Dear Friend,
During the fall season of 2009 I found
myself struggling greatly against the forces of depression, anger,
and isolation. No doubt these were the result of a failed engagement
and lack of foresight as to a career. All of my dreams died that
season. The manifestations of failure were many-fold and I was losing
hope in my mind and heart. Were it not for a dear friend taking her
life near Thanksgiving of 2008 I would have taken mine.
After nine months of searching,
insomnia, frustration, terrible thoughts, and utter despair a friend
gave me a copy of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity.
After the chapter on marital relationships I found exactly what God
has wanted for me all of my days; hope, faith, and love. Though
I am far from perfect he is well pleased with me.
This truth puts my heart in constant awe of the grace God has shown
me over the past thirty years and that of which he continues to shine
down. So why am I sharing with you such intimate details about my
life?
I have come to
understand that without a personal relationship with Christ there is
little hope in life. Everything around us rusts and rots and full
belly only lasts part of the day. The greatest gift I can give to
humanity is that which I have been gracefully given; hope in Jesus
Christ.
On
December 31st
I leave for an eleven month mission trip that spans eleven countries
across the globe. India, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, South
Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova are my
the places my team of six will visit. We will work and live along
side orphans addicted to solvents in India, sex slaves in Indonesia,
abuse victims everywhere, an entire population in Swaziland becoming
extinct due to AIDS, and others that live amongst the most depraved
conditions in the world.
My best friend
Dominic asked why I would go if these things do not affect my daily
life. You may have the same question. The answer is simple. And while
you may or may not agree with my specific religious beliefs there is
universal truth in helping those that have no where, no one, no
money, little food, and no hope. I believe that if we personally
witnessed the horror of other’s realities we could not help but pour
out ourselves for their betterment.
I read the Bible
because I believe that God wants me to grow in a relationship with
Him. He is the greatest source of love I have ever experienced.
Scripture calls me to be responsible for what God teaches. Recently
He taught me that His love is an endless ocean unto which I sink
deeper daily. Without it I would drown in the hopelessness of my own
nature. How could I not go out to the nations of the world and share
that message with those in need?
The organization sponsoring my trip is
Adventures in Missions (www.adventuresinmissions.org).
They are a non-denominational Christian organization based out of
Gainesville Georgia with a clear vision. They, as I, believe in the
simple beauty that we just might be the generation to bring change in
the world. Even if it is as small and slow as the heart of one Indian
orphan at a time.
Eleven months in eleven different
countries is an exciting prospect and believe me I am pumped! The
opportunity to experience other cultures on a deep level is that of a
lifetime. There will be chances to see places and do things I never
dreamed like bungee jumping and roasting marshmallows at the top of a
volcano.
While there are moments of tourism, the
daily life of of living off fifteen dollars per day for food,
lodging, local travel, and a translator is a much tougher reality.
Camping in a two-person tent and living outside for eleven months can
be hard as time goes on. New levels of frugality combined with
extreme environments will stretch my faith, build character, and
teach me to learn to trust God in ways I do not yet know. Yet I know
that God promises endurance to those that are faithful.
You should know that I would not ask
for a dime of support without giving all that I can give up myself.
Therefore all of my possessions will be sold over the next sixty days
(except my house) to make this a reality. That includes TV, car,
vespa, lawnmower, clothes, electronics, stereo system … everything.
I am asking that you open your heart
and help me reach the goal of being fully funded ($15,800.00) by
January 1st. There is no gift too big nor small and all
are worthy of equal praise. I ask that you respond via email to
[email protected] upon
making a decision so I can keep daily record of progress as there is
a two week delay between when you send a check and it is processed
into my account via Adventures In Missions.
While support can be
raised through June 1st, 2010 I kindly pray that you will
make a commitment by Friday December 10th because there
are financial deadlines that must be met in order for me to launch.
Below is a breakdown of the costs of the trip and some sponsorship
ideas. These are specific ways you can be a part of this incredible
experience. Do not feel as though you have to donate the full amount
for some of the ideas. They are simply to illustrate if you were to
give that amount what your gift would purchase. Please know that all
donations are tax deductible and a receipt will be given to you from
Adventures In Missions for tax deduction purposes.
Cost Breakdown of Trip
Sponsorship
Ideas:
1 Month of Food, Lodging, Travel
$460.00
Vaccines $700.00
Travel to Launch site &
home $800.00
Training Camp $250.00
Tent $250.00
Hiking Pack $150.00
Sleeping Pad $150.00
I
have enclosed a response card and pre-addressed envelope which
invites you to share in this ministry. Please make checks payable to
Adventures In Missions and return the response card with your
donation to Adventures In Missions PO Box 534470 Atlanta, GA
30353-4470. The response card will provide AIM with the information
necessary to send you a receipt for your donation. Please send all
donations by Friday December 7th, 2010.
Thank
you so much for your prayers and support. If you should have any
questions my cellular number is 706.201.0153 and my email is
[email protected]. I look
forward to sharing my experience with you via blog which can be found
at http://raimiebateman.theworldrace.org/.
In
His Love,
Raimie
