Taking a step of faith into a new phase of life.
Since high school, God has placed a conviction on my heart to go where He calls, no matter what. I imagined that one day this call might come in the form of being an international missionary and kept my heart open to this possibility.
Last summer I began to actively seek missions as a next step by looking into different mission/ministry options, talking with the missions staff at my church (Calvary Chapel Chattanooga), and learning from the perspectives of those already in ministry or missions roles. Through that process, God revealed an opportunity through my church to serve at a fellow Calvary Chapel in Cajabamba, Peru.
Located in the Northern, mid-west region of Peru, Cajabamba, is a Spanish-speaking town of about 30,000 people in the Andes mountains surrounded by very rural communities. Despite a Catholic background, this region’s familiarity with the Gospel and the Bible is very low.
Calvary Chapel Cajabamba has spread the Gospel of salvation and a relationship offered with God through Jesus Christ for the past five years. Their ministries include typical church functions such as Wednesday and Sunday services, men’s and women’s Bible studies, and kids and youth Bible studies and activities. Additionally, they serve the community and evangelize through specific outreach and humanitarian ministries like their skateboard ministry and shower ministry.
I visited Cajabamba this December and experienced the way God is using the church’s various ministries to advance God’s kingdom. Through this visit, prayer, and a number of confirmations, I believe God is calling me to go and serve with Calvary Chapel Cajabamba. This August I will move to Cajabamba and plan to remain in this town until God calls me elsewhere. Starting out, I will be assisting with general church needs in a very broad role, but with time I anticipate God to further reveal how I can best minister to the church and community.
Along with my desire for missions, this opportunity fits with some of my life experiences and/or skills such as speaking Spanish, working with kids and youth, working with cross-cultural groups, and my involvement with volleyball (the sport is quite popular in Cajabamba!).
I will not be able to carry out this calling alone and will need individuals to serve as financial supporters, prayer partners, and encouragers. I ask you to consider and pray about whether or not God is calling you to partner with me by serving in any of these capacities.
If you feel called to support me financially, I have included a page that outlines my fundraising goals as well as how you can make a financial contribution. If you would like to partner with me through prayer, I have also included a page of some relevant prayer requests and topics.
If you would like more information, you can contact me at 423.933.5355 or email me at ca_hildebrand@comcast.net. I also encourage you to follow me on social media as I will likely post updates through these platforms.
I know the Lord has greatness in store for each day, but I am especially looking forward to the particular greatness that God has in store for this new endeavor!
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