Here's the story: Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this! God has been working in my life in in recent years in some extraordinary ways. I have spent the last nearly nine years in St. Louis Missouri leading a wonderful Bible church as senior pastor. Near the end of my time there, God began to lay on my heart a deep burden for young people. I have always been ‘young at heart’ (just look at my Facebook page and you’ll see what I mean), and have enjoyed young people, but God was leading me to work with young people in a greater capacity. That is why my family and I are now here in southern Texas where I serve as Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults. I love my new role and can see more clearly why God has lead me here. God is now providing another opportunity this summer to minister to young people in a foreign land; the Philippines. Since coming to Texas, my new church, New Braunfels Bible Church has partnered over the years with Bob Tebow (Yes, Tim’s Dad) and the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association. Since 1994, over one thousand high school, college, graduate students, and adults have given two to five weeks of their summer to travel overseas to the Philippines with the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association. These missionaries have had the opportunity to preach the Gospel in schools, offices, marketplaces, and malls. During these meetings, individuals have had the chance to minister through preaching, singing, and personal testimonies. This year I have the opportunity to be one of those missionaries and minister to literally thousands of young people in local schools (though not through singing!). God wants to use me to love these kids and tell them about His love for them. Many thousands of Filipino students have never heard a clear message of God’s love for them. This trip will provide them that opportunity. So, you guessed it; I am asking you to partner with me. I always appreciate first and foremost prayer support from my family and friends. This means a great deal to me as this truly is a spiritual endeavor. Your prayers will encourage and support me throughout this process and I know God will answer. Additionally, your financial support is also needed and will be a great encouragement. The cost of the trip is $3,500. There is a timeline for support that BTEA has given those who desire to go. Friday, March 31 - $500 non-refundable deposit due. (REACHED! THANK YOU) Friday, April 28 - An additional $1,500 is due. (REACHED THANK YOU!) Friday, June 2 - The full amount of money is due. (REACHED! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!) If you choose to partner with me, you can give a tax-deductible donation by check or credit card. If you prefer to give by check, make the check payable to “BTEA” and include a separate note, designating the gift for “Gary Armstrong Trip.” Due to IRS regulations, please do NOT write my name on the memo line of your check. You can mail the check to the following address: BTEA 8834-F Goodby’s Executive Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32217 If you prefer to give by credit card, please use this link: http://www.btea.org/shorttermsupport.asp You can type in the amount you would like to give beside my name and follow the prompts to enter your credit card information. You will receive an acknowledgement letter from BTEA in the weeks following your donation and an official receipt for your donation in January 2018. Again, thank you for considering. I am thankful God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends over the years. I pray you will enjoy God’s richest blessings in life as you follow Him. Love in Christ, Gary Armstrong