Dear Family and Friends,
I hope you are all doing well this year! I cannot believe we are already several months into 2011. I find myself looking back at the past year and a half and feel incredibly blessed at the wonderful changes that have taken place. In 2010 I began a full time position as a nanny to a loving two year old, found myself traveling to San Francisco and New York, and embraced a new church community. Also 2010 brought a strong pull on my heart to be bold in my faith and to serve people with love and compassion. I had the opportunity to do just that in June when I spent an unforgettable month in Haiti actively participating in disaster relief efforts with Adventures in Missions. My heart was overwhelmed with what I saw, the people I met, the work I was able to be a part of, and who I have become because of this journey. I entered a country with no expectations, unsure of what I would encounter, and I left forever changed. This experience dramatically changed my view of missions and humanitarian work, and it placed a passionate desire on my heart to experience more of the incredible work that God has intended for me.
Because of the wonderful experience I had in Haiti, I have prayerfully applied and have been accepted to participate in the World Race. The World Race is a missions-based journey across eleven countries over eleven months, reaching the corners of the globe for Christ through love and compassion. My route as of now includes Ukraine, Romania, India, Nepal, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. In each country we will be partnering with non-profit organizations, serving people and supporting local missionaries in their long-term efforts. The heart of The World Race is to serve “the least of these” such as orphans, widows, refugees, and prostitutes. It is hard to imagine myself abandoning my possessions and a traditional American lifestyle in exchange for an opportunity to live amongst other cultures, yet I am beyond excited to participate in this incredible opportunity to learn and experience God's love for the world.
I have no doubt that God will use me in the next year; I know that He will change me. I am asking YOU to be used as well – to be radically changed by being a part of this work with me through your prayers and financial support. If you would like to get involved and be a part of my efforts, I have included below a list of needs for this trip.
There are numerous ways for you to support and participate with me on this incredible
journey:
1) Encouragement– My blog http://emilyadkisson.theworldrace.orgwill chronicle my time on the field. Please check in on me, post comments, send your love and prayers, and encourage me along on this journey-it is most assuredly welcome!
2) Prayers– Please pray for my team, myself, and the people we'll be in contact with.
3) Financial Support-You may donate anywhere from $10 to $1,000 online at http://emilyadkisson.theworldrace.com. My teammates and I must raise $15,500 prior to leaving in July to cover basic expenses such as travel, food, and housing. My prayer is that 20 people will pledge to donate $50 a month beginning today and continuing for the next 15 months. With this I will be fully funded!If you do feel led to give, in any way, you can send your donation and the enclosed support card to Adventures In Missions PO Box 534470 Atlanta, GA 30353-4470. Please make checks payable to Adventures In Missions. All gifts are tax-deductible. Adventures In Missions is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Donors will receive receipts for their gifts with the understanding that the disbursement of those gifts lies completely at the discretion of Adventures In Missions and that the gifts are non-refundable and non-transferable, per IRS regulations. Gifts may be tax deductible; please consult a tax adviser.
Many of you are Christians and share my mission to follow in Christ’s footsteps. Please prayerfully consider your role in the kingdom and how God is calling you to join the World Race with me by offering your encouragement, prayers or financial support.
Some of you may not share my beliefs, but you do believe in me and share my desire to make a difference in this world. As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Those of us participating in the World Race will be a voice for so many who have none. Please consider joining my team and adding your voice, in whatever ways you are wiling and able. We are blessed that we might be a blessing. Thank you all for your love and support.
Love,
Emily Adkisson
