“Look at the nations and watch– and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.’” – Habakkuk 1:5
WILL YOU JOIN ME ?
Hi! I am writing this to you because I have very exciting news to share about what God has been doing in my life. As a senior in high school, I can’t go a half an hour without someone asking me about what my plans are for next year, or what college I’m planning on attending. To be honest, I never knew what I wanted to do until I found out about the World Race.
World Race is a mission program put on by Adventures in Missions, an interdenominational missions organization that focuses on discipleship, prayer, and the relationship with God and his people. Established in 1989, it has brought over 100,000 people into the mission field. Giving people the opportunity to love orphans, bring hope to the hopeless, and pray for the sick – lives are transformed.
Immediately when I read about it, I could feel God calling me to serve. I have chosen and been selected to The World Race Gap Year; a 9 month trip to three different countries around the world.
To be honest, it seemed crazy to me at first. To leave my friends and family and everything I have ever known for almost a year. But now, it just seems right to take a risk, to trust that this is God’s plan for me. I mean, is that not what we are called to do? Am I living out of a backpack for a year? Yes. Am I leaving behind my comfort? Yes. Does it feel like jumping off a cliff into the unknown? Absolutely. When I traveled down to Acuna, Mexico last year, I wasn’t sure how I was going to fit in. I thought the kids would hate me, or that my message would fall on completely deaf ears but, thankfully, I could not have been more wrong. I had never been further from my house and had never felt more at home. A past World-racer told me that I had “ found my home in God’s heart.” It couldn’t have been more true.
Therefore, I will be leaving August 2016 to travel to Albania, the Philippines, and South Africa with around 65 other teammates. We will be partnering with local churches and ministries to preach the Gospel, love orphans, care for the poor and sick, plant churches, and work with women and children who are trapped in human trafficking. We are going out and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Loving those that need it the most.
Over the next several months I will be preparing to leave this coming August, and a huge part of that process is raising funds. I need to raise $ 13,805.00 which covers my training, insurance, travel, and living expenses. As I take this leap of faith, I ask that you would consider partnering with me in two ways.
First is Prayer – Pray for my team and I. Pray that God will bless us and work through us on and off the Mission field . Pray that we have the courage to step out of our comfort zone and be bold for God’s kingdom. If you want to stay updated on what is going on as we prepare and while I am on the field you can check out my blog.
samvandermolen.theworldrace.org
Second, please consider if God is calling you to support me financially. If 55 people commit to giving $25 a month, I would meet my goal. If just 15 people commit to give $100 a month I would exceed my goal. Please don’t feel that you have to give that amount or have to donate monthly, those are just examples of how even a few people can make a difference. Any amount will help and bless this Mission.
There are a few ways you can give: I have enclosed a response card that you can mail, with a check made out to Adventures in Missions, to PO Box 742570, Atlanta, GA. 30374-2570.
ON-LINE – samvandermolen.theworldrace.org (Blog) Click on “Support me” tab on the left side of the screen. Be sure to add my name in.
Thanks for taking the time to read the letter, praying for me and considering partnering with me.
If you have any questions ( I love talking about this mission opportunity) please feel free to get in contact with me. [email protected] or call 616-827-8433
2044 Fawnwood SE, Kentwood MI 49508
God Bless,
Samantha VanderMolen
