Ever since I was a little girl, God has put a sense of wonder in my heart at the thought of seeing the world, of experiencing the vibrant cultures, tasting exotic foods and soaking in the diversity of His creation. I love to travel. There is no doubt about it. What I love more than traveling, though, is traveling with purpose: to share the love and joy of the God who has so radically rocked my world. It’s no surprise then that when I first heard about the World Race on Christmas day 2009, something sparked in my heart and I thought, ‘I have to do this.’ I waited two long years from that point until I finally felt the precious encouragement from Papa God. He said simply: ‘Go.’
The World Race is an 11 month journey to 11 countries across 3 continents. My team will leave in July 2012 to serve alongside churches and ministries in these countries. We will feed the starving, minister to the sick, love on AIDS orphans, share the gospel, and encourage believers in places where less than 1% of the population believes. We will live like the people live, budgeting only $1.25 per meal and traveling as the locals travel. A sleeping bag and tent will be my home for a year. God has also put it on my heart to sell everything I own to go. I am giving Him my most valued and cherished belongings and trusting that what He has for me is better than any material possession. I am giving up all I have to answer His call.
I know that with this adventure will come much adversity and challenges. It would bless me beyond measure if you would commit to pray for me during this time. Your financial help would make a huge difference as well. I have to raise $15,500 to go on the World Race, which covers all my expenses on the field. I plan on using every last bit of my savings, as well as everything I can scrape up from selling my belongings, but it still will not be enough. If you would like to help, this financial support can be given as a one-time gift or as monthly donations, allowing you to choose the amount and beginning and end date. If 30 people pledge $45 for 12 months, I would have 100% of the funds necessary for my trip.
Please make checks payable to Adventures in Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta GA, 30353-4470. Make sure to specify that you would like the donation to go to Angelique Sturm or else your donation will not be sent to my account. If you would prefer to make a donation online, you may do so by clicking the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed. Keep in mind, though, that a 5% credit card fee will be taken out of the donation for credit card processing.
There is a thrill in my heart when I think about how God will move in my life and in the lives of others in the coming year. When I leave with my backpack, its contents will be my only possessions in the world. A sleeping bag and tent will be my home. My 8 days of clothing will no doubt become tattered and worn from hand-washing and faded from drying in the sun, but I know with every beat of my heart that it is worth it. I know deep in the pit of my soul that I cannot be comfortable here, in a nation of plenty, while I know that there is a broken world outside its borders. I know all this because it is not about me. It is about the Kingdom. I will give my life to be the hands and feet of a passionate and loving God to a broken and aching world.
May the Lord bless you and keep you! May he make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
With all the love in my heart,
Angelique
