Hi! My name is Julia Shatswell and I am a full time missionary with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Kona, Hawaii!

I have decided that if ever there is a good time to devote time to ministry, now is the time in my life to take a break from my traditional school path to devote my 20’s to Jesus! (and the rest of my life of course!) I graduated from High School in 2020 and choose to stay home instead of immediately pursuing my university studies during a time when everyone else was doing remote learning in their dorms. This was a pivotal time because God was able to get ahold of my heart and I learned that my hopes and dreams are not based on anything I can do in my strength alone.  My plans included getting a degree in Graphic Design from a school close to home and take baby steps in my faith walk. I never dreamed that the Lord would light a fire of surrender and give me a passion and desire to travel to the nations and share the Good News that Jesus brings!!

The difference in who I was 3 years ago and who I am today is huge. God has given me a passion to be on the frontlines of my generation and in places and spaces that will allow me to speak to people of all ages in any country in the world.

I did my Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Fall 2022 and went with a team of 14 to do an outreach in the Philippines. It was here that God marked me for this generation. Gen Z may look like a lost generation, but they are desperate for Truth and anything that is Real. I believe that Gen Z is going to be a generation rooted in Christ and they will run to the ends of the earth with the Gospel, and I want to be a part of it.

My heart is especially moved toward the young women of my generation and how God has created each and every one of us uniquely beautiful. I want to speak love, life, and our true identity in Christ over everyone I come across.

That is why I am excited for this next season where I will be doing leadership track, staffing, and leading a team to the nations. This consists of me being trained to be the best that I can be, then mentoring a group of up to 9 girls. Then I will co-lead a team of young adults to wherever God calls me. This is at least a 9-month journey and I need your help.

Knowing that my friends and family from all over the world are covering me in prayer and contending for the work of the Lord to be completed is a tremendous blessing and the most valuable contribution that anyone can make on my behalf.

Many of you have asked how you can financially support this effort.  If you are interested in making a one-time donation or have the means to contribute to this work on a monthly basis, please follow the link below. All contributions are tax deductible.

Because missions is a full time job, I am not able to work while I am staffing the DTS or while I am on the mission field. I need to raise $1,500 of monthly support This covers my food, transportation, housing, flights, leadership track, and outreach costs.

Thank you for investing in the Kingdom. Your support will be a tremendous help and it will give me the freedom to focus on the variety of ministry opportunities as the Lord wills.  Thank you for investing in the greatest commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 19-20

For His Glory,

Julia LaRen