Dear Family and Friends, 

First of all, thank you for being here! Thank you for your continual support and prayers as I have ventured through this year. After my trip to Africa in January, the yearning and fire to do more has been placed on my heart. God did so much in two weeks, and it was amazing to be a part of; not just to see change, but to know that the Lord was working and still is working! If you want to hear more about that trip please reach out! I would love to share! 

All that to say, a new opportunity has arisen, and a new door has opened. I have decided to take a step of obedience into this new adventure and join the World Race for an Expedition trip. 

The World Race is a Christian Missions organization offering short and long-term trips designed for young adults to grow in their relationships with Jesus, to serve alongside ministries all over the world, and to reach the lost with the hope of Jesus. Their mission is to awaken the church to radically follow Jesus and to advance his kingdom. This program emphasizes living a life that seeks first the Kingdom of God and its values.

During this trip, I will be traveling over a duration of 11 months to 6 different countries with a group of 15-20 otherpeople from all over the US. Here is a breakdown of each country and what our time will look like.
Guatemala: Gripped by poverty, the people of Guatemala hunger for the Kingdom of God. The majority of people practice a form of Catholicism, mixing ancient tribal religions and cultural traditions into their faith.
Albania: This small country was occupied by both Italy and Germany during World War II and it lay behind the Iron Curtain and under Soviet rule until 1989. After the fall of the Soviet Union, conflict tore families apart. These people need to know the freedom and hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Greece: Greece’s financial crisis has topped the news highlights. Most recently it was a major transition point for refugees. Still at the forefront of today’s news, Greece is in need of hope.
Turkey: Turkey is a nation where the deep religious history of the Middle East converges with the modern secularism of the West. As you walk down the streets of Istanbul, you will hear the resounding call to prayer echo across the city.
South Asia: Home to over a billion people, 22 languages, and a mix of religions. The ancient caste system is still causing issues today. Social injustice, discrimination, forced prostitution, and human trafficking are way too common. Spreading hope, love, and change in South Asia.
Nepal: Nepal is mostly Hindu and Buddhist. After that massive earthquake in 2015, people were left with nowhere to turn, homes in ruins, and loved ones hurting or gone. The hope of Christ is rising like never before! Churches are popping up, and entire families are discovering His love and turning to Him.

Each of these places will look different but the ultimate goal is to share the love of Jesus. We will be coming alongside ministries and churches to reach people with the gospel of Christ, and that's amazing! From leading programs and sharing hope to playing soccer and seeing revival, the Lord is going to work in Crazy ways! 

I hope as you read this you are getting as excited as I am just writing it out! 

My team and I are scheduled to depart for training this fall August 29th, which is just a little bit away. I ask that you pray for all of us. Pray that we would be the hands and feet of Jesus, that we would prepare well now, and that we would be willing to listen and act in obedience. Pray that God would be preparing hearts and lives now!

I also ask that you would prayerfully consider financially supporting me on this mission. Each team member is responsible for raising $21,500. This money goes toward training and coaching in preparation for the trip. It goes toward transportation with international flights across 3+ countries and local transportation within 11+ countries, as well as meals, housing, health insurance, and different supplies for the trip. The Lord will provide more than I could ask or imagine, and I thank you for your consideration in supporting me in this way. Keep your eyes out for fun fundraising opportunities. I will be selling kombucha and hosting a couple of events in the near future! 

Thank you for reading all of this. 

Thank you for your prayers and support. 

Thank you for your love and encouragement. 

I am so thankful! The Lord is so good! He’s at work!

God Bless, 

Sydney Hood