ORHS grad to embark on extensive mission trip around the world

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - We all know how important our education is inside the walls of our schools of all levels. The more educated we are, the better our chances are of landing a gratifying career of our choice.

However, after our schooling has been completed, there are those that would argue that the real classroom is outside of schools and located in our cities and countrysides here and even more so abroad where the history extends far beyond the age of America.

We have a young person within our community who is taking a big step in furthering her education beyond the classroom by traveling to 11 countries in 11 months. This is not a vacation by any means as it will be more of a mission to serve people.

Kelsie Lynch is a 2011 graduate of Oak Ridge High School, and she will be involving herself in this gigantic undertaking with the World Race program.

The World Race is a program within the auspices of Adventures in Missions and is an 11 month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries around the world. Through the World Race, Kelsie's team will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restorative hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations. Not only is the World Race a mission trip, but it’s also an intensive discipleship program designed to launch Kelsie's generation into their specific kingdom calling.

"I heard about the World Race from a good friend, Brittany Partain," Kelsie stated. "Last year, I started volunteering at Elijah Rising after going on a van tour which shows the reality of modern day slavery by taking you through high-probability sex trafficking areas in Houston. I felt like I had been living in a bubble: A comfortable bubble not aware of what was going on outside of it. My heart sits heavy knowing that this is just a portion of how broken the world is and how much people need to experience God’s love."

Kelsie will face many challenges throughout the World Race spiritually, physically, and emotionally, but as she prepares for her departure, one of her greatest challenges will be financial support.

"I am grateful for this opportunity that God has given me and know that He will provide for my needs. In order for me to embark on this journey God has called me to and to be fully funded by July 2015, I will need to raise $16,500. This money will cover all of my travel and living expenses for the 11 months of the trip. If you feel that God has put it in your heart to donate, please don't hesitate. All donations are tax deductible. You can make your donation by clicking here. Donations can be made by credit or debit. You can also donate by going online to my blog. Just click the “Support Me” link on the upper left side of the page and follow the instructions given."

You can also purchase bracelets for 5.00 and t-shirts for 25.00. (see pictures).

Kelsie's Christian background involves worshipping at Church Project of Sawdust and she just got re-baptized on February 22nd. From May 21 to May 31, she will be in Georgia training for the trip which will start on June 27th.

The business of sex trafficking generates 9.5 billion dollars annually in the U.S. alone and approximately 300,000 children are at risk of being prostituted. The average age of these children is 13-14 years old. Here is more information in regards to sex trafficking.

"Sex Trafficking is a worldwide problem and I want to do my part in an effort to fight this horrible business." said Kelsie."

“I consider my life nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” -Acts 20:24

Spirit has most assuredly led Kelsie to where her trust is without borders.