Dear Friends!
For the past several years I have had the privilege of substitute teaching, mostly within the Holton Public School district during the school year. I have spent the last 3 summers, and have returned for a fourth summer, working at Cedar Campus: InterVarsity Training Camp where I work and supervise the Camp Book Stores. In 2006 and 2009, I participated in missions trips to Puebla, Mexico, and worked with an orphanage called Esperanza Viva. In 2008, I ventured to Haiti to assist at an orphanage called Heartline Haiti. I knew that we Americans were privileged but didn’t realize how much until I stepped into these different cultures and experienced it firsthand. God opened my eyes to the brokenness of the world and showed me that all people need to experience His love.
Through these trips I have realized that I love to travel. In college, I also had the privilege of studying abroad in South Africa for 6 weeks; this was in 2010. God has used a few people to plant and water seeds of embarking on the World Race since then. I have always had a heart for serving people and experiencing new cultures; this seems like a perfect opportunity to do so. After much prayer and research about the World Race through Adventures in Missions (AIM) I felt compelled by the Lord to fill out an application and so I did (Feb. 2014).
The World Race is an 11 month long mission trip to 11 countries around the world. Not only is it a missions trip, but it also an intensive discipleship program that is geared towards preparing and launching my generation for fulfilling God’s purpose through us. Through the World Race, the team that I am matched with will be ministering in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: partnering and ministering with different churches in the community to preach the Gospel, helping plant churches, working in orphanages, ministering to children and women who have experienced human trafficking, and spreading God’s love and restorative hope to many tribes and nations.
I have been warned that this will not be easy and I will be challenged a lot but I feel that this is where God is calling me to and I know that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). One of my biggest challenges will be to raise the financial support to participate in the World Race before I go. While praying about applying for the World Race, I prayed to God that if He wanted me to participate in it then I would as long as He provided the funds, because I knew there was no way that I could fund this opportunity on my own. In order to be fully funded before I begin the World Race, by September 1, 2014, I need to raise $16,254.35. This money will cover all my field expenses during my 11 month trip. I am taking a huge leap of faith and trusting that God will provide the funds necessary for me to participate on the World Race.
I once heard that people want to help support others but they want to be asked. So, here goes… I am asking for your help! I am trusting that God will use you to help further His kingdom through you and I. Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring me at $50 per month or some other amount? Or giving a one-time donation? You can donate to me personally or donate to AIM. All donations made to AIM are tax-deductible and non-refundable. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask. If you would like to give online, then all you need to do is click on the Support Me! Tab on the left-hand column of this blog and follow the instructions there.
I am also looking for some prayer partners to pray for me (and my team) while we prepare and embark on the World Race. I will give you exclusive updates and urgent requests as they arise. If that is something you feel led to do, then do not hesitate to let me know so I can add you to the list.
Yours in Christ,
Misha Shonkwiler
