This is the support letter that I sent out that hopefully all of you received.
Hey there friends and family!
Boy, do I have a story for you! As some of you may know, I have been preparing to go to Ecuador for a climbing trip in January. The goal was to go down with my climbing partner, climb a couple of peaks, then we were going to go our separate ways and explore South America. The Lord had been hinting to me that I may be down there for a while, possibly doing ministry, and that I should start lightening my load here. We had almost everything ready to go: climbing equipment, special skills training and practice, and logistics for when we are over there. The only thing that I didn’t have ready was a plane ticket. I had the money for the ticket in my pocket many times but when I rang up the ticket, I could never click “buy”. I didn’t know what was stopping me but I would always exit the window at the last second.
Well a few days ago, on October 30, my climbing partner and I decided, even though we were very excited and prepared, we needed to call the trip off for a few reasons. The next day, I was cruising the Solid Rock Climbers for Christ website and I saw a help wanted ad for volunteers at a Christian coffee shop. Turns out this coffee shop is located almost within walking distance of a world famous climbing area and ministers to climbers… and it’s in Hidalgo, Mexico. So I emailed Andrew who runs the ministry about maybe helping him out. A few hours later he called me, told me he needed my help, and said he could really use me ASAP, sometime between November 6 and November 13 and he would need me to stay through May and potentially longer.
I realized that this is what the Lord has been building me up to over the last few months. So… I’m going to Mexico! It’s so amazing how many things the Lord has been doing to prepare me for this trip without me even knowing about it. Let me tell you a little more about what I will be doing down there. El Buho (The Owl) is a Christian coffee shop that is for international climbers, locals, and any other travelers to come and relax. They can check their email, play board games, and enjoy a cup of joe. Andrew told me that it has also become like the local Starbucks and it’s where the local boys bring their dates now. The Owl will also host weekly movie nights during climbing season as well as Bible studies. My job will be to serve coffee to all that come, and try to pour into their lives in whatever way the Spirit leads me. In my spare time I will be out climbing at El Potrero Chico, trying to connect and minister to the climbers while on the rock. Another big part of what Andrew and his wife are doing down there is in the local community. As of right now, the local kids stop their education after 5th grade because they can’t afford the bus fare to get to the middle school in the neighboring town. That is why thirty percent of all of the proceeds from The Owl go directly into an account that will eventually build a middle school in Hidalgo so that they can continue their education. To learn more, check out Andrew’s website at www.notquiteripe.com. So now I need a few things from my friends and family to make all of this happen:
First, I need prayer warriors. I need people that want to receive email updates about what needs to be covered in prayer while I’m there, and I need them to commit to actually praying about it. This will include things like safety while on the rock, specific relationships that are being formed, and special projects that I may take on.
Second, I need financial support. My total expenses while I’m there will be $350 a month[MTN: $350 x 7 months = $2,450 plus about $1,000 travel expenses, total = $3,450]. This includes room and board, gas money, personal expenses and spending.
Third, I need accountability. These are people that are willing to call me up or email me and check how things are going. These need to be people that will encourage me, advise me, and convict me if need be.
If you want to commit to one, two, or all three of these things, I need to know NOW! The thing about this trip that is different from any other mission trip that I’ve been on is that I don’t have half a year or even a few months to get ready. I have ONE WEEK. I beg you to pray about this and to see what you can commit to. I’m very excited that God has called me to serve Him by serving the international climbers and the local Mexican community. Who knows what the impact could be? Please be a part of this with me.
Thank you so much and God bless,
Kevin Nicastro
To Donate to Kevin’s Mission Trip:
2. Fill out the donation form online.
3. For Apply my gift to: select “Designated (specify in memo)” from the drop down list.
4. For Additional comments or questions related to this donation: enter “Kevin Nicastro- Potrero Chico” in the text box.
5. You will receive a confirmation by email and a donation receipt early next year for you taxes.
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