Hey all, I just wanted to share my support letter with all of you. I’ve already written many of you, so this is for the benefit of those that I haven’t reached yet. Again, much thanks for all your support!
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Dear friends and family,
First and foremost, it is my sincere hope that this letter finds you well and in good spirits! I know that many are already aware, but I wanted to share with you personally the awesome opportunity that I have been presented with. Starting this August I will be embarking on a very faith-trying and growing experience through a mission trip program known as The World Race! It’s an 11 month mission trip in which I will be involved in all manner of various ministries in 11 different countries, those being Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Lesotho, South Africa, Madagascar, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. From teaching children English and Math to leading worship services and evangelizing, the outreach is broad, the opportunity great, and the experiences life-changing.
But before I go on, allow me to give just a little information about the foundations of The Race. The World Race sponsored by an organization called Adventures in Missions, an interdenominational organization focused on discipleship. Since the founding of Adventures in Missions in 1989 they have sent over 100,000 missionaries all throughout the world to carry out the great commission we have all been called to by Christ!
This decision came after no light amount of consideration and prayer. Taking myself out of my comfort zone, putting myself in the heart of the unknown, and placing everything completely in God’s hands; it’s a huge step and commitment. The past year for me, however, has been full of huge steps and commitments in my walk of faith. In the midst of that I felt the Spirit place upon my heart the call to go further in my faith; to grow deeper in my understanding of Him and the work of His kingdom. Both the immediate as well as long-term answer to that was fulfilled by The Race!
So what’s next? This is clearly no small undertaking. It will require much faith, prayer, hard work, commitment- the list goes on! And truth be told, although the opportunity is exciting, it is also daunting and at times overwhelming. The one that looms large is raising the financial means of going. In order to participate, I first have to raise the mandated goal of $18,017 (which covers living and travel expenses). So, in the coming months, I am prayerfully seeking support. And while I certainly require support financially, words of encouragement and impassioned, earnest prayer are just as important to accomplish not just this task of fundraising, but also to be able to effectively minister to those I encounter on this journey as well as for insight and growth in my own personal faith journey.
In all of this, I look to you and ask of you to prayerfully consider aiding me on this journey in whatever way you are able and willing. If you are moved to donate, there are a couple options:
1. Go to my blog (thomasbennage.theworldrace.org) and click “Donate” next to my goal
and follow the directions. Be sure to subscribe to my blog to receive updates
as well as view new posts I make so you can follow with me on my journey!
OR
2. Mail a check directly to Adventures in Missions via the enclosed pre-stamped envelope at
(*NOTE: Please be sure to write my FULL name, Thomas Bennage, on the memo line;
otherwise the staff at Adventures in Missions will not be able to apply the check to my account):
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
> 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.
Thank you again for your consideration! It is my hope that you and I can embark on this journey in the next year and a half together! If you want to learn and hear more about The Race and the walk that has led me here, please feel welcome to email me at [email protected] or call/text me at (570) 939 – 4504.
In Christ’s unfailing grace,
Thomas Bennage
FUNDRAISING GOALS (as set by Adventures in Missions):
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May 15, $5,000
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July 21, $10,000
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September 30, $13,000
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November 30, $18,017
