Pearson raising funds for mission work

By Laura Brookhart/Community columnist

In just over a month, Savannah Pearson, 2016 HHS graduate, will embark upon a journey that will take her far beyond her home turf and onto a journey sure to be both spiritual and life-changing.

Pearson was recently at First Friday with her mom, Kelly Ray, explaining the missions she has chosen.

“I was first led to do missions when I was about five,” Pearson recalls. “A lady came to our home church, Kingwood Church of God, and spoke about her journey in the mission field. Ever since then, I knew I felt called to do mission work.”

“I felt called to World Race, and when I started looking at it and as I spoke to the people there, I just knew that’s where I wanted to be,” she added.

Participants in World Race visit 11 countries in 11 months to serve the communities in need. “This unique mission trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about you; it’s about the Kingdom,” the organization’s website states.

“Everyone I met involved in World Race was so genuine and wanted to do the work of the Lord. Shortly after, everything fell in place for me to go,” Pearson said.

“This is my first mission trip, a kind of a big one to start out on, but I am ready for whatever may come my way,” she added.

The total cost of the trip is $13,805, not including Pearson’s shots or gear.

“My family has been very supportive through this journey—they are worried but I think that’s normal,” she said.

“Also, I have mentors who have been on an 11-11 that are helping me prepare. Friends that I have made through the program are super supportive and I love them,” Pearson added.

Pearson’s journey will take her to Malawi, Thailand, and Guatemala. The training for her trip begins August 10-20 and the journey launches October 1.

Pearson says one goal is to gain a new relationship with God, “to go deeper in ways I haven’t yet.”

If you are reading this and want to contribute to Savannah’s journey, she will be at the July 1 First Friday near Scozzaro Law. Donations may also be left at the law office during business hours. See more at Worldrace.org.