At 19 years old, Dillon is preparing to embark on a journey that could change the course of his life. A sophomore at Lancaster Bible College, Dillon is pursuing a Master’s in ESL (English as a Second Language), but this summer, he’s stepping beyond the classroom—traveling to Japan for a short-term mission experience with Encompass. 

Dillon’s journey to missions started unexpectedly. Through his involvement with Student Mission Fellowship (SMF) on campus, he first heard about Encompass when a fellow student shared about serving in Japan. This conversation ignited something inside of Dillon, and he soon found himself taking the next steps toward Japan. Now, he’s answering God’s call to serve overseas. He says, “I’ve always had an interest for Japan since I was in middle school, and now I can use my gifts and talents to serve people while also drawing them toward Christ.”

From June 12 to July 3, Dillon will be part of a small team serving with our deployed staff in Osaka and Yamanashi. In Osaka, he’ll assist with an ESL program to help kids develop their English skills while building relationships with their families. In Yamanashi, he’ll support our ministry that reaches college students through outdoor adventure activities like rock climbing and hiking. This will give Dillon a unique opportunity to build trust with them, offer encouragement, and share the gospel in a culture where young people often feel pressure to conform and hide their true selves. 

For Dillon, this isn’t just a summer experience—it’s a step toward something greater. “This trip is going to help me realize if this is what I want to do long-term,” he says. “It’s a way for me to confirm if this is truly the right call in my life.” He’s already considering future opportunities with Encompass and can imagine himself teaching ESL abroad full-time.

Before he can go, Dillon needs a team of people to stand with him in prayer and financial support. He says, “Sometimes it seems like a lot—and I feel like I’m going to fail—but I know I won’t, because I have God with me.” As he prepares for this journey, he’s trusting in God’s provision to meet his financial needs and asking for prayers for wisdom, strength, and humility. “This isn’t my mission trip—it’s God’s mission trip,” he says. “No matter what happens, He has a plan.”

Will you partner with Dillon? Your prayers and financial gifts will help send him to Japan, where he’ll invest in lives, share the love of Christ, and seek God’s direction for his future in missions.