Friends and Family
Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. At least so it seems from time to time ;-). While I originally thought I’d be preparing to move into a college dorm room next Fall God has presented me with the opportunity to serve in missions work instead. After a very detailed application and interview process I was recently accepted into the World Race Gap Year program that is part of the Adventures in Missions organization: (https://www.adventures.org/about/index.asp?iname=about).
I will be placed on a team of other 18-21 year old participants from around the country that, Lord willing, will begin a two week training over the summer and then launch into missions work in September for a period of 9 months in 5 different countries. I would be serving in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Nepal and the Philippines and living in each of these countries anywhere from 1 to 3 months at a time. The needs in each of these countries varies widely. Our work would entail feeding the hungry – physically and spiritually, slum ministry, street kids ministry, providing shelter for the homeless, working with local churches, serving the widows and orphans, helping to protect the innocent who are prey to human traffickers and sharing the Gospel throughout.
I am trusting God to provide in many ways on this journey. Most notably the necessary funding, the safety of our travels over these 9 months, our health and the personal growth that I am anticipating that will come from this experience. I am also seeking the support of your prayers and or finances as God leads you.
For those of you called to pray, here are some specific prayer needs:
– That I would meet all of the funding requirements and deadlines.
– That I would be able to meet all international travel needs and requirements in regards to securing my passport, health checkups and vaccinations.
– That God would bring together a cohesive and caring group of world race participants to share this journey with and work along side.
– For those who will be leading our team and discipling us on our journey. For their hearts and their appetite for God, for wisdom, discernment and the use of their unique gifts and talents.
– For the people in each of the communities in which we will live and serve. That the work we do and how we serve will minister to them, bring hope and improve their lives.
– For my own heart – that God would mold and shape me as He sees fit. That I would see and use the unique gifts and talents He has given me and to be a blessing to those in need.
– Last but not least – for the safety of our team and those we will serve.
For those of you called to give financially the overall need is $14,805. This includes all travel, lodging and meal expenses for the 9 months. While a considerable sum, I’m hoping that those called to give will either be willing to partner with me via a one time donation or on a monthly basis over a period of 3 to 6 months to make any sum more manageable. To break it down and put it into perspective, to raise nearly $15,000 would require on average 75 people donating $200 each or 50 people committed to $50 a month for 6 months. Know that a donation or commitment in any amount, no matter how large or small, would be greatly appreciated. For those who may be unable to give know that I would sincerely appreciate your prayers. To add, I plan to contribute any money I receive from my high school graduation and funds from my part time job at Rudy’s BBQ.
To note, there are three fundraising deadlines. The first is $5,000 by June 17th. The second is $10,000 by August 19th with a final fundraising goal of $14,805 to be completed by December 31, 2016. Donations can be made online through my blog at kitpatterson.worldrace.org, by clicking on the “Donate!” tab, or sent by mail to:
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
*Please include “Kit Patterson – World Race Gap Year” in the memo line on the check.
For those that are interested, I would be glad to visit with you about this opportunity. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (830) 456-0688 for more information. You will also be able to follow my experiences during the trip on my blog to see the impact your support is making. Thank you in advance for your support as this season to serve would not be possible without your generosity and prayers.
God Bless,
Kit Patterson
11510 Rockwell Pl
Austin, TX 78726
Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
