Hello!
My name is Judah Mancuso, and I’m raising funds to go on a six-month missions trip to New Zealand with YWAM Queenstown (Youth With A Mission)! I’m excited for this opportunity to share the love of Jesus, travel to new places, serve others, and grow in my relationship with God in ways I never have before.
I believe God calls us to step outside our comfort zones, trust Him, and share the hope we have in Christ with the people around us. This journey is an opportunity for me to do exactly that. I’m asking for your support as I take this step of faith and prepare to serve wherever God leads me.
What Is YWAM?
YWAM, which stands for Youth With A Mission, is a Christian missions organization founded in 1960 with a heart to mobilize people to know God and make Him known. Through its ministries around the world, YWAM equips people to share the Gospel, serve communities, and bring the love of Jesus to people from all walks of life.
I will be participating in a Discipleship Training School (DTS) Sports Track with YWAM Queenstown, New Zealand. This six-month program consists of two phases that will equip me spiritually and practically for missions.
Phase 1: Lecture Phase — 12 Weeks
Based in the beautiful adventure town of Queenstown, New Zealand, the Lecture Phase is focused on growing in intimacy with God, understanding His character, learning to share the Gospel, and serving the local community.
I think of this phase as missionary college. It is an opportunity to build a stronger foundation in my faith, learn from experienced missionaries, and develop the skills needed to share Jesus with others.
The Sports Track also incorporates athletics as a way to connect with people and grow closer to God. Whether it's playing volleyball, hiking through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's South Island, or spending time in the community, this track encourages us to recognize God's presence in every part of life and use our interests to build relationships with others.
The goal of this phase is to prepare us for the next step: taking what we have learned and putting it into action.
Phase 2: Outreach Phase — 9 Weeks
During the Outreach Phase, we take the lessons, skills, and spiritual growth from our training and put them into practice by serving communities beyond our classroom.
Working alongside missionaries and local communities, we will have opportunities to serve others, build relationships, and, most importantly, share the good news of Jesus Christ and the saving grace He offers.
The outreach destination or destinations are not revealed to students until the DTS begins. Past outreach locations have included Papua New Guinea, China, Japan, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and New Zealand.
This is the part of the journey that excites me most: stepping into the unknown, trusting God to lead the way, and being willing to go wherever to make His name known.
How You Can Be Part of This Mission
My fundraising goal is approximately $11,000 USD (updated) to cover the costs of the entire six-month program.
Here is the current breakdown of the estimated expenses:
- Lecture Phase: $3,900 — tuition, accommodations, meals, and program activities.
- Outreach Phase: $5,660 — flights, transportation, meals, visas, and accommodations.
- International Flight: ~$1,500
My program is scheduled to begin on January 24, 2027, and end on July 2, 2027. Reaching this fundraising goal will help make it possible for me to participate fully in both phases of the program.
I know that not everyone is able to travel across the world to serve, but there are meaningful ways to be part of this mission from wherever you are. Your generosity, prayers, and encouragement can help send me where God is leading me.
Whether you are able to give financially, commit to praying for me throughout the journey, or simply share this opportunity with people you know, every bit of support means so much to me.
Why This Matters to Me
My heart is to share the hope of Jesus with people around the world who may have never heard the Gospel. Through this mission in New Zealand, I pray to grow closer to God and become better equipped to share His love wherever He leads me.
Whether at home or on the other side of the world, we are called to share the grace we've been given. Your support and prayers will help make this journey possible and allow me to share that hope with others.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please reach out to me! You can also visit YWAM Queenstown's official website to learn more about the organization and its programs.
Thank you so much for your generosity, encouragement, and prayers. Your support means more to me than I can put into words.
God bless,
Judah Mancuso
715-222-0075
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
Psalm 96:3
