Dear Family and Friends,
I have great news to share with you. While this letter will tell you of the awesome stuff happening in my life, it also bares my heart and a brief portion of my life story. I appreciate you taking the time to read and consider it.
Most of you know I graduated from Simon Fraser University last spring with my BA in Communications and Minor in Dialogue. Throughout my undergraduate career I made big plans of what I would do when finished, which included starting an amazing career, moving into a great apartment and generally having what I thought was an 'ideal' life. Well, to put it bluntly, that did not happen. I graduated all right, but life did not fall into place like I planned. After sending out 100-something resumes, with no responses, I knew something was not right (yes, I did check if my email was working correctly!).
Here is a back story to fill you in on some of my spiritual journey to this point: Although I was raised in a Christian home, it wasn't until I started University in 2006 that I began to choose Christianity and seek Christ, rather than believe because that is what I had been taught. Well, those University years were chaotic, filled with full-time classes and 30 hour work weeks. So chaotic that I let life get in the way and put my relationship with God on the back burner. When I graduated in April, with expectations of an 'ideal' life and plenty of free time, I really started to grow my relationship with God. I began investing time in my church, got involved in a life group, and spent many hours in worship and prayer. During this time I was sending out resumes and looking for work, but found nothing. I filled my free time with good friends, family, and worship… things I never would have so eagerly pursued had I found work and started my career. I started to realize that maybe I was not meant to start the career I had wanted or have that 'ideal' life I desired for so long. Maybe God was calling me to something greater. Over several months I prayed, I searched… and I felt my heart ignite when I came across the mission I am about to embark on.
So here it is… In July 2012 I am leaving on the World Race, a missions journey that covers 11 nations in 11 months. On the World Race (a ministry of Adventures in Missions) my team and I will serve in partnership with local churches and ministries to do everything from preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages and hospitals, minister to women and children who are trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, teach English, lead crusades, do hands on development work and probably anything else you can think of.
I am so grateful God has chosen me to be his hands and feet in the world for a year, and I have every confidence He will provide for my needs. Ultimately, my prayer is that he will do this through you. There are three ways in which I need support for this mission: prayer, encouragement, and financial. The first two are vital to my success, but this trip cannot happen without financial support. I need to raise $15,500 which will cover meals, lodging, air, land, and sea travel, coaching and training camp. Additionally, funds are needed for medical insurance, vaccinations, and travel to and from training camp and my start and end point in the U.S. This may seem like a large number, but if only 20 people donated $75 per month for 10 months, I would have nearly all my financial support. I have enclosed a list of methods you can use to give financially, if you feel you have been called to do so.
I am so glad I had those months of struggle, because it gave me time to fall head over heels in love with God, and boy did I fall hard and fast! I have been led to my true path in life, free of my own plans and filled with God's plan for me. Thank you in advance for your prayers, encouragement, and support.
Thank you and Blessings,
Amy Weiss
(604) 309-7641
[email protected]
