I remember it like it was yesterday. Some of our team spent our day off in Managua, Nicaragua. I decided to accompany Kristina who visiting the city to see Emily. Emily is the smart, vibrant, and beautiful 5 year old that she has sponsored for the past couple of years. And per World Race rules, we aren’t allowed to go anywhere by ourselves. I was excited to meet another family and see the impact of Kristina’s sponsorship on Emily’s life. Of course, little did I know that God was going to use this one hour visit to remind me of what truly matters.
Emily lives just a few blocks away from the bilingual school she is able to attend because of Kristina’s monthly donation. A school where she gets an education above the standard in Nicaragua. Emily, her mother, and sister welcomed us with open arms. It was evident that they were beyond ecstatic to see Kristina whom they hadn’t seen in two years. We had a great time talking with them (thank goodness we had Kristina’s friend Alysha to translate for us!) about Emily and how much she changed since Kristina last saw her. We laughed as her mother shared about Emily’s recent dance performance. Even while wearing the beautiful tutu Kristina made for her, Emily would not show us her dance routine. She seemed to be shy in our presence even though her mom shared that she spent her morning running up and down the street bragging to her friends that her “madrina” (Godmother) was coming today.
The day ended with an honest conversation about the struggles facing youth in their neighborhood. Her mother shared her concerns with the current generation which she noticed is having children much earlier (around 14) then entering unhealthy marriages because of the pregnancy. Most of them drop out of school. Mid-sentence she began to cry. She looked at Kristina and gave her the most genuine and heartfelt “thank you.” But she didn’t stop there. She said “thank you for giving my daughter a chance. Thank you for allowing her to go to a good school surrounded by people who love her. Thank you for giving her options so that she doesn’t have to get married young. I want her to see things and do things. And if it wasn’t for you she would never have the chance.” Kristina humbly received her gratitude-while I was a crying mess- and after chatting a little bit longer we prayed over their family and said our good-byes.
God gave me a gift in that moment. He used that moment to remind me of what really matters and the main reason I chose to do the World Race. I want to love with abandonment. I want to make choices that make a difference. I want to be used by God to change someone’s life by offering hope and peace. I want to be an answer to someone’s prayer. Kristina has become that for Emily and her family. It’s incredible to think that such a fundamental difference can be made in a family’s life through a $35/month sponsorship.
I have seen the most beautiful things on the World Race. People, Nature, and a new understanding of God. I have also seen hard things such as severe poverty and spiritual bondage. In the midst of this, God has used me and my team to bring hope and joy to so many people. I have also been changed into a more compassionate, loving, and serving person. So, this holiday season, I am asking you to consider how you can make a difference this next year. I want to invite you to partner with me and support me by not only helping me to stay on the World Race, but also by giving hope and opportunities to children and families just like Emily’s.
Currently I am in need of $3,942 until I am fully funded. I only have two months to raise these funds or else I will be sent home from the World Race after only 6 months on the field. Even though I need what seems to be a big chunk of money myself (which it is), I am asking all of you to consider giving a gift that truly never ends by sponsoring a child through Feed the Hungry. For just $35/month you could make a monumental impact on a child’s life, like Emily, by providing them with food, clean water, educational opportunities, and access to medical care.
Additionally, you will support me as Adventures in Missions will make a $50 donation to my account for every child sponsored!
So, you can give not one, but two, invaluable gifts this season! I have listed instructions on where to find more information about sponsorship below. Additionally, you’ll find instructions on how to give directly to my account if you desire to give more. I cannot thank you enough for your support in joining me on such a life-changing and life-giving season of life. And thank you in advance for joining me in giving hope and love to children all over the world.
To donate through sponsorship:
1. Simply click on the “Food For The Hungry” picture on the left hand side of my home page
2. You will be redirected to a separate web page that gives you step by step instructions in sponsoring a child.
3. Choose a child and sponsor them!
*please note that in order for me to receive the donation, you must connect to the site from my blog.
To donate directly through my account:
ONLINE DONATION: click SUPPORT ME” on the left to make a tax-deductible donation.
BY MAIL: Cut out the small online processing fee by mailing a check to:
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
Checks should be made out to “Adventures in Missions”.
***Put “PERKINSSHATERIKA” in the memo line of the check!!!!!***
Happy Holidays!
