Dear Family, Friends, and Fans!
As many of you know, I have been through a rough patch in my life. I would like to say thank you for the endless support that each of you has given me. As part of “reinventing myself”, I have engaged with a missionary organization that has various programs to aid people both here and around the world.
I have applied for, and been accepted to participate in a program called, “The World Race”. The World Race is a missionary journey into 11 countries in 11 months to aid people in need, living amongst them in underprivileged communities. This unique missionary trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to help transition from their current lifestyle, in exchange for learning how to be selfless, giving, and compassionate. As I continue to make positive changes in my life I would like to utilize this opportunity to reset my values, and make sacrifices that will help me learn and grow, while helping others. I am positive that this experience will teach me things about life that you cannot learn from books, college or living in America. Upon my return, I expect to resume my educational and professional goals.
I am joining an organization called Adventures in Missions (AIM). They are a religious based, non-profit organization that has been in operation since 1989. On this World Race mission I will be going to 11 countries in 11 months starting January 2013, those of which include; China, Philippines, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Albania, Romania, India, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. I will be traveling with a contingency of 70 people. We will then break down into smaller teams of 10 people. We will teach, mentor and help devastated areas recover spiritually and physically. The World Race missions will include rebuilding homes and churches, working in orphanages, counseling women and children who are trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, as well as spreading the word of the Lord. We will be bringing restoration, hope, and faith to many people and nations. Each of the team members are required to keep a journal and blog about our journey (yes we have internet!). We will be documenting our adventures and life changing experiences. You can view my pictures and stories at www.raynacohen.theworldrace.org
If you require additional information on the charitable organization, it is available at www.adventuresinmissions.com, or www.worldrace.org
My donations and contributions, beyond my time, require $15,500 in donated support. The funds will cover all expenses including, food, lodging, and travel. It also covers administrative, setup, coaching, debrief, and training costs prior to and at the start of the Mission. It does not include personal spending money, medical insurance [required], and vaccinations. With the exception of personal spending money, I am permitted to raise additional funds to cover these costs. Your donation may be given as a one-time or a monthly donation, whichever is more convenient. Please help support this charitable cause so I may bring hope to those all over the world who are less fortunate and do not have the resources to change the situations they are in. Every little bit counts! Help others by helping me go on this missionary trip. I have enclosed a response card and a 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 prefer to make your donation online, you may do so my visiting my blog site at: raynacohen.theworldrace.org. Click the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed. Adventures in Missions are a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization and a long-time member of the ECFA. Your donations are tax-deductible based on the polices and principles at www.worldrace.org/policies.
I am excited to see how I can positively impact and change the lives of others on this trip. I not only hope to be a blessing to those I help, but also to you. I would be honored to go as your representative to bring restoration, hope, and faith to people and nations around the world. I want to thank you in advance for both your prayers and financial support. If you are interested in learning more about what I am doing please feel free to email me at [email protected].
Thank you,
Rayna Joy Cohen
