Hi Family and Friends!
I hope this finds you doing well! I’ve been living in Nashville since graduating from Indiana in May 2011; I’m going on three years working in advertising at the largest media company in middle Tennessee. I have been so blessed and adore my life here – my roommate (one of my close college friends), our friends, our apartment, my church and just Nashville life.
However, the Lord has been guiding my path a bit differently than I could’ve imagined. Over about the past year, God has revealed to me that the fulfillment I get from the world, people and possessions will never truly be enough. As I’ve continued to grow in my faith, I’ve had a lingering feeling of unsettledness and a desire for something “more”. After a lot of prayer, the Lord has revealed His plan for me: a mission program called the World Race.
The World Race (run through Adventures in Missions) is a Christian-based mission program sending young adults to 11 countries in 11 months. Not only is this a mission trip, but it’s also an intensive discipleship program; “this is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about you; it’s about the Kingdom.” I will leave this July traveling to Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, Swaziland, Botswana and South Africa.
Over the 11 months, my team and I will partner with local churches and ministries to preach the Gospel, work in orphanages, minister to widows, befriend girls trapped in prostitution, teach English, coach sports…you name it. Through both evangelistic and humanitarian efforts, we will bring hope, joy, and Christ’s love everywhere we go.
Needless to say – I will face many challenges throughout this journey. I’m sure most of you are laughing, imagining me trekking through Africa, a week without a shower, with all my belongings on my back:) In all seriousness, though, one of my greatest challenges will be raising financial support. You know me and the family I come from – it’s not easy asking for money; but, not only does the World Race require its participants to fundraise for financial support (like most other missions organizations), I also know that this is one way the Lord will teach me about His faithfulness, trust and provision. I realize that this insecurity is a tactic of the enemy that’s designed to keep me from stepping out in faith.
In order to leave fully-funded, I need to raise $16,252 to cover my field experiences for the 11 months. As I take this leap of faith, would you prayerfully consider supporting me by giving a monthly amount or a one-time contribution? I’d be so grateful for any amount you can give, as it all adds up! Prayer is an even more critical way you can support me. I would covet prayers during these months of preparation and, of course, during my 11 months in ministry. I have enclosed a response card and pre-addressed envelope, which gives me a chance to learn how I can best share this ministry with you. Also enclosed is an Adventures In Missions donation card, which notes how to donate via mail or online. Additionally, you can visit my blog (courtneyknoff.theworldrace.org will be set up shortly) to learn more about my story and stay updated on my journey.
I want to thank you in advance for your partnership in whatever ways the Lord may lead you. My heart is so full of joy for all He’s doing in my life and I cannot wait to spread it across the nations.
In Him,
Courtney
*You can donate directly by clicking here!
