— OCtober —
Monthly Newsletter : October
Dear Friends and Family,
As we step into another month filled with exciting things at Adventures in Missions, I wanted to take a moment to share not only what’s happening in my workplace but also my personal journey. This past month has been a combination of growth, adventure, and heartfelt connections, and I’m excited to fill you in!
Equipping Missionaries for the Field
I have been fully engaged in advising our teams as they prepare for their upcoming mission to South Africa and Swaziland. With seven participants confirmed and potentially more on the way, the anticipation is building! My primary role is to ensure that each team member is equipped with all the necessary logistics for their journey, but equally important is preparing them emotionally and mentally for the experiences they will face over their four month journey.
Walking alongside these participants during maybe a challenging season for them as they leave home has been deeply rewarding. Many are navigating their own fundraising efforts, similar to my own journey this year, which has created a strong bond of understanding between us. My check-in calls with them have become a treasured time to catch up, discuss their progress, and explore how I can best support them. Additionally, my commitment calls are designed to welcome new applicants, guiding them through the logistical essentials and helping them feel confident about their upcoming trip.
Building Community Through Prayer and Organization
In addition to my advising responsibilities, Emily (the other intern that I have been working with) and I have initiated several exciting projects aimed at fostering community and support within our organization. Here’s a closer look at what we’ve been working on:
Prayer Requests: One of our first projects has been to compile prayer requests from everyone on the World Race Team, including mentors, squad leaders, and racers. By creating a comprehensive list, we are establishing a strong prayer network that encourages daily intercession for everyone we serve. It’s a humbling reminder of the power of community and prayer in our mission work.
Organizing the Office: As many of you know, organizing is a passion of mine! This month, I’ve taken the initiative to revitalize our office space, starting with what used to be our “junk room.” With Emily’s help, we’ve transformed it into a clean, functional environment that is now our Break Room/Prayer Room. It’s been so rewarding to see the space come to life and create a more inviting atmosphere for our team.
Staff Photo Day: We’re also in the midst of planning a staff photo day, which is set to be a fun and engaging event. This will not only capture the spirit and camaraderie of our team but also serve as a wonderful opportunity for us to bond and celebrate our community outside of being coworkers. We’re excited to create lasting memories together!
Perspectives Week Registration: We’re currently registering participants for "Perspectives Week," an informative initiative focusing on the 10/40 Window—a region of the world with limited exposure to the Gospel. This week is designed to deepen our understanding of the various religions in that area and equip us with the tools to love and evangelize effectively. It’s a crucial opportunity for our team to grow in knowledge and compassion.
Department Interviews for Unity: In an effort to promote unity and collaboration across our organization, Emily and I have been interviewing all departments within Adventures in Missions. We are compiling insights to better understand each department's vision for the future, their operational processes, and how we can best support them. This project will culminate in a presentation to the World Race staff, highlighting each department's achievements and challenges. We believe this will help foster a deeper sense of community and collaboration within our organization.
Personal Adventures
On a personal note, I’ve had a whirlwind of fun experiences this month that I’d love to share! First, I got a fresh haircut that I absolutely love—it feels great to have a little change and some more pip in my step.
I also had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Miami for my roommate Jackson's girlfriend’s birthday celebration. Both of them were attending a concert, and when Jackson invited me and my girlfriend, Lily, to join—covering gas and lodging—I was thrilled! The Idea of a little adventure and time in Miami was too good to pass up.
During our trip, Jackson generously shared some money he received from selling an extra concert ticket, which allowed me and Lily to enjoy a lovely dinner at a really nice restaurant. I had a delicious Filet Mignon while Lily opted for a refreshing skirt steak salad. We capped off our meal by sharing a rich flourless chocolate cake, which was a delightful treat. It was such a special evening, filled with meaningful conversation and laughter, and it felt like a mini getaway for just the two of us.
While we were in Miami, Jackson, in a moment of spontaneity, reached out to a friend from his previous Adventures in Missions squad to see if she had any free day passes to Disney World because why not. Much to our surprise, she did not have passes but instead went out of her way to purchase tickets for us to Magic Kingdom! Out of the kindness of her heart, she bought our group tickets, and we felt so blessed to have this incredible opportunity.
We spent a whole day making magical memories at Disney World for free! It was amazing, especially since I hadn’t visited since I was around six or seven years old. Experiencing the nostalgia of riding the same attractions again was such a joy, and it reminded me of my childhood.
In addition to these adventures, I am excited to share that I released a cover of the song "How He Loves" on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music! Playing music and singing have become such fulfilling parts of my life recently, especially in our prayer room downstairs. I felt it was time to share this passion that the Lord has given me, and I hope it resonates with others as much as it does with me.
Lastly, I’ve been getting really into pickleball lately! It’s become a popular activity among the Adventures in Missions staff as well as with my roommates. We’ve been playing quite a bit, and I’m excited that I’m actually getting pretty good at it! It’s a great way to stay active and have fun with friends.
Prayer Requests:
A rejuvenation in my spirit, making the Gospel be even more exciting
Next steps after my internship (work, living, marriage)
Finding more time to spend with the Lord, making sure I get my time of solitude
That I would through more processing and put importance on my mental health. I feel like I can sometimes put other needs above my own.
This season has been a combination of challenges and much fun, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to meet new faces and guide them as they embark on their missionary journeys. God is truly at work in our lives, and I feel blessed to have everyone reading a part of this transforming journey with me.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Together, we are sending Christ-centered missionaries out into the world, and I can’t wait to see how God continues to move!
Be Blessed,
Nick Furtado