FAQs About CGA

Here’s what ya need to know… 

• What is CGA?
  CGA stands for Center for Global Action. It is a program of Adventures in Missions (AIM) that is meant to “prepares World Race, Gap Year, and Passport alumni to follow their calling, bringing the kingdom of God all over the world.” It is “a leadership and discipleship program that equips followers of Christ to recreate Biblical community through teachings, scripture, and activation.” 

• How will this prepare you for your calling to missions? 
  In CGA, we are considered “apprentices” and have the opportunity to pick a “track” to focus on. I will be doing the field leadership track and my classes will be based on learning how to develop character and ability to lead others in various settings, and specifically on how to train others as missionaries and lead them on the field. 

• Will you be doing any “ministry” while you are in CGA? 
  Yes! While my season at CGA is mainly a time to be invested in and develop skills, I will get to do many things “hands-on.” During summer, AIM hosts Training Camps, 10-day intensive trainings for those going on the mission field, and also Project Searchlight, conferences meant to help those returning from the mission field to transition back to the U.S. Through CGA, I will get to participate with these events and be part of ministering to hundreds of young people through the process. Additionally, as apprentices, we will do focused outreach projects and have part-time jobs in the Gainesville, GA community. 

• Where is CGA?
  It’s at the Adventures in Missions base in Gainesville, GA. Yes – that’s right. I’m moving from Gainesville, FLORIDA to Gainesville, GEORGIA. 

• How long is CGA?
  The summer semester of CGA is from May 19 – August 31, so just about four months!

• Where will you be living?
  I am living in a house with an Adventures in Missions staff couple, their children, and 6 other girls from the program.

• How much do you need to fundraise?
  I need to raise $5,950 to cover program costs (basically tuition) and my housing, and I have several funding deadlines. I am looking for both on-going and one-time partners to come alongside of me! If you are interested in helping me meet my funding goal, you can give through my blog. Just click the donate button! 

  DEADLINES
  May 19 – $2,500
  June 15 – $3,500
  July 15 – $4,500
  August 15 – $5,950

• Why do you fundraise for this? 
  While CGA is not a traditional mission trip and is more focused on my development as a leader, it has the potential to create an even bigger impact than if you just partnered to send me. I’ll get to be a part of investing in people who are going to take God’s love all over the world. I believe that is worth inviting other people into – which is why, in addition to simply not having the money on my own, I fundraise. I can’t do it on my own, and I wouldn’t want to even if I could. 

  Without getting too deep into it, believers coming behind other believers in an effort to advance the Gospel is Biblical. We are blessed to be a blessing. I’ve been on both sides – the one giving and the one receiving. It is always an act of faith to be on either side, but it is so worth it. I have seen God provide for me in all kinds of mind-blowing, incredible ways through fundraising. And I’ve also seen God provide for those who have supported me. 

  If you have any questions before you give, feel free to contact me! I’d love to talk to you about it. 

• How will you pay for all your other living expenses? 
  In order to pay for my food, gas, car insurance, phone bill, etc., I will be working a part-time job as a team member at Chick-Fil-A! I started working at Chick-Fil-A in Gainesville, FL, and God opened up the door for me to smoothly transfer locations to one of the restaurants in Gainesville, GA. I have really enjoyed working for the Chick-Fil-A company, and am thankful to continue my journey with them in this season. 

• What will your schedule usually look like? 
  The program is every week day from Monday – Friday. Our days will consist of community time, coursework, track focus, Bible study, and discipleship. Tuesday – Friday afternoons are open for our part-time jobs. Our schedules may fluctuate on the weeks when there is training camp or Project Searchlight. 

•  Why are you doing this right now?
  This is an answer that I could talk about for awhile depending on how far back you want to go. But the shorter answer is – I am being obedient to where I feel like the Lord is leading me. Although I’ve known since a young age that God has called me to missions and equipping others to go, I never imagined that I’d return to Adventures in Missions after the World Race. I had occasionally entertained the idea of squad leading for the World Race, but it was not until the summer of 2016, after helping a close friend prepare for the World Race and going to volunteer at her training camp, that the Lord really began to speak to me about re-connecting with AIM. I’ve questioned God about why He led me to return to Boca Raton after the World Race instead of just remaining with AIM when I returned to the U.S. But yet, I am so thankful for my season working at Victory Church and even the chance to return to Gainesville, FL for a short time. All I know is He is good, and His timing is perfect. I’ve sought Him and “pondered the path of my feet”, and I believe that CGA is the next step for me. 

• How can I help?
  You can pray, give and share what I’m doing!

  Let’s start with prayer since I already talked about giving a little bit…

  PRAY
  This season is different than anything I’ve ever done and will be full of intentional, spiritual growth and equipping others in the Kingdom. Already, I have faced many spiritual attacks and setbacks, including totaling my car right before I moved from South Florida. I am not surprised, and actually encouraged, that the enemy, Satan, is not pleased with my forward movement in advancing the Kingdom of God. However, as I mobilize others to bring light into darkness and do so myself, I am going to need a group of people to commit to covering me in prayer. If you would like to be a part of my prayer team, please let me know by e-mailing me at [email protected]. 

  GIVE
  If you would like to be a one-time or ongoing partner with my ministry, you can give either online or by check. 

  To give online, just click the donate link on the home page/side bar of my blog. 

  If you’d rather give by check, please make it out to “Adventures in Missions,” write “Raychel Manko” on the memo line, and mail it to:
  Adventures in Missions
  P.O. Box 742570
  Atlanta, GA 30374-2570

  SHARE
  I will be posting things as I fundraise, and I also plan to share updates! You can help me by sharing what I am doing with others who you think might want to partner with or know about what I’m doing. 

  THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AT [email protected] IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS!