I figured I might as well share with you the support letter I wrote as one of my first blogs!!!
My brain at the moment is in overdrive, with meeting my first deadline and the fundraising dinner I am having lol so WOOO!!!
Here you go, enjoy and
THANKS FOR READING!!!
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing with an update on my crazy life and to request that you prayerfully consider supporting my endeavors as I prepare for the next ministry which the Lord has called me to pursue.
I was truly blessed to have had the opportunities and growth I experienced during the nine months of schooling and missions with the Burning Ones School of Discipleship. We traveled to several locations around the United States, worshiping, praying for and connecting with people from various stations in life, from Redding, CA to Washington, DC. Then, upon completion of training, our team traveled to Turkey and Israel to experience missions first hand and witness the amazing ministries that God is directing in those countries.
I had many plans for what I might do after the Burning Ones, but I had a hard time discerning the voice of the Lord. Once I finally decided to submit and let Him take control, I was blown away by the true plans He showed me that He had in store for me. During this time I was reminded of my favorite scripture:
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (Msg.) “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. This is God’s Decree.”
The Lord actually showed me the next step in His plan through a TV show I watched. It’s surprising sometimes how the Lord will show us things to reignite our passion to serve Him. In my situation all He did was use a simple, everyday TV show to remind me of what was truly burning in my heart! Funny thing is, I’ve always dreamed of making a difference in the kingdom, of being a missionary, of imparting this amazing Love I’ve been given. I feel like this cannot be expressed by simple words alone, but with actions, by being the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of the World and sharing the Gospel. Sometimes I wonder, “When did I start dreaming so big?” The Lord constantly told me where He would be taking me (Africa, Bolivia, Asia), but I never thought it would be this soon.
This journey will take me to eleven countries over the course of eleven months.
For more information on The World Race, please visit www.theworldrace.org. I am going on Route 2, which leaves on January1, 2013. My squad is the “N” Squad.
With this letter I come to you and ask that you prayerfully consider donating to my RACE. There are many ways you can help provide support:
–If you are in the Shawnee, OK area, you can attend my fundraising event on Saturday, Sept. 29th, 2012 at EC (Evangelistic Center) @ 6:30pm. This is a benefit dinner, with live worship music and a silent auction.
–You can buy a Thread of Hope bracelet from me. I have partnered with the Threads of Hope ministry in the Philippines because I believe what they are doing is a beautiful example of Christ’s love and an effective way to push back darkness.
In a country where poverty often separates families in devastating ways, each handmade bracelet has become a source of income that allows parents to feed their children, stay united and avoid the ever increasing practice of human trafficking.
There are two styles of bracelets for sale: circular for $2 or flat for $4. Of the proceeds, I keep 50% of each sale and the other 50 goes to helping families at risk in the Philippines. For more information, visit www.threadsofhope.com.ph
–You can also make a financial donation online @ www.adventures.org. Under the Donate tab, you would click on World Race participants and type in my Full name: Daniel Castillo. Please keep in mind that there is a 3% fee taken out for any online donations.
–Donations may also be made via Snail Mail using the small envelope enclosed with this letter, which will send your check directly to Adventures In Missions. Be sure to fill out the little enclosed slip and include it in the envelope. Voila, your support is on its way! (Checks can be mailed to me at 2504 Whispering Pine Blvd., Shawnee, OK 74804) ear mark: Daniel Castillo
–Last, but certainly not least, is your prayers! They are welcome and very needed as I embark in this new journey.
Below is a list of the financial deadlines I was given from Adventures in Missions, for you to keep in mind as you consider your support.
- $3,500 – Due 10/01/2012
- $6,500 – Due 12/18/2012
- $11,000 – Due 4/1/2013
- $15,500 – Total Due 7/1/2013
Honestly, every little bit helps!
I just want to take one last moment to say THANK YOU, for the continuous love and support that so many of you have shown through the years, months and days. The truth is I would not be doing what I am doing if it wasn’t for each one of you, willing to show me His love, by sending me, supporting me, loving me and praying for me! If you are a new potential donor, please accept my gratitude for taking the time to read this long letter, and for considering to support my efforts to further god’s kingdom.
Feel free to follow my blog @ www.dancastillo.theworldrace.org
With all my Love,
Daniel Castillo
World Racer
301-335-9868
