It’s been just over a month since I returned to Ashburn,
Virginia after living in Nazareth and so far the weirdest thing was...walking
back into Costco. Honestly, it blew my mind when I walked around the warehouse
that has everything…literally everything. I had just become accustomed to visiting more
specialized shops. One for bread, one for fruits & veggies, another for
meat. There is a grocery store near my house, however it is about the size of a
restaurant and mostly contains the basics for the kitchen and home. So if you were to ask me what it’s like to be
back in America after living in Israel…there’s one of my answers.
In other news, summer was full of activity as I was involved in 9 camps
doing various duties (leader, program team, dish cleaner, referee, etc). Since September began, it
has been nice to have some time to relax here at home with mom and dad. I
actually returned on Mom’s birthday but told her it would be a day later in order to surprise her. Coordinating with my aunt who lives close by, mom opened
the door and let out a worthy yell “AAAHHHH!!” 7 out of 10 on the volume scale, 8
out of 10 on the high pitch scale. hahaha! 11 out of 10 on the happy momma scale!
I’m so thankful to have parents who support me with what I’m doing in Nazareth, even though it’s hard for each of us to live on
opposite sides of the world. Already, the time with them has been great
and I look forward to the next few months ahead with them.
The next few months…that’s right I said it.
The current plan that I’m
taking active steps towards is to Return to Nazareth by March.
HOW?
First, my
VISA expired so I am applying for a new one. Something you can pray for is that
It is accepted by the Israeli Gov’t.
Second, I am fundraising. The goal is $65,000 total to pay for my next two years of living in Nazareth. I will officially go on Young Life international staff this coming January and with that comes more money to raise.
Second, I am fundraising. The goal is $65,000 total to pay for my next two years of living in Nazareth. I will officially go on Young Life international staff this coming January and with that comes more money to raise.
God has taken care of me so far in this area, and I’m
trusting Him to continue to provide. This provision has come with some amazing
people supporting me financially. I only get to encourage and develop leaders
through Young Life with the support of others. You can help me out too!!
Project: Bring Zack Back comes from the students back in Nazareth. A few of them helped me by responding to some questions and putting them on video (you can watch it here).
If you want to be part of project: Bring Zack Back
- Click the blue [Area Number] button
- Type – X469 – in the space and click SEARCH
- It should say Nazareth-Miller
- Scroll down and enter in the amount to give. You can set up
giving to happen each month, 1 time every 3 months, or just a 1 time gift.
Finally, this past week I ventured south to Atlanta, Georgia. I visited my sister Emily who is teaching there. Also, my own
young life leader, Pete Hardesty, invited me to join him down at the annual Catalyst
Leadership Conference which was an awesome and encouraging event. Some amazing
speakers shared wise words concerning the main theme of “uncommon fellowship”.
One specific statement was about how “as a body of people believers, the church
can look past the things we don’t have in common, and focus on the one thing we
do have in common, JESUS.” Honestly, I took so many great notes and returned
home energized and focused on work I need to do.
Side Note: I got to meet
Pastor Judah Smith from Seattle, WA. Over the past years I’ve watched his
sermons and love how he shares the Word of God. Straight up I was so giddy when
I got to say hello to him. I shared that I was a YL Leader in Nazareth and I’ve
listened to his sermons for encouragement. He replies with “What?! Man that’s
crazy…man you inspire me.” I laugh at myself being nervous but this is a
dude who I look up to so much.
 |
| (Pastor Judah! - middle picture is his response to me sharing I do YL in Nazareth => #WHAT?!) |
Sooo….over the next 5-6 months I need your help.
- Pray for my VISA, that it gets accepted by the Israeli
Ministry of Interior
- Pray/Think about supporting me financially. Those
kids you heard from in the video...I love them so much and want to keep making impacts in their lives. I can only
do this with your help.
$10, $25, $50 dollars a month or $100, $150, $200 one
time gifts go a long way!
- If you want to hear more stories let me know…Or even a
visit! I’m thinking of traveling around the states to do some personal visits
and I’d love to add you to the route.
Thank you so much for all your support, prayers,
encouragement, and well wishes.
Cheers, Zack
