If you didn't receive a support letter, I'm sorry! Blame the price of stamps 😉 But here it is:
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you well! You are receiving this letter because you have played a role in my life or my family’s. You may be someone currently involved, or you may be someone who I have not had the opportunity to see in years. But, I would like to share with you what God has been and is still doing in my life.
I have had a passion to serve those in need internationally since 2008 when I went on my first missions trip to Guatemala. It was a humbling and life changing experience that brought with it a new perspective on the world. The world seems a lot smaller in the sense that who I consider my neighbor has broadened. I want to love my neighbor as myself without borders as Jesus has called us to do.
Five years later, God has called me out again! Only this time He’s sending me to 11 different countries in 11 months. This trip is through an organization called Adventures in Missions and the program itself is called The World Race. Starting at the beginning of January 2014, my team and I will travel from country to country serving in orphanages, hospitals, ministering to women and children in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, planting churches, preaching the gospel and so much more. I can’t wait to share God’s love for His people in everything we have the opportunity to do! Absolutely none of this would be possible without God. I know that He has called me to step out and trust Him and that is what I’m going to do. I am literally giving everything I am and leaving everything I have behind and I can’t do that without the strength of God in me.
But I also can’t do this without you. More than anything I need your prayers and your encouragement. God has put an AMAZING community of loving people in my life that I know I can rely on. It’s because of God moving in all of you that I am who I am today. You’ve inspired me to grow in so many ways. I love you all and I’m so grateful for your influence in my life!
Obviously I also have a financial need that I can’t fulfill without God’s provision working through compassionate people like you! These are the financial deadlines for my race:
- $3,500 – Due September 28, 2013 (2 weeks before Training Camp)
- $7,500 – Due December 18, 2013 (2 weeks before Launch)
- $11,000 – Due April 1, 2014 (End of the 3rd month on the field)
- $16,285 – This is the final total and is due July 1, 2014 (End of the 6th month on the field)
By worldly standards, the goal is a big one, but God doesn’t call you to something without providing a way. He is bigger than our finances! If everyone I’ve written a letter to gives just $20 a month for the next 9 months, I will meet my final deadline in time! I don’t want anyone to feel pressured to support me. Your prayers alone mean so much to me. If after prayerful consideration you do feel led to support me financially, there are a few different ways you can help. Financial support can be given as tax-deductible one-time gifts or monthly support. Even the smallest of gifts helps! If you would like to send a check, please make them payable to Adventures In Missions with Amanda Gummels written in the memo line and send the enclosed response card with your donation to Adventures In Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470. If you would prefer to make your donations online you may do so by visiting my blog at mandigummels.theworldrace.org and clicking “Support Me!”
I’m so excited about the amount of people that will be blessed by your giving. Not just across the world, but people right here! I can’t wait to share the amazing things that God does so you can be blessed and encouraged and share them with the people around you. Lives are going to be changed all over the world, even here at home. I can’t wait to hear your stories too!
Thank you so much for your support! Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I love you guys!
Love,
Mandi
[email protected] – (314) 221-3973
