For the past two years I have had the incredible opportunity to attend Biola University, where I have grown in my faith in ways that I never could have imagined. At the end of my junior year at Biola, God started changing my post graduate plans away from coaching or teaching to the mission field. He increasingly called me to missions and by the beginning of my senior year, I knew that I would go. I just didn’t know where or with whom. Then a friend asked if I had ever heard of The World Race. I said no, but began my research. I learned that The World Race is a program run under the Adventures in Missions (AIM) organization. I absolutely fell in the love with their ministry and wanted to be a part of it. Through prayer and fasting, God made it evident that this was where He wanted me.
This September, I will embark on the World Race for 11 months with the opportunity to serve alongside my team of 6-8 people in a new country each month. These countries are Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Japan, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. In each country, my team and I will serve the greatest need in partnerships with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and see God’s kingdom come to earth through the restorative hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations.
As I have read the Scriptures over the past year, what became more and more evident was the great cost that comes with being a disciple of Jesus. When Jesus said, “Follow Me,” the disciples gave up every comfort they knew, in order to obey that call. Because of their obedience, they were rewarded with His presence. This is what attracted me to the World Race as I hope to experience this as I give up the comforts of this world including my family, friends, and lifestyle so that I can minister only out of a place of complete reliance on Jesus. But I would like to invite you into this opportunity with me. While I believe I am called to the World Race, I also know I cannot do this without your help. First, I need your prayers. I will encounter many challenges, many of which will be overcome by your prayers on my behalf. But as I prepare for my departure, one of my greatest challenges is my financial support. Like most mission organizations, the World Race requires all of its participants to raise financial support. In order to leave fully funded on September 1st, 2014, I must raise $16,285. This money will cover all of my field expenses and insurances throughout the 11 months. Financial support can be given as a one-time gift or monthly donation, wherein there is freedom to choose the amount and start/end date. If only 20 people commit to pledge $50 a month for 11 months, I would have over half of my needed funds. As I take this large step of faith in trusting the Lord, would you please prayerfully consider being a part of His provision by contributing $100 monthly or any one-time amount you feel led to give?
Enclosed you will find a response card, inviting you to share in this ministry. Please make checks payable to Adventures in Missions, PO Box 742570, Atlanta, GA, 30374-2570, with Cody Wittick written on the memo line. The response card will provide AIM with the information necessary to send you a receipt for your donation (all donations are tax deductible). If you would prefer to make your donation online, you can visit my blog at codywittick.theworldrace.org. Simply click the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed.
I will be calling you in a few days to answer any questions you may have and tell you more about the trip. I would also like to invite you to subscribe to my blog in order to follow me along this journey. As an ambassador of Him to the nations, I pray not only will I be a blessing to those I encounter, but to you as well. Your prayers and support mean so much to me. I cannot wait for this adventure and I thank you in advance for your blessing.
Deadlines to Hit:
- $3,500 – Due 6/28/2014 (2 weeks before Training Camp)
- $7,500 – Due 8/18/2014 (2 weeks prior to your trip)
- $11,000 – Due 12/1/2014 (End of 3 months on the field)
- $15,500.00 + $754.35 (*Insurance) = $16,254.35 – Total Due 3/1/2015 (End of 6 months on the field)
