My name is Briggs Szanto and I am an 18-year-old high school graduate who first and foremost loves Jesus.

After my application to the U.S. Air Force Academy was denied, I believe that God is calling me to do something different than all my peers, who are heading off to college this upcoming fall. In addition to that, one of my cousins has recently participated in a mission program for youth called, Youth With A Mission (YWAM), where he had an incredible and life changing experience. Inspired by his experience, I decided to look more into this ministry. The Bible clearly calls ALL believers to participate in the great commission, so through much prayer, advice, and wisdom from family and close friends, I believe that God has called me to do His work.

YWAM is a six-month long mission trip for young, college aged men and women where they will experience two different phases. The first phase is the 3-month long Discipleship Training School (DTS) where we will be prepared for the mission field and spend extended periods of time studying the Word of God in group and personal settings. My DTS will take place in a small town on the northeast coast of Australia called Byron Bay. The second phase is called the Outreach phase, where I will spend 2-3 months in the mission field somewhere in southeast Asia. The location of the outreach phase will be revealed towards the end of the DTS phase.

First, my biggest ask is for your prayers, because as Paul says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12).  As a follower of Jesus, the most pressing opposition, and battle I face in going on this service adventure, is not financial but spiritual.

In addition to your prayers, please consider a financial gift.  The total cost of the trip is $10,000 which includes the cost of the DTS tuition as well as my room and board during that time. It will also cover the cost of all my travels during the Outreach phase, being that during that time we likely will be traveling to more than one country in Southeast Asia.  

Will you join me in this adventure for Christ and support this effort with prayers and any financial gift you feel led to give?

Briggs