Dear Friends and Family,
For the past couple of years, I have been able to serve in my local church while still having a full time engineering position. First Baptist Church has allowed me to participate in women’s and youth ministries. I have enjoyed being able to serve the youth in our community, as well as serve alongside them. This past August, I had the chance to travel with the youth to Big Creek Mission in Kentucky. Prior to the Kentucky trip, I had done a lot of Googling trying to figure out where to actually take the youth. In my searching, I came across Adventures in Mission (AIM). While on the site, I saw the World Race and glanced through it. I was interested in learning more. I returned to the site several times. After completing the, “Have What it Takes?” quiz and looking at some of the routes available, I began to pray about this option for my future. God continually brought to mind Isaiah 6:8,
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
I wasn’t quite to that point, but I felt God questioning my doubts and worries with, “Why wouldn’t I want you to go?!” Of course, I had some excellent excuses in my mind. He is not accepting them for the time being.
So, I am signed up for August 2017 Route 3 of the World Race! This is an 11 month mission trip that will allow me to live in ministry. It is also a discipleship program and will create an environment where relying on God is a must. My team and I will partner with churches and ministries in local communities in 11 different countries. As part of this collaboration, I may help plant and build churches, work in orphanages, and minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking. Most importantly, my team and I will be sharing about the love of Christ and His Gospel. This is the only source of true hope in which these people are in dire need of.
As I prepare for my departure, one of my greatest challenges will be finding those to prayerfully and financially support me. I know that God will provide. Please pray with me and for me. I would specifically ask for prayer during preparation and equipment gathering. Also, pray that God would give me a willing and cheerful heart throughout this process. Of course, please pray for the trip itself. AIM has set up a blog for each racer (see link at bottom). I will post updates prior to and during the trip, along with new and additional prayer requests.
The World Race does require me to fundraise for financial support. In order to be fully funded, I need to raise $18,017. If God leads you to support me financially, you can mail a check to Adventures in Missions with the fundraising card included in this letter, or you can donate online through my blog.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Also, if you are willing to support me through prayer, please let me know, and I will update you with new requests.
In Christ,
Ashley Ferdon
ashleyferdon.theworldrace.org | [email protected] |
Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
