Dear friends and family,
I write this letter to share with you an opportunity that God has opened up for me. I was recently accepted to go on the World Race. The World Race is a mission trip where participants travel to 11 countries in 11 months. I leave in January 2018 to travel to; Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Spain, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Serbia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. While in each of these countries, our team will partner with local churches and ministries and Spirit lead opportunities to serve and share Christ. We will be helping in a variety of ways such as teaching English, visiting hospitals and orphanages, building homes, and building relationships with the locals we meet. Every country will be different but our mission will be the same: to help those who are in need and to spread the love of Christ to bring Him glory. My team is comprised of 21 international participants ranging from the ages of 21 to 35. We will leave materialism here in the United States and live minimally out of a backpack.
For the past three years I attended Williamson College of the Trades with a focus in Paint and Structural Coatings Technology. Having graduated, my appreciation for the school and all who played a role in my education and life has increased immensely. As my senior year came to a close; people asked what are your post-graduation plans? My response up till April was; military, working full time, continuing my education or a mission trip. I enjoyed mission trips in my past but I did not envision myself going on one after school.
As the second semester flew by, I spent an hour of my week meeting with a mentor. We went through the book Multiply by Francis Chan, and I was challenged by God. During one of our discussions, we spoke about being comfortable in today’s world as Christians. Kevin Burgess asks, “Who’s in more danger, the persecuted or the comfortable?” I enjoy the worldly comforts of the United States and the security, but I want to challenge myself to set my heart to heaven’s time zone and go and be the hands of feet of Christ.
I had several of excuses of why working full time or joining the military would be a better choice than the World Race. I could work and my earned money could support missionaries. I was challenged when I heard a speaker reference Luke 10:2 saying, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” God does not need my funds as much as my obedience. I don’t like asking people for money. It’s a pride issue and God is humbling me through experience. I am currently working full time with LF Driscoll in Philadelphia to contribute my own funds toward this trip, but I cannot do it alone.
I am excited to use my Spanish to share the love of God and build relationships in four of the countries along the route. Being stretched and challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually, outweighs any amount of money or any experience I could acquire if stayed in the states.
The total cost of this trip is $17,400. This money will cover intercontinental travel, lodging, food and local transportation for the year. As I take this step of faith in trusting the Lord, would you consider partnering with me financially and or prayerfully? Thank you for your consideration. You can also check out my “About” page to get a little more information about me.
In Christ,
Jesse Martinez
You can visit my blog jessemartinez.theworldrace.org and click donate, fill out your information, and immediately make a secure online donation. You will have the option of donating one time or choosing to support me monthly until my financial goal is met. If you would rather, you can mail a check to Adventures in Missions. Included in your letter is a fundraising card. If you mail a check to AIM, include this fundraising card with your check to ensure your donation is applied to my account.
Adventures InMissions 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.
