My name is Darren Liebswager, I live in Portland, Oregon and I am 33 years old. After going through a divorce a little over 2 years ago, I became acutely aware of the sovereignty and limitless love of our God. My life has been changed forever by Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God.” I finally understand my purpose and why the life I lived before this didn't make sense. I have seen my story alone bring encouragement and hope to those around me. The last two years I have been learning who I am in Christ and the works that He has prepared in advance for me to do.

A skateboarder for most of my life, I have become actively involved in two non-profits. Skatechurch has been sharing the Good News of Jesus to skateboarders for almost 30 years. I volunteer with the “pee-wee” kids (K-5th grade). The other group I work with is called Set Up. Set Up is a mobile skate park. We work with other non-profits in the Portland area who work directly with kids and go to them with a trailer full of ramps, rails, skateboards and full safety gear. Our goal is to teach kids about perseverance. With a growth mindset foundation, we show kids that through practice and determination they can overcome fear, achieve, learn and grow. While we do not have a direct sermon like Skatechurch, we hope that through encouragement, patience and love that they would see the love of Christ in us. I love kids and it has become clear to me in the last two years that God has called and gifted me to serve "the littlest of these".  It is an honor and a joy.  

During the day, I am an office manager for a great real estate team. Technically minded and naturally organized, I enjoy using my skills in these areas to be of support and service.

Below is a brief description of the trip from Hear the Cry.

"In Jacmel, everything we do is centered around a thriving church in a rural community called Restoration Ministries. Restoration has many programs for the community including a school, a feeding program for the children, and a computer center for people to go online. They also build houses for people in need.

Teams working along side of Haitians all day, will help with building or manual labor projects that the church is working on. We have helped to build homes, a playground, worked on painting projects and helped in the community. The afternoons are spent helping with the feeding program, playing with the children and often offering a week of fun with Vacation Bible School."

With your support, I look forward to helping them in every way that I can.