Dear Beautiful People,
My heart is full of joy as I write this letter to you! God has opened an incredible door of opportunity for me and I am honored to share with you what He is doing. I am well aware that this letter may not be unique in kind. In fact, you may have seen something similar from me just a few years ago. However, this opportunity is much larger, more intense, and totally dependent on faith. God has called me to be bold for Him, and it starts with seeking support on many levels, from all those I cherish and love.
As you may know, I have been working as a hairstylist at a salon in Bryan for the past 3 years. I genuinely love what I do – serving others and making them feel better about themselves both inside and out. However, there has been a constant tug on my heart that this is no longer where I am meant to be (at least not for now). God has placed something much bigger in my path than I ever could have imagined. He has called me to be a servant for Him on a mission trip called The World Race.
In January of 2014, I will be leaving home for 11 months, visiting 11 different countries, living out of a backpack, sleeping only the Lord knows where, eating a collection of unpronounceable foods, all while spreading the Gospel and caring for “the least of these.” My squad and I will be traveling to: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, China, Thailand, Cambodia, India, and Nepal. This route is subject to change, and most likely will before my actual launch date in January.
I first learned of this trip a little over a year ago and thought, “Wow, that sounds like something I want to do!” But on the other hand, I had a pretty good life here – a great church, a job I actually enjoyed, friends, family, nice clothes, my smartphone… What more could a girl want? I had become so comfortable in my conveniences, so I began to pray…a lot. I prayed that if this was truly the direction God was pointing me in that He would lead me to apply – He did. Then I prayed that if this is not the path for me that God would make that known by non-acceptance. Well, three weeks following my first interview I got a phone call from Adventures in Missions. This was it! After much anticipation, I had been invited to join the “Z squad” on the January launch of The World Race. Deciding to go was easy. Paying for it however, is going to be a challenge. My decision to go has been made in faith, trusting His plan includes provision for my expenses. The cost of this trip totals $15,500. To be completely honest, I just can’t generate that money on my own. While working to find creative ways to earn money for this trip, I am also humbly praying that God will call others to contribute. I’d love if you too would prayerfully consider financially supporting me on this journey. Donations small, large, one time, or monthly are more than gratefully and thankfully appreciated. If you feel called to embark on this epic journey with me financially, I will have a blog which I will update every time I have Internet, to which you can also donate through. Henceforth, I am not going to say anymore about money. If God is calling you to give, I pray that you will heed that call.
I have prayed over this letter, and have faith that God knows how and where to use it. More than anything, my squad and I need a team of loved ones dedicated to supporting us in prayer, and perhaps that is the purpose that God intends for you in this letter. Prayer is the number one thing we need. There will be an abundance of obstacles that arise and entangle themselves around us as my squad prepares to go love on and serve the people we will meet on this trip. Prayer is the fuel that will allow us to be successful as we follow Christ’s leading in ministry in these countries. I ask that you will be praying for the challenges that lie ahead of me: living in a new and constantly changing culture, communicating through language barriers, protection from illnesses, and that I will have strength enough to constantly give of myself in selfless service. Above all, pray that my life will reflect the personal relationship I have with Jesus Christ.
You are just as important in this mission trip as I am. It is the love and encouragement throughout the years that allows me to follow God so confidently into this adventure. Please know that this letter is only intended to be a tool for God’s work, and there are no expectations bundled with it. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Please contact me with any questions, concerns, or even if you just want to know more. I have included a card in this letter in hopes you will put it in your Bible or on your fridge and remember to pray for me during my trip. Thank you!
In Him,
Carrie Owen
