Hi, I’m Ali! In September 2022, I will be joining Adventures in Missions on their World Race: Gap Year! I will be traveling to Guatemala, South Africa, Cambodia, and Thailand, and I could not be more excited! I am so thrilled that you all will be joining me on this journey.

I am currently 17 years old and living in Commerce Township, Michigan, which is in the metro-Detroit area. I have been blessed with loving parents and an older brother. My family is really important to me, and I know that I am going to miss them terribly, but I am excited to spend nine months with my Heavenly Father and people who will quickly become like family.

I grew up in a Christian home with parents who clearly loved the Lord. We went to church most, if not all, Sundays. My parents were even mentors in an online ministry for a little while, so I have known who Jesus was my entire life. However, it wasn't until sixth grade that I decided to commit my life to Christ and make my faith my own. I got baptised on November 22, 2015, but it wasn’t until I was in eighth grade that my life really started to change to become more Christlike. I had realized that I wanted to be a good Christain role model for the younger kids at my church and that I wanted to be a student leader for the middle schoolers as soon as I was old enough. From that point on I have been constantly seeking Jesus and leaning on Him for all of my understanding, doing everything that I can to grow in my faith and relationship with God. Jesus has been an integral part of my life ever since I decided to fully devote my life to Him back in sixth grade: I know that I would not be where I am today if it were not for Him. He has given me many beautiful opportunities to be involved in my church alongside my family. I served in the children’s ministry for four years and volunteered every year at our VBS, and I am hoping to be able to get back soon. My dad has been volunteering in the tech side of church service for as long as I can remember, and recently I have gotten to join him and have been serving alongside him for about two and a half years now. I have also been involved in the youth group at my church ever since sixth grade, with my mom being my leader for a year, and I have even been a student leader for the middle schoolers for a little over a year now.

It is my passion to be able to serve the Lord and help His Kingdom. I absolutely cannot wait to see how God is going to use me on this trip! I know this isn’t going to be easy, but I do know that God will be with me every step of the way, walking alongside me and my team. However, your prayers would still be greatly appreciated! Thank you all for taking the time to learn a little about me and for joining me on this incredible journey! I pray that you all will also be able to see the majesty and beauty of our Lord in your own communities. All glory to God!

With love and blessings,

Ali Goolsby