April 22, 2014

Hello friends and family, I hope you are doing well.

Let me give you an update on what is happening in my life. I’m currently a sophomore at Miami University studying Engineering Management with a Computing and Electrical focus. In other words, my major is a mix of Computer and Electrical Engineering with some Business on the side. Even though I find most of my Engineering classes interesting and almost enjoyable at times, an ice hockey class is the highlight of my typical week. However, the past few weeks have been far from typical: I skied in Colorado during spring break with four of my friends from Cru, I turned 21, and my father moved back to Finland where my mother and sister now live.

This semester I’ve started to think of where I’ll end up after graduating from Miami and I’ve come to realize that it is perfectly fine to be clueless about the future. Through this time of uncertainty, I’ve learned to trust in the goodness of God and His unfailing promises. I also know wherever I end up in life, He always has a plan for me. Since He promises to abide in us if we abide in Him, I’ve made the commitment to trust Him with my life wherever He leads me. One of the most useful tools that God has placed in my life is a ministry called “Cru” which helps college students grow in their relationship with God. During my freshman year, I met tons of other freshmen through Cru which really helped me settle in at Miami. This year God has really been speaking to me through my sophomore Bible study and other believers he has placed in my life.

Seeing God change my heart has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve been through. Whenever I have a chance to have a deep conversation with friends (and strangers), I try to tell them about the hope I’ve found through the total surrender to Christ. This summer I have a chance to share my hope with people in Montenegro where less than 1% of the population are evangelical Christians. Over 70% of the population identify themselves as Orthodox Christians but the vast majority never heard the gospel and most don’t even know what the church teaches. I personally can’t think of any better way to use my summer than spending 6 weeks starting a movement for God in a place where this has never been before. I can’t wait to see what he has planned for me through this trip and how I’ll grow even closer to God!

When I was trying to figure out if going on this trip was God’s will for my life, there were many times when I thought I shouldn’t go because of the $6,000 I have to raise to cover all the costs. I still don’t know where all that money is going to come from, but I’ve learned to trust that God will provide. I need both financial, and even more importantly, prayer support to make this trip possible. As James 5:16 says “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

If God is calling you to support me financially, would you consider supporting me with a gift of $500, $200, $50, or any other amount? All gifts are tax deductible and the most convenient way to give is through Cru’s online giving system at give.cru.org and searching for account #0844800 or my name. If writing a check, you can send it to me in the enclosed envelope and make it payable to Cru. I’m leaving for Montenegro May 28th and need to have the funding by May 12th. No matter whether the Lord is leading you to give or not, I thank you for your prayers and considering supporting me to reach the nations.

Gratefully,

Konsta Anttila 513-593-0565