I realized the other day I never blogged about my support letter. I wanted everyone to be able to see what I sent out and I decide to post it here. Support raising for me is currently coming in really slow and there are times I struggle to not be overwhelmed with the amount of money I have to raise. I have complete faith that God will provide for my every need and I would love for you to partner with me to make this journey possible! Here is the letter, enjoy reading!
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope this letter finds you well! I wanted to write you to let you know about some new things that are going on in my life. Over the past year I have been praying BIG prayers about my next journey after I graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2015. For a while I thought God was calling me to graduate school in Washington D.C. to pursue a Master’s degree in forensic psychology, but the more time I spent in prayer with God my heart began to stir in a different direction. One of my dreams has always been to do missions and serve people in other countries, especially those who are enslaved in human trafficking. When I first heard about human trafficking in 2011, my heart broke for the 30 million people all across the world that are held in bondage either through labor or sex, and I knew then that I had to do something. Well God moved mountains in my life and now I am going to be able to accomplish my dream. Upon my graduation in May and I am thrilled to share that He is now calling me to missions and is giving me the opportunity to share the Gospel with human trafficking victims all around the world!
I will serve as a missionary through an organization, Adventures in Missions, in their World Race program. 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 preach 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. I will be participating and leaving on the July 2015 Route 2, which includes the following countries: China, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Romania, Serbia, and Albania.
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 writing to you to ask if you would consider partnering prayerfully and financially with me in my ministry. I must raise $16, 360 in order to go on the World Race, which covers all of my expenses on the field (flights, travel, living, food). I also need to raise an additional $3,000 to cover spending costs in countries and supplies I need to go on the race. This financial support can be given as a one-time gift or as monthly donation, wherein you choose the amount and beginning and end date. If 25 people pledge $65 a month for 12 months, I would have 100 percent of the funds necessary for my trip! (Ps. It is all tax deductible!)
I have enclosed a response card and pre-addressed envelope, inviting you to share in this ministry. Please make checks payable to Adventures In Missions and return the response card with your donation to Adventures In Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470. The response card will provide AIM with the information necessary to send you a receipt for your donation. If you would prefer to make your donation online, you may do so by visiting my blog site at: melissapresley.theworldrace.org. Just click the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed. Also, in regards to the extra $3,000 I have to raise, I will be providing donation information at a later date. You can additionally decide to give by purchasing supplies for me through my Amazon Wish List, http://amzn.com/w/2KWSWOQXGWNMR. A lot of the supplies we need are expensive because they have to be durable enough to survive backpacking for 11 months.
I am so excited to see how God will move in my life and in the lives of others 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 bring Christ Jesus to nations around the world. I want to thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support. I will be following up with you in the next couple of weeks with a phone call or in person meeting to further the conversation of what God has planned. May God bless you as you prayerfully consider partnering with me in this ministry.
Joyfully,
Melissa Presley
P.S. Please subscribe to my blog (melissapresley.theworldrace.org) to be sure you get the latest updates of what is sure to be an epic adventure with the Lord in every way imaginable! Last but not least, due to the large amount of money I need to raise please feel free to share about my trip to any and all those in your life and church who feel especially called to helping missionaries fulfill the plans God has laid before them. Thanks again!
