I just want to start off by saying how humbled I am already by the support that I have received. I checked my account today and was overwhelmed by what a difference each and every donation makes. To my support system of family and friends: Ya’ll are amazing. As for the $15,000 left to raise, I am confident in God’s plan, and I know He will provide.
Since it’s fundraising time, I am attaching my support letter that I sent out to friends and family to let them know about the World Race and how everyone can help 🙂
My sweet family and friends,
It is with extreme joy and excitement that I am writing this letter to you, and I hope it finds you well. I am writing to share with you some exciting news about what is going on in my life as of lately. As some of you know, I will be finishing my undergraduate career at Southern Methodist University this fall and graduating in December 2014. It has been an amazing past 3 years, filled with many smiles, great friends, and a lot of growing up. I have learned so much about myself, about who I want to be, and how important it is to put my full trust in God’s plans for my life. Growing up, I always knew that God had something amazing in store for my life, but I could never put my finger on it. I could only describe it as an unsettled yearning in my heart for a clearer purpose and meaning in the very blessed life that I live. I knew there were people in the world in need; people who need God. Eventually, this little tug at my heart prompted me to open my eyes, ears, and heart to what God was calling me to do. And so here I am, writing this letter to you to let you about know the unbelievable call that has been placed upon my heart.
In January 2015, a short 7 months away, I will be embarking on the greatest journey of my life. I will be leaving the states to serve as a missionary through an organization called Adventures in Missions (AIM) in The World Race program.
What is The World Race? Not the Amazing Race… but think of it as the Amazing Race plus God. It is an 11-month mission trip through 11 different countries. In January, I will be leaving with just one backpack and my team to serve those in need by partnering with local churches and ministries to work with orphanages, plant churches, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, teach English, and most importantly, to share the love of Christ with those around the world.
So, where am I going? My team and I will be spending a month in India, Nepal, South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Latvia, Estonia, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Admittedly, I can’t embark on this journey alone; I need your help.
First and foremost: PRAYER. As I follow this call, I ask that you pray for me and my teammates, both as we prepare for this journey and when we are on the field. Please pray for our safety, our health, and our hearts – that they are filled with peace and comfort. Please pray for those with whom we will come in contact — that we will able to show them the love of Christin our words and actions. Prayer is the number one thing we will need. Lots and lots of your prayers.
Secondly, if you’re able, financial support. Like most missions organizations, I must raise $16,243 to go on the World Race. This amount covers all my expenses on the field including travel, lodging, and food for the entire 11-month mission. And as a perk, all donations are tax deductible!
Financial support can be given as a one-time gift or as a monthly donation, wherein you choose the amount and the beginning and end date. Conveniently, donations can be made online by visiting my blog site at: ashleighschneider.theworldrace.org. Just go to the tabs on the left and click “SUPPORT ME” and complete your donation as instructed.
Since going online is not for everyone, I have enclosed a response card to send in with donations done by check. The card will provide AIM with the information necessary to send you a receipt for your donation. Checks can be made out to Adventures in Missions, and on the memo line please write: For Ashleigh Schneider. The donation and response card should be returned to Adventures in Missions, P.O. Box 742570 Atlanta, GA 30374-2570.
I know that with your prayers, sponsorship, and God’s provisions, we can make this happen!
I am SO excited to see how God will move in my life and in the lives of the people I come in contact with in the coming year. I hope not only to be a blessing to those I serve, but also to you. I would be honored to go as your representative to bring Jesus to the nations. I am so blessed to have people like you in my life who have showed me what it means to love and to serve. Thank you in advance for your prayers and financial sponsorship. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (337) 852-3590, and keep up with my blog as I update- ashleighschneider.theworldrace.org 🙂 !
