Dear friends and family,
As high school comes to an end, I’ve been asked several times about my future. Many of my friends and family are curious about where I am going to college, what major I want to pursue, and what career path I want to take. For a long time, I knew exactly what I wanted in life and how I was going to get there, but then God stepped in and gave me a new plan.
This summer, I learned about the World Race’s Gap Year program where 18-22 year olds from all over the country come together to share the love of Christ through worldwide mission work. I decided not to look further into this opportunity because I already knew exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. But God kept putting the trip into my thoughts and I found it constantly tugging on my heart. I was slightly confused and asked God what He was trying to tell me. He simply responded with a reminder to trust Him. Soon after that conversation, He guided me straight into the process of applying and interviewing for this life-changing adventure. Over the last few months, I didn’t know what was going to come of this whole situation, but I knew God had a specific purpose behind it. Then I got accepted for the trip and finally given the clear answer I needed.
God has called me to spread His light to others.
During this nine month trip, I will travel to 3 very different places—the Balkans, the Philippines, and South Africa—to spend time with orphans, build homes, teach English, and most importantly, give people who have nothing something bigger than anything they could ever ask for … love. People all over the world are hurting and suffering. Some struggle with an overwhelming work schedule while others don’t know if they will have food on the table that day. Many are confused about the purpose of life and how to make the most with what they’ve been given. No one has everything figured out, so I am going out to give people the care and kindness they deserve.
This trip is more than just a year off from school.
It is an opportunity for ministry and for the gospel to be shared in places that have never heard the name Jesus. This trip will allow me to discover more about myself, the world, and my God in ways I can’t fathom. I know this journey will forever change my life and shape me into the person God intends me to be. This trip is a huge blessing, but it won’t be easy, so I am asking for your help.
I need your support through prayer and giving.
Please pray for my team and me as we prepare for this crazy adventure. Times will be hard and we will need encouragement along the way, so any positive thoughts and prayers coming our way are greatly appreciated. God works powerfully through prayer, so I know it will make a huge difference to have your prayers during this mission trip.
Another way you can help is by supporting me financially. I need to raise $13,805 by May 13th to participate in Gap Year. I trust that God will provide a way for me to accomplish what He has called me to through the support of my friends and family. If you feel God has put it in your heart to help me financially, please visit my blog, emilyplatt.theworldrace.org, click “Support Me,” and fill out the form to make a donation. Any gift means the absolute world to me!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to talk to you! Thank you so much for reading this letter and considering partnering with me.
With love in Christ,
