I hope that you are doing wonderful and reading this post in good health. I would like to take this chance to let you know about the new & exciting things that are going on in my life! You may or may not know about the 7 day mission trip to Nicaragua that I took in July 2011. My mission on that trip involved supporting elementary school children and staff of The LifeLink School in Cuidad Sandino, Nicaragua (www.lifelinkint.org). I’ve always had a heart and compassion towards charity and giving, especially when it involves children who are less fortunate; so, I knew that my participation in this mission was a step in the right direction. What I did not know is how much of an impact it would have on my life and future. I did not know or expect for my heart to be so dramatically changed and to come back with more purpose, vision, and insight than I’d ever had before.
As a result of that mission trip, I knew that God was calling me to the mission field. He was calling me to be a part of something that was greater than me. He had shown me that my life, my world, my purpose is not about me, but about so much more. During a short-term mission trip to Nicaragua, God opened my eyes to the extreme level of poverty rampant in that nation and many others. When I came back to the states, I didn’t know when or how, but I knew that I would someday return back to the mission field. That was over a year ago, but it brings me to the exciting news that I have today.
I am thrilled to share that God is now calling me (again) to an even greater mission! Beginning in September 2013, I will serve as a missionary through an organization, Adventures in Missions (AIM), in their World Race program (www.worldrace.org). The World Race is an 11-month Christian mission trip to 11 different countries around the world!! Through adventure, ministry, community, and self-discovery, World Racers develop broken hearts that propel their hands to act for God’s kingdom around the globe. On the World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to teach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children who are trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restoration and hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations.
It is for this mission that I have decided to leave my current career, to fully submerge myself into the things that the Lord is drawing me towards, and to satisfy a void in my heart that no person, job, or amount of money has been able to fill. It is my pleasure to serve the “least of these” and to abandon my comfort, possessions, and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it's not about me; it's about the Kingdom. I am so grateful for this opportunity that God has given me, and have every confidence that He will provide for my needs! Ultimately, my prayer is that He will do that through you!
I am asking that you would consider partnering with me prayerfully & financially in my ministry. I must raise $15,500 in order to go on the World Race, and this amount will cover all of my expenses on the field for the entire 11 months. This financial support can be given as a one-time gift or as a monthly donation, wherein you choose a monthly amount and a beginning and end date. The amazing thing about this is if 25 people pledge $50 a month for 12 months, I would have 100 percent of the funds necessary for my trip!
If you would like to partner with me financially, AIM provides 4 methods to do so:
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Credit or Debit Card Donation
- To support me online, please visit my blog site at: www.kristinasmith.theworldrace.org. Just click the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed.
- Quick and efficient. Most preferred method. Able to setup automatic monthly withdrawals. Easy online access.
- Note: A 3% fee will be added to donor payments. This goes to the credit card company to pay for that convenience.
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Bank Draft Donation
- To support me online, please visit my blog site at: www.kristinasmith.theworldrace.org. Just click the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed.
- Still quick and efficient online access.
- Note: A 2% fee will be added to donor payments. This goes directly to the processing company to pay for that convenience.
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Written Check Donation
- For this method, please send an email to [email protected] with your mailing address and I will send you a pre-addressed envelope with a response card. Please return your checks along with the response card, which will provide AIM with the information necessary to send you a receipt for your donation.
- Sent directly to our bank where it is deposited. No associated fee. The bank then sends an image of that check to AIM’s accounting department to apply toward your support.
- Can take approximately 2 weeks from the date you mail the check before it is visible in my support account.
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DynaPay Donations (FOR MONTHLY PLEDGES ONLY)
- Automatic deduction from a checking account each month with no fees. To sign up for DynaPay, please go to www.adventures.org/dynapay
- You MUST create an end date for your donations. If you do not, DynaPay will not automatically end the donations and DynaPay will continue to deduct each month unless you call to have it cancelled.
I am so excited to see how God will move in my life in the coming year. I hope not only to be a blessing to those I serve, but also to you. I would be honored to go as your representative to bringing love, joy, and peace to nations around the world. Whether you are able to support financially or not, I want to invite you to follow me and subscribe to this blog. It will be the best way to stay informed with my progress before and during my World Race experience. I welcome any questions that you may have and look forward to a chance to discuss the World Race with you in more detail, if you desire. I want to thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support.
With Sincere Gratitude,
Kristina Smith
