Dear Friends & Family,
I hope this letter finds you well!
As many of you know, for several years I have had the desire to work in favelas in Brazil, a homeless shelter in my city or anything that would feel more fulfilling than what I was doing with life at the time. However, for one reason or another, it never seemed like the right time. Evidently, Jesus was the big piece of the puzzle that I was missing. Like in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), I found my way back home to Him, and He has shown me that the time is now!
In January of this year, I attended a Christian conference for college students called Passion, and there, it became clear that I want to do more, give more, and live more for His almighty Kingdom! Initially, I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to pursue this desire. But after a ton of reading, mediating, and most of all, PRAYING, He has revealed a tiny bit of His plans for me! Through a friend, I was introduced to an organization called Adventure in Missions (AIM) and in my heart I just knew the Lord was calling me to go on one of their trips: The World Race. Obediently I applied, was interviewed and have been accepted!
The World Race is an 11-month mission trip around the world. I have been welcomed into the X-Squad, and we will be going to 11 countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Nepal, India, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Haiti. In our squads, we are split into teams of 7, scattered around and partnered with local ministries in each country to be most effective in what we do. For ministry, we will be both preaching the gospel by evangelizing and church planting, and also doing the gospel by working for community development, building houses and schools; giving hope and showing the love of Jesus to orphans and women rescued from prostitution and other forms of modern-day slavery. Each day and each month of ministry will look completely different!
A dear family friend quoted "half of life is just showing up," and I cannot ignore how true that is, especially in my circumstances today. All God is asking me to do is to show up! He has complete control of the other half, and I know He will see me through. I feel privileged, thrilled, and deeply grateful for this opportunity and although The World Race cost is high, I trust the Lord will provide and meet my needs. I must raise $15,500, which covers the cost of all meals, lodging, travel, administrative costs, and training for the entirety of the 11 month mission. I am putting all of my savings and future earnings towards this opportunity. Another way I know He will provide is through the willing hearts of those able to give. Ultimately, my prayer is that He might use you to partner with me in this ministry, and I would be honored if you could do so financially and prayerfully.
If you feel led to give, donations can be made online by clicking the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of this page and complete your donation as instructed. However, there is a service fee of approximately 3%. In that case, checks can be mailed to: Adventures In Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470. Write Ana Sampaio on the Memo line and make to sure include your information along with a return address to receive your receipt. AIM is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and gifts may be tax deductible.
My wish is that my team and I can be the feet and hands of Jesus, conveying His light through all the places and the people we come across. Thank you for your consideration in making this a reality!
Gratefully,
Ana Sampaio
