I feel the best way to tell you about me, instead of listing a bunch of facts, is by posting my Sponsor Letter. I truly poured my heart out when writing this letter and tried to give a true depiction of the burdens & passions I have for people, the nations and the Kingdom. So please know that by reading this letter you are seeing my true heart. ♥
Dear Family, Friends, and Fellow Believers:
I hope this letter finds you well and soaked in the blessings of our Father. I am excited to share with you what God has been doing in my life and where He has taken me up to this point. But even more, I am eager to reveal where God is sending me in the dawning of a new season in my life! God has chosen me to simply be a vessel used for His glory, not by any of my own doing but only by His ability to use me. I have been given an amazing opportunity to join Adventures in Missions on The World Race. I submitted my application this past October after several months of consideration, and in Mid-November found out that I was accepted! Although I don't leave for a few months, you will see that the journey doesn't begin at my departure but rather with the preparation. This journey has already begun and yet it has only just begun.
The World Race is a ministry of Adventures in Missions (AIM). AIM is a mission organization that focuses on discipleship. The World Race is unlike any other mission trip I have been on. The biggest difference is that instead of a week long trip I will be gone just short of a year. This has required a drastic leap in commitment and has forced me to find a deeper level of faith every day. The trip consists of 11 countries over the course of 11 months beginning in August of this year. I believe that the timing of the trip in relation to my schooling came together like clockwork, just another portrayal of God’s perfect timing and plan. I was a student at Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated May 2011 with a BA in Bible & Theology and a minor in biblical studies focusing on intercultural ministries. Although I was more than ready to finally close that chapter and move on, I am aware that God had me at Southeastern for a specific purpose and it was important that I complete my education before embarking on the World Race.
Moving from one country to the next and from one end of the cultural spectrum to the other, I can only imagine the nature of culture-shock that I'll encounter. The travel in itself is a once in a lifetime opportunity but my trip is not rooted in the thrill of destinations. My greatest joy and anticipation stirs from the passion God instilled inside of me for people, His people. I have a longing to travel and see the world but that holds no weight in comparison to the burden I have to encounter the people. I am going to shine a little light in the darkness, give a glimmer of hope to the hopeless, love the unlovable and touch the untouchable. 1 John 4:19 tells us that “We love because he first loved us.”
For the past 24 years I have been afforded all the opportunities desired and have been blessed with parents able and willing to provide for our family, never "needing" and rarely ever "wanting". I have grown tremendously in my walk with the Lord from individuals God has used to minister to me; and in turn, I have been used by God to minister and pour into others. Now I hunger to experience the move of God internationally and to be a part of something bigger than myself. I want to reach the unreached for the Kingdom of God. God is moving in the lives of people everywhere, U.S. and Middle East the same, so I'm not under the impression that I must go to some third-world country to see God really moving. We have just as many needs to meet and miracles to witness right here, but the difference in “here” and “there” is what God has spoken to me. I know without a doubt that it is God's leading that has brought me to this mission trip and He has put a call to international missions on my life I just don't know exactly what that looks like in my future. God's Word tells us in Mark we are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to all creation. What a privilege it is that God has chosen me to go and be a part of what He’s already doing in the lives of these people. I can't wait to see how God will stretch me, equip me, show me, use me, burden me, grow me, teach me and change me for His glory during this next year. His Kingdom Come!
Paul tells us in Philippians "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." I know God will remain faithful to provide everything I need, including the costs of a fully-funded trip. Although the World Race cost is high, I am believing Him for financial provision. I believe one way He will do so is through the willing hearts of those able to give. Ultimately, my prayer is that He might use you to partner with me in this ministry and I would be honored if you could do so financially and prayerfully. I am specifically asking for those who will join and support me to pray for me throughout the course of my journey and to help raise my finances. I must raise $14,800 which covers the cost of my trip for the entire year and goes directly to AIM. This will cover all my expenses while on the field, as well as, such expenses as medical shots, international health care, and a few other necessities. So, I am simply asking that you would prayerfully consider joining me in whatever avenue the Lord leads you to, might it be monthly support or a single donation.
I have chosen to share this major milestone with you because you have touched the lives of me and my family. Romans says "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent." I cannot go without the support of my fellow believers. Ask the Lord to show you what support you can provide; and I pray you have clarity knowing what your role might be. I truly am grateful for your time to read my letter and the willingness to prayerfully seek partnering in my ministry. I hope not only to be a blessing to those I serve, but also to you. I look forward to going as your representative of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much!
In Him,
Leah Day
