Dear Friends,
I hope this finds you all in positive spirits! God has been working on some amazing things in my life, and I’m praying that you have seen and felt Him moving in yours as well. In the past year I’ve experienced growth emotionally and spiritually, and the biggest blessings have been the changes that God has made inside of me. Not only did He bless me with amazing, supportive friends and family such as you, but He also started opening doors that allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and venture closer to Him in faith. Among many things that God has revealed to me, I believe that He has called me into the mission field. I have a passion for people and want to share His love with a world that is hurting and broken. God calls us to be the body of Christ and commissions us to go to the ends of the earth and make disciples in His name.
Early on, I struggled with acceptance throughout my adolescence and always strived to be the center of attention in order to feel loved. That manifested into unhealthy relationships and a skewed perception of what love looked like. I battled addictive behavior for almost two years, and in an attempt to hide it developed a habit of lying to those who were closest to me. I broke the trust of many people and isolated myself from anyone trying to help me. I was drowning and I was alone. I became bitter because I felt powerless. Rather than turning to God, I continued in my downward spiral. In an effort to rid myself of the actions that were causing so much shame, I turned my attention to an abusive homosexual relationship. Because I was finally getting the attention I craved and was at last seemingly free from the chains of my secret past, I was oblivious to the toxicity of my situation. I allowed myself to let go of everything that I believed in and tried to Band-Aid my condition with the deceptions that the world has to offer. I thought that I had found happiness when in reality, I was letting myself slip away.
I reached a point of broken that I didn’t think could be fixed, but if there is anything I’ve learned, it is that nothing is impossible for God. He met me where I was and told me that I was worthy. This year specifically has taught me so much about unconditional love and the mercy that will never go away. God pulled me out of the darkness and shame that I was decaying in and showed me that there is healing and hope when we turn our eyes back to Him. He gave me the courage to walk away from the world and move in His direction. He picked me up and carried me until I was able to walk again. I’ve learned what forgiveness and vulnerability look like. I’ve felt the pangs of humility in returning home as the prodigal son. I count all of the struggles I’ve faced as blessings because without experiencing the darkness, we can never fully appreciate the light. God has given me the unique ability to identify with people who are broken to a point of giving up and share what He has done in my life to make me whole again. He has laid the mission field on my heart. After surrendering to this call, I was presented with an amazing opportunity to go on the World Race.
The World Race is a multi-denominational Christian organization with Adventures in Missions. Teams typically consist of roughly 40-55 people. We will travel together in a group and work with local ministry contacts in each country we visit. We will spend 11 months backpacking through 11 countries in Africa, Asia, and South America, respectively, spreading the hope and truth of the gospel. We will be engaging in many different kinds of ministry according to the needs of the locals in each region including church planting, evangelism, working with orphans, and helping to encourage new believers.
I’m writing to ask most importantly for your prayers and also for financial support. This mission will be strenuous physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I am so excited for this opportunity, but I will need prayer warriors in my corner. Please pray that God will prepare my heart in a way that allows me to become humble in servanthood for His purpose. In addition, pray that the people we meet will be receptive to the Holy Spirit. My vision is to see God spark revival in the hearts of people around the world.
As I prepare for this incredible journey, I want to humbly ask you to consider supporting me financially. The cost of this trip for travel, food, lodging, and medical insurance is $17,700. In addition, I will be responsible for purchasing gear such as a backpack, tent, and other backpacking supplies. All donations are tax deductible and may be made electronically through my World Race blog page at amandacadenhead.theworldrace.org or directions for mail in financial contributions can be found attached. Please prayerfully consider how you would be willing to support me-either through prayer, financial support, or both. Thank you for partnering with me and supporting me as I prepare for this adventure! I look forward to sending you updates from the road and sharing how the trip has impacted my life when I return.
Love Always,
Amanda
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26
