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Dear Friends and Family,
A couple of years ago I saw a quote by a man named Howard
Thurman. He said:
“Don’t ask yourself
what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do
that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” I
have spent the last four years studying and earning my degree at
California
Baptist
University.
I have learned so much during this time, not only in my studies, but about
life, about friendships, and about myself. One thing that I am taking away from
these four years is the desire to love on people. I know, without a doubt, that
my life will involve helping those in need. I know this, because helping people
is what makes me come alive.
This past May of 2007 I finally walked across the stage and
received my Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. Throughout this last
year I have often heard the question “now what?” Many of my friends in college
have already graduated. They have launched out into the real world and gotten a
real job. You have known me for a while—you know there is something in me that
can’t settle for the ordinary—I want to change the world. And I’ve wondered how
to begin doing that for a while now. I have prayed and asked God for something
that would capture my heart and make a difference in my life; to live a life
that is truly extraordinary and to do something that makes me come alive.
And this past month, it
happened!
I came across the most amazing
program.
It’s called
The World Race.
The idea is to take a year of your life and
to travel around the world to help those in need. I will become a servant and
live like those I am serving, becoming immersed in each culture we travel to.
We will travel to 11 countries in 11 months, doing so as cheaply as possible.
In many places we will stay in tents or wherever people invite us to stay. As
we go, we seek to serve partner ministries that are caring for the poorest of
the poor.
I want to be a part of something
greater than myself.
I believe that by
taking a year of my life and intentionally learning to live as Jesus lived,
touching the poor, learning to live on little, I will become the world changer
that God intended me to be. Recently, as I approached graduation, I arrived at
a crossroads. On the one hand, I could find a job that hopefully pays well and
find a place to live. On the other hand, I could leave everything I’ve ever
known and embark on this adventure. I choose adventure. Because I have been
given much, I want to give to others. I want to abandon all that has made my
life comfortable and learn to depend on Him as I’ve never had to.
This isn’t like any other mission
trip. This isn’t just another experience; it’s a commitment to those I will
serve and to the life I am being called to live. In each country that we go to,
we will partner with local churches to establish long-term kingdom works that
will last long after we leave.
In James 2:15-16 it says: ”
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one
of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does
nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” I have always had a
heart for the poor and the needy, but what good is my heart if I do not act on
it? Helping those in need is my purpose and I choose to act on it.
While the cost of an average college
might be $2000/month, the World Race costs just half that – $1080/month. My
entire one year World Race experience is $13,000.
My team of 30 is beginning to raise the funds
now, and we begin the trip in September 2007.
I thank God for this opportunity
that is before me and trust He will meet my needs.
Ultimately, my prayer is that He will do that
through you.
I would be honored if you
could partner financially and prayerfully with me in this ministry.
I am specifically asking for fifteen people
who will commit to pray for me each day until I return.
A number of you may be in a position
to financially contribute to my support.
I calculated that if only five people gave $100 each month, seven people
gave $25 each month, fifteen gave $20 each month, and twenty gave $10 each
month, then I would meet my goal!
Will
you pray about supporting me for one of these amounts? Any help no matter the
amount is greatly appreciated and needed.
I have enclosed a form which allows you to donate monthly, a response
card and pre-addressed envelope, which invites you to share in this ministry.
Please make checks payable to
Adventures
In Missions. You may write “appealed by” and my name in the memo section of
the check if you wish. Including the enclosed card will provide AIM with all
necessary information. In turn, they will send you a receipt. All gifts are
tax-deductible.
If you are reading this online, you
can donate by clicking on the red “Support Me” link on the left sidebar on this
page.
You can
find more info about Adventures In Missions at www.adventures.org and more info about
the World Race at www.theworldrace.org.
I will be posting a blog on the web
throughout my trip and you’ll be able to read about and see photos of our
adventure during the trip. The link to my blog is
www.christiealbaugh.theworldrace.org
I am very excited to have this
opportunity. I am excited to see how God will use me and what he will teach me
through this experience. I hope not only to be a blessing to those I serve, but
also to you. I hope you will prayerfully consider being part of my
ministry.
Thank you so much!
In Him,
Christie Albaugh
