I AM A REAL MCCOY. Being a Real McCoy is more than going to a big city, enjoying the cold weather, and seeing the leaves change color. Even though that is an amazing perk, being a Real McCoy is more than just a getaway or label.

During a camp service in Kerrville, Texas, my friend Isabella Reynolds was speaking about Sheaves for Christ (SFC) and how she became a Real McCoy. Her testimony inspired me to do the same for the kingdom of God—to raise money for Sheaves for Christ and reach those I don’t have the ability to reach. It was a challenging task for me but not impossible. I got started as soon as I returned home and asked my pastor about his thoughts of my passion to give to SFC. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to raise the money in time for the offering due date, but even if I turned in the money a week late, by the grace of God I would still become a Real McCoy.

That’s when I started planning my trip to St. Louis, Missouri. My family and I didn’t know how I was going to get there, but trust me, a single prayer can go a long way. My church family helped to pay for my dad’s trip and mine!

When I landed in St. Louis, I was thrilled. I’m from Brownsville, Texas so this trip was a completely new experience for me, from the sights to see all the way to the weather. I didn’t know that my life was going to change or how I would gain a better understanding of those around me and those close to me.

This experience in St. Louis. Missouri has been the most amazing trip I’ve ever taken, and I give God all the glory for me becoming a Real McCoy. I grew to understand that this was more than a trip. It was an opportunity given to my fellow friends and me to know that this is more about the lost souls we win with the money we raise, given to missionaries all around the world to preach the gospel where others cannot go.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Amen.

This is what God instructed the disciples to do—go out and preach His Word. That’s exactly what we are doing when we raise money for Sheaves for Christ. Even though we personally may not be the ones going into other nations, we still have an opportunity to lend a helping hand.

So, I AM REAL MCCOY because this is my passion. This is what God has called me to do: to give to others and to spread His gospel with the money I can raise. So I ask, what is your passion, and what are you waiting for? The time is now to act on Matthew 28:19-20 as God intended for us to do. Will you answer His call?

To learn more about the Real McCoy contest, or to apply for this year’s contest, please visit sheavesforchrist.com.

My name is Jonathan Loredo and singing is what I love to as well as giving to others. Urshan is my dream college where I want to go when I graduate high school. I attend New Life Center in Brownsville, Texas where David Boone is my pastor.