Dear Friends and Family,
I hope this letter finds you well! I am writing to catch you up on all of the new developments in my life. I am currently a senior at Oklahoma State University and will graduate in May 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership and International Studies. Over the past few years, God has laid a desire on my heart to serve as a missionary. I have patiently waited to finish my degree so that I could answer his call. Now, I am very happy to announce that I will be leaving for an overseas mission trip starting in July of 2014!
The World Race is an 11 month Christian mission trip to 11 countries around the world. I am very excited about the particular route that I will be traveling on. My countries, in order, are: Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, Swaziland, Botswana, and South Africa. While in these countries, my team and I will be sleeping in tents and living out of backpacks. We will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and show God’s restorative love and grace to many tribes and nations. The trip will not be an easy one, however, it will undoubtedly further God’s kingdom and give hope to many people that desperately need it.
I will face many challenges all throughout the World Race, but as I prepare for my departure, one of my greatest challenges is my financial support. Like most other missions organizations, participants are required to fundraise financial support. In order to leave fully funded for my trip, I need to raise $16,285. This money will cover all of my field expenses for the 11 months of the trip. As I take this large step of faith in trusting the Lord, would you prayerfully consider supporting me financially? You can give by automatic withdrawals, secure online giving or by mailing checks. You can make a one-time donation or a monthly pledge. If 27 people pledge $50 monthly for a year then I will be fully funded! 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. Including the enclosed card will provide AIM with all necessary information. In turn, they will send you a receipt to use for tax purposes.
I am truly blessed to have the chance to be an ambassador of the Lord to the nations. God has been preparing me for this my entire life. From the many cross-country camping trips that I made as a child with my family, to the first time I ever heard a missionary speak at church camp, to God strengthening me and sending people to help me to grow in my faith throughout high school and college, I know that this has been his plan for my life all along. Thank you in advance for supporting me through your prayers and finances. I pray that I will not only be a blessing to those people that I serve on my trip, but also to you. I will go as your representative of Jesus Christ and I hope that you will prayerfully consider being part of my ministry. Thank you.
With love and gratitude,
Jessica Guinn
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7
