Support Letter

Played the World Race promo video and my support video above at one of our church services.  You can find my support letter below.

Dear friends and family,

I’m excited to report that I have accepted a summer internship at Saddleback Christian Church (pending a theological interview). I will be working with their Chief Operations Officer and expect to gain valuable hands-on experience in the responsibilities of an executive pastor. In the fall, I return for my final semester of graduate school. After graduation in January, I leave for World Race.

World Race, a program operated by the “Adventures in Missions” organization, is an intense 11-month mission trip to 11 countries. Throughout the journey, “World Racers” discover life in a new way. My team will serve in partnership with churches and ministries across South and Central America – preaching the Gospel, planting churches, working in orphanages, volunteering in refugee camps, and feeding the hungry. By bringing the restoration and hope of the Father’s love, we will experience the joy of serving the “least of these.”

As some of you may remember from my first sermon, I spoke of a decision I made last summer to return to school instead of pursuing World Race or accepting employment at a railroad company. In making my decision, God led me to read the parable of the three servants, Matthew 25:14-30. Each received money from their master. Two invested their money and received a return. The third buried his money in fear that he would lose it. For me, taking the railroad job was the equivalent of burying my money. In other words, it was chasing the American dream while I knew God’s plans and my deepest desires lie elsewhere. Something I have left unsaid these past 6 months is that, to me, World Race felt like the decision promising the greatest return. But, God gave me a choice. And I decided to return to school to obtain my Master’s in Business Administration.

As the year progressed, I felt God affirming my decision. With the support of nearly a full scholarship to TU, I have not only gained an education, but also felt my faith drawing me closer to my Father. Ultimately, I realized that God still intended for me to pursue World Race. I never overcame my heart’s desire, although I pushed it aside, believing that the dream was gone. Ministry is my calling.

Many of you have made significant investments in me throughout my life. I have been blessed with so much love from you throughout the years. Now, I am asking you to consider another investment, not only in me, but also in the lives of those I will be serving. While I cannot promise a financial return, I pledge my further submission to Jesus as my Lord, Savior, and Master, as I reach out to expand His Kingdom.

The total cost of the trip is $13,500. Any gift you provide will make a difference. While the amount is ambitious, I trust that, through people like you, God will provide. After all, this is His story.

I have enclosed a response card and pre-addressed envelope, inviting you to share in this ministry. If you are receiving this via email, you can pick up both at the Welcome Center at East Bartlesville Christian Church. Please make checks payable to Adventures In Missions with my name in the memo line and return the response card with your donation to Adventures In Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470. If you prefer to make your donation online, you may visit my blog site at jonathanfrancis.theworldrace.org. Just click the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed.