Dear Friends and Family,
In March of 2016, I went on my first mission trip to the Dominican Republic as a senior in high school. I wasn’t sure what to expect, I was just excited to be able to go and experience the different culture. On this trip, God had so much more planned for me than I could’ve ever imagined. In the week I was there, the 4 days I actually got to spend in the small village of La Lista, my perception of the world, and my perception of God were drastically changed. I got the opportunity to put in water filtration systems along with other students from my church, and I even got to preach to this community of people. God completely changed the person I once was, in such a short amount of time. The Lord placed on my heart a burning desire to do missions. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do with this desire at first, but soon my friend Jared told me about the World Race. I knew that this is what God was calling me to. The World Race is a 9 month Christian mission trip to 5 countries around the world organized by Adventures In Missions. The 5 countries on my route, currently, are Thailand, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Ethiopia. The World Race isn’t just a mission trip, it’s also an intensive discipleship program, intended to bring myself and my team closer to the Lord, and prepare us to spread his word throughout the world. Throughout the Race, my team will be in partnership with different organizations and ministries that are already working and serving in the country we will be in. The overall goal of the trip is to tell others about Jesus, and to help them in different ways. Some of those things might mean that we will work in homes for people who have faced abuse, spend time in orphanages, put in water filtration systems, or do labor related work, like construction. I will face many challenges on the Race, both physical and spiritual. World Racers are asked to live minimally, to leave behind the comforts of home, family and friends, and to give of themselves to serve others. As I prepare to go, my first challenge will be raising financial support. I will be contributing, as well as my parents. As a World Racer, I am required to raise my own funds, which, in my case, is $14,950. This money will cover all my traveling and field expenses for the 9 months I am gone. As I take this step of faith and obedience in trusting the Lord, would you prayerfully consider investing in my growth and discipleship during these 9 months?
There are two ways you can be my support partner: 1) You can commit to praying for me. I cannot do this on my own, and would appreciate your prayers beginning now and throughout the 9 months of the Race. 2) Would you consider giving a one time gift of any amount, or making a monthly commitment to me until I leave in September 2017? If you choose to send in support by mail, please use the enclosed Adventures in Missions fundraising card. You would make out the check to Adventures in Missions, and write “the world race – Ryan Duart” in the memo. You can also give securely and conveniently online by going to my blog ryanduart.theworldrace.org and clicking on the “Donate” button. I will also be updating my blog prior to leaving for the trip, and on the trip. So you can keep updated on how I’m doing there as well.
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 nonrefundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have at 727-510-1205. I would love to tell you more about the World Race. If you would like to discuss my trip in person, you can call me about it, or email me at [email protected]. Please visit my blog to find out more about me and to follow my journey.
Thank you for being a part of my life, and for your consideration in becoming a partner in my personal growth and development.
Yours in Christ,
Ryan Duart
