Dear Family and Friends
,
I am thrilled to write this letter and share my future adventures with you. I am at a definite turning point in my life and God has brought me to an unexpected and fascinating place. As you may know, I graduated from Clemson last May. Though, I still expect to attend medical school, God is taking me on an alternate route – one that involves abandonment with the purpose of impacting people in the name of Christ and living out my true identity.
In June, I will leave for an 11 month journey – the World Race. This isn’t just another experience; it’s a radical commitment to a Christ-centered transformation. It involves intentionally living as a disciple of Christ. Simplicity combined with a servant spirit, a heart of mercy and a passion for God’s glory are the heartbeat of the World Race. Travel is done cheaply, and our homes will be tents or whatever space people offer. We will partner with existing ministries to serve the local community – loving the people, caring for the broken and healing the sick. W
e will work in churches and orphanages, minister to locals, and participate in discipleship. We hope for authentic encounters that bring lasting, Christ-focused changes.
God has continually developed my heart throughout college. Ultimately I have a desire for people to know Jesus intimately and to experience the freedom and healing that comes with that relationship. Injustice and suffering in the world regularly consume my thoughts. I desire to take action. I have one life to live and I want to commit to the radical life that Jesus himself modeled. This next year I will learn to abandon myself and my comfortable life. In so doing, God will teach me to depend on Him in a new and absolute way.
I thank God for bringing me here and trust that He will provide. My prayer is that He will do that through you.
This is your invitation. You can join me in this great adventure! I want to share this year with you. It excites me to think how each of you can be a part of this mission.
My needs and ways you can participate:
1)
Prayers
– Definitely
#1. Please pray for me! This ministry will not be all it can be without your prayer support. It would mean so much for you to commit one day per week to set aside time to pray for me. I need to be lifted up. I can not do this on my own strength or knowledge or courage or ability. I will keep you updated with prayer needs.
I am excited for the Lord to bless your prayers as you follow our teams.
2)
Encouragement
– Please visit my blog –
www.julielortz.theworldrace.org. Here, I will post pictures and share stories to engage you in the ways God is working through our ministry. Please come on this journey with me by reading my updates, posting comments, sending pictures, and encouraging me with your love, words and prayers.
3)
Finances
– I do need your help, it can be $5, $20 or $500. I need to raise a total of $13,000 to cover basic expenses such as travel, food and housing. A number of you have expressed interest in giving. I would love for you to give monthly, but you can also give randomly. Donations are tax deductible. To give online, you can click on “Support Me” at my blog,
or, you can fill out the enclosed response card and send it with a check in the pre-addressed envelope. You may write “appealed by Julie Lortz” in the memo line of the check. The enclosed card will provide AIM with all necessary information and they will send you a receipt. You can best support me by making donations as soon as possible.
Thank you for your time and the influence you have on my life. I would love for you to follow the teams and read more about the World Race at
www.theworldrace.org
.
Peace, love, and blessings,
Julie Lortz
