Lindsey McDonald

I enjoy camping, hiking, biking, tennis and anything that allows me to be outside enjoying God's creation. I also enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures and meeting new people. I am passionate about community, service, justice, love, music, art, and God's Kingdom. Two books that have had the most influence on my life over the last year are Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller and The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I have grown to love and appreciate the big city. I remember when I would drive home from college and see the Houston skyline, it would bring tears to my eyes because I was home. Having lived here for 24 years, Houston will always feel like home, but I know I can not stay here, at least not this coming year. God has called me to leave my home, my parents, my sister and brother, and my friends; and invited me to care for and love his children in different parts of the world.

Growing up in the church, I can't remember a time before I believed in God or Jesus. I do remember that it wasn't until middle school, though, that I heard God wanted a relationship with me. I remember being really excited about this, and wondering why everyone else in my Sunday School class seemed to know this already. Why hadn't anyone told me sooner? Ever since then, God has been breaking me and molding me for his purposes.

Since graduating from Texas A&M in August 2005, I have been working for a church in Houston as a youth intern. It has been an amazing experience, which has allowed me the chance to work with people who are passionate about living their lives following Jesus. People, who are passionate about seeing God's Kingdom here on earth, and people who are passionate about love, discipleship and community.

I have also had the opportunity to share my life with the students at the church: teaching them, serving them, and loving them. In turn, I have been taught and served and loved by the students and the people in this community. It is in this place God has been preparing me for the next step in my life. I have rediscovered God's love for all people and all creation. I have had the freedom here to discover and develop my gifts, and have even been challenged to acquire new gifts like teaching. This past year I have asked difficult questions about myself and about God in search of truth. Ultimately, this questioning has led me to "Love God. Love People." Right now, I feel the best way for me to do this is to see first hand what is happening in this world. I want to meet people from various countries and hear their stories, hang out with them, and show them they are loved by their Creator. I am so thrilled to be a part of this ministry and can't wait until September!