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

I recently discovered that if ever there is a season in my life to devote to full time ministry, now is the time. I graduated from high school as part of the Covid Class of 2020 and decided to stay home instead of immediately pursuing my college studies, while my friends went off to college to do remote learning in their dorms. That year was the catalyst for me to learn how to wait for God to direct, instead of just taking the “next logical step.” Because of this waiting period, God was able to get ahold of my heart, speak to my listening, and show me that MY hopes and dreams are not based on what I can do in my own strength. 

My plans included getting a degree in Graphic Design, from a school close to home, and taking baby steps in my service and surrender to Him. 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! There has been a huge transformation between who I was three years ago and who I am today. God has given me a desire to be on the frontlines of my generation, and to go to the places and spaces that will allow me to speak to people of all ages, in any country, anywhere 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 monthly, please follow the link here. All contributions are tax deductible. 

Because missions are 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