is Me & Makayla! She just moved here from Northern Cali 

This is Lucy (Lucero,) she is from Peru! So I get to practice my Spanish with her. 

This is the Sundial at Ruston Way Waterfront in Downtown Tacoma Makayla is
pointing to where the shadow says it's 3:05. Which it was. 

Praise & Prayer Update:

I had determined I was going to only update on here one time per month, but since I need some prayer covering I figured I would make an exception. :)

PRAISE:

I have 2 donors who have signed up to commit to supporting me monthly, with 2 more verbal commitments from folks who WILL sign up soon!

I have been so blessed by the support I have recieved monetarily & prayer. I've been surprised by folks I did not expect, but it really showed me how creative God is and who He will speak to! So encouraging. =) A huge thank you to those of you who committed. I am humbled & blessed.

PRAYER needs:

Please pray specifically for the health and well-being of my children and myself. We have been sharing a vicious cold for a couple of weeks now and are weary.

Please pray for my vehicle, which my mechanic tells me is on death's door, I need it to last a little longer while I save up to purchase a new-to-me car.

Please pray for wisdom for me. I am still working my other jobs, until the monthly support I need is raised, I am working 6, sometimes 7, days a week, putting in long hours and doing ministry at church. "Something's gotta give..." but I am unsure what exactly. Also wisdom as to how to "parent" long-distance. Working in Seattle and commuting by train has proven to be a challenge when the kids need things after school. It has been working out, but it's been tricky to get through these "growing pains."

Please pray for strength. I am exhausted as you can imagine due to the above situations. Until that is resolved-hopefully in the next month or so- I need strength to continue with all obligations and responsbilities I have. I especially need true, restorative sleep.

MARCH MADNESS 2015

I thought a "Sports" reference was appropriate...

Well I have been in the office now for several weeks and am finally adjusted to the work hours. I have become aquainted with much of the staff and am sincerely enjoying my time here. Every day the Lord confirms to me again that I am right where I belong. I have been tasked with various things using my giftedness (i.e...Mentoring, Writing, Encouraging others in Ministry) that continue to assure me I made the right choice.

I have hit the ground running so-to-speak, aside from training, I have already begun proofing curriculum, fundraising and last weekend had the honor of hosting a table at our Annual Donor Banquet. This was held at Salty's restaurant in Seattle, overlooking the Seattle Skyline. It was a lovely day and by God's grace we were able to reach our financial & donor goal. Considering I only had a week of preparation, I was glad that 4 of my invited friends were able to attend! It was lots of fun. I learned that as an organization we were able to TRAIN over 1500 students this past year and REACH over 4,000 children for Jesus. That is what it is all about!

I think I'm most enthusiastic about some upcoming travel. I will be headed to Co. Springs in June for some training; which I am very excited about. (I also will be able to stay with my best friend Randi! That just feels like a little extra blessing from Jesus to me. Of all the cities, in all the states I could be training at, it happens to be Co. Springs! So excited!)

Prayer/needs:

**This past week I called in sick 2 days! Me and the kids have been fighting a nasty cold virus. So please pray for healing and continued wellness.

** Now that I know how much money I need each month, would you please consider becoming a supporter? I need 30-40 people to commit to sponsoring me for $35-50 every month. If you're not able, please pray that others would be! (The information on how/where to give is under the February FAQ page link to the left.)

** I am praising God that He brought me here where I can use my giftedness and feel like I am part of something bigger than myself. It is a joy to serve Him.

Thanks for reading and God bless you!
Mia

(FAQ's) Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where is your office located?

As of December 2014 YMI (Youth Missions International) main office is located in Seattle,WA. We are directly next to CenturyLink Field However, there are offices and team members in several states within the U.S. and we have other YMI field offices in the UK, Brazil & Peru. My work station is located in the Seattle office and I am commuting by Sounder Train from Tacoma. 


2. What is BASE Sports? 

 History: "Headquartered in Seattle, Base Sports became a division of Youth Missions International (YMI) in July of 2013. After years of growth of its own sports camps, and in line with the global reach of sports ministry, Base was formed to take sports ministry to a whole new level. Staff members have joined YMI's effort that have a combined 28 years of experience in sports ministry and will ensure that this vital ministry continues to flourish and grow under Base Sports."
         
Purpose: "To equip the local church with sports ministry tools that enact life change and develop fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ." 

Equip churches and individuals to use sports as a tool to share the word and love of God.

Provide opportunities for children to learn skills and grow in their personal faith.

Engage with local churches to offer different types of sports ministry that will impact their local communities.

Produce curriculum and training that will create effective ministry.

Prepare young people to live and share their faith in the global communities they serve.

      

3. What exactly is a "Church Relations Coordinator?" 
         
I wear a few different "hats" as the CRC for Base Sports. They include Sales & Evangelism, Encourager & Cheerleader. We are heading into our summer season, which is the biggest season for Base Sports as you can imagine. So for now my primary role will be a liason between the churches we currently have signed up to do Sports camps with Base Sports/YMI. I will be available to answer questions, give direction, provide resources and my favorite part to build relationship with and pray for the Children and Youth directors that will be using our curriculum and teams. Once the fall comes, I will also spend quite a bit of time recruiting churches and selling them our curriculum and generally educating them on the significance Sports Ministry can have in their church. Underneath it all; my personal intent is to get the word of God and Jesus' love into the hearts of as many children & youth as possible. 
          

4.  Why do you need to raise your own support? 
          
YMI is a 5013C non-profit organization. We are fully staffed by "Volunteers" and recognized as a Missions Organization. Each staff member from the Director/President on down is self-funded like any other Missions organization. In order to fulfill the call God gave us to serve Him full time with this organization, we each need to get donations from friends, family, churches etc... in order to pay our personal and household bills. 


5. How Much money are you asking for/do you need to raise? 
I am blessed that I do not need to raise quite as much as some of my co-workers. As of February 2015 my total monthly need is $1,250. This primarily covers taxes, retirement (required by the org) health insurance etc... less than half of this money will go to pay my household bills. This need will change (go up) however as my kids get older. I hope to have 30-40 people commit to supporting me monthly, with a donation of $35-50. Will you consider being one of them? (All donations are tax-deductible) 
          

5. How do I send you money? 

You may send a check-
                    payable to: Youth Mission International. 
                    mail to: 901 Occidental Ave. South. Suite 304 
                                Seattle, WA 98134
                    designate: MIA POWELL on the Memo line
                                      --OR--
You may pay online- 
*Click the link below or go to www.ymimissions.org and scroll to the bottom of the page and click "give". 
*Please fill out the donor/billing information & the frequency which you are giving. 
*Designate: MIA POWELL in the "comments" section.  

                                http://www.ymimissions.org/give/

6. How do I know the money is being spent wisely, what form of accountability is there? 

* First of all YMI is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (EFCA) http://www.ecfa.org/. A national organization for many Christian Non-profits; that helps to maintain ethics and accountability.

* We also have a board of directors that meets quarterly and along with many other decisions they are responsible for, they oversee the spending of money for the org as a whole. 

* For myself personally... all the money you donate designated directly to me, is filtered through YMI. I receive an actual paycheck directly from YMI 2 times per month. 
        
* I will have an annual review of my spending with HR department to assess both my "needs" and make any adjustments as well as to make sure that the money I am getting is being spent wisely etc... 
         
*It's encouraged for YMI staffers to not use Credit cards often, to avoid debt where possible and not default on any payments for any of their household bills. 

First week on the job! FEB 2015

Well I completed my very first week at my new job & I absolutely love it so 

far! 

The painted logo as you walk into our office. 

            I took a minute on Tuesday afternoon to look around the office and 

the people I will be working with & got a little choked up. It "hit" me how 

incredibly blessed I am. I am humbled beyond measure to finally be a full-time 

Missionary. A life long dream has finally come true. To be working full-time in 

ministry (again) alongside others who have the same heart, vision, passion... It 

is an amazing feeling to feel like you're "home" and doing what you were 

MEANT to do. After 3 years in limbo ("waiting by the Kerith") to have purpose 

and a plan. It's indescribable. 

Our office is "coffee house" style. Open with tables as work stations. Great lighting and very easy to communicate with co-workers. Although there is almost no privacy. :) 

           
They had me working hard from the first day, I have lots of "product 

knowledege" to learn (Base Sports curriculum and about the ministry as a 

whole of YMI) and also lots of training to learn to "Mission Differently." 

This is MY work station/table. 

There are about 4-5 whole books 

they want me to read over the next 

week or two as well as 

familiarizing myself with their 

software & other tools they use for 

projects and communication. 

One of the best things 

I learned this week was that even 

though my job is based in the States 

I will have opportunities to do 

short term mission trips abroad. 

Not many and not often, but this is so exciting for me. 

I also learned a little more about my role as Church Relations Coordinator and 

my region. Which for now is the entire United States. I am the liason between 

YMI/Base Sports and about 72 churches that use our curriculum and program 

for their Children Ministry.                                                                                       
Finally, below are some more photos I have taken of some of my new friends and workplace. I am beyond humbled and thrilled that God would see fit to use me to accomplish anything for His Kingdom. I am also incredibly thankful for you all my friends and family and new friends for your faithful encouragement and support for many many years. God is good. I can't wait to see where this next chapter of my journey goes. 

This is our meeting space. As soon as you walk in our office. 

This is my friend Emily Branch. We have many friends in common and she is the one that encouraged me to apply for a variety of open positions that they needed filled at YMI. Without her, I would not be here. God used her mightily! 

This is my new friend Dezi. She works on Emily's team. She just got back a couple of days ago from Ecuador! 

These are my new friends Diane & Rose. They run the place. Pretty Much. Ha ha