This is the support letter I sent out in the mail. If you didn’t get one, I either didn’t have your address or I ran out of stamps (sorry!). However, I’m posting it here for everyone to see! I included a folded paper crane in each envelope as a prayer reminder, so if you’d like one, please let me know and I’ll get one to you!
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To all my Family and Friends,
For the past three years, I was blessed with the opportunity to live, work, and travel in Japan. Japan stole my heart at an early age, and being able to live there fulfilled a dream I’d had for a long time. I loved every minute that I spent in Japan, but eventually I knew it was time to return to the States. When I started thinking about what I should do next, I looked at all sorts of career and education paths, but for some reason none of them seemed right to me. Instead, I felt God was calling me elsewhere, and so I asked Him to give me some sign or direction. By a series of circumstances only He could have orchestrated, I heard about the World Race.
The World Race is a Christian mission trip run by a non-profit organization called Adventures in Missions. It’s an 11-month mission trip to 11 different countries, fulfilling the call set forth in Matthew 28:19 to “go and make disciples of all the nations.” These 11 countries are usually spread all over the world; however, for the first time ever the Race is offering an all-Asia route and (another first) Japan is on the list. Needless to say, God not only gave me a sign; He gave me an open door and I walked through it!
This September, I’ll embark on this journey with God and a team of 60-70 others who are intent on serving Him. My team and I will travel to India, Nepal, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, China, Mongolia, and the Philippines. We will serve “the least of these” by partnering with local churches and ministries in each country to care for orphans, plant churches, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, teach English, and most importantly, bring the love and gospel of Jesus to people around the world.
So why am I writing this to you? The quote that keeps coming to mind is that it takes a village to raise a child. I think I’ve finally been challenged to attempt something that I just can’t do alone, and I need your help! First of all, I’m going to need prayer, and lots of it. Despite my experiences abroad, I have never done anything like this before. I will be leaving behind my home, family, and modern-day comforts to live out of a backpack and a tent for almost a year. Please pray for me, my team, and the countries we’ll be visiting, as well as the ministries and people we’ll be working with.
Secondly, I have to raise $16,254 to cover the costs of training, travel, lodging, food, and medical insurance for my time abroad. I know this seems like an overwhelming number, but the Lord has reminded me again and again that He is faithful, and I know HE will provide all that is needed. I ask that you prayerfully consider supporting me financially with either a one time or a monthly donation of any amount. If 30 people pledge $45 for 12 months, I will be fully funded for the Race!
Would you consider making a donation to support me? If you feel led to do so, you can do that by clicking the “Support me” link at the top of this page and complete your donation as instructed. All donations are tax deductible.
I’m so excited about what God is doing in my life and the journey ahead. If you’d like to hear more about this great adventure, please feel free to get in touch with me. I’d love to tell you about it! I will also be keeping a blog with pictures and stories from the mission field, so please subscribe if you would like to follow me on my journey. Thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support, and may God bless you as you consider partnering with me in this ministry!
PS: In Japan, the crane is a symbol of happiness and peace. Would you take it as a reminder to pray for me and my team? Thank you!
Also, I wanted to share my fundraising deadlines with you, just to keep you on track with where I am!
- $7,500 – Due 8/18/2014 (2 weeks prior to trip)
- $11,000 – Due 12/1/2014 (End of 3 months on the field)
- $16,254 – Total Due 3/1/2015 (End of 6 months on the field)
I truly appreciate all the support you have given me. Love you all!
Ashley
