Dear Family and Friends,
For the past two years and 2 months I’ve been working as a Client Service Liaison in the ASPCA Animal Hospital on the Upper East Side of NYC. Before that I worked in Education as a Counselor in the YMCA After/Morning school program and as a Substitute teacher for grades K-12. This was not the area I expected to be in after Drew University.
I had planned to finish school, go into the Peace Corp and then begin Grad School. But upon finishing I felt the timing was not right and decided to put my focus on my family and career building. I always had a heart for service learning opportunities and see myself entering the field of Public Health with a focus on Behavior; basically, where Behavioral Health and Public Health overlap.
During my time at Drew I was able to volunteer through Drew Alternate Winter in Washington DC learning about its homeless population, then Drew Honduras Project working within a homeless youth village and then at a boy’s boarding school, and finally my semester in Peru studying language/culture. Outside of my studies in Peru, I spent time helping build adobe houses and volunteered in an animal sanctuary.
Despite the clutter of my mind, changes in the world, and the many unforeseeable difficulties I’ve faced, God has made it clear that he won’t let go of me. He has constantly found ways through every person I’ve served/served alongside, places I’ve traveled and dreams I’ve had; to speak wisdom, comfort, and love. In a season of heaviness I began to share with a close friend what my faith has meant to me and she asked, “Have you ever considered missionary work?” This was the first tug but I hadn’t heard of World Race yet.
About 2 years later, I met up with a fellow Alumnus from undergrad who introduced me to a World Race participant planning to leave for her mission in the coming summer but I still didn’t quite understand. On a day off from work I decided to take a look and read a little bit more:
The World Race is an 11 month Christian mission trip to 11 countries around the world found. One of the unique things about the World Race is that it’s not only a mission trip but also an intensive discipleship program designed to launch my generation into our specific kingdom calling. Through World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work with orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restorative hope of God’s love.
I believe the God has placed World Race on my heart for this season. Mission work has always been a part of me and I am excited to have this opportunity. Despite my fears or current frustrations; I am choosing to believe I can trust God with my life, my future and all else I hold dear. My prayer going into this race is: that my feet remain steadfast, heart open, and spirit in tune to his presence. God birth in me a new vision for living and life that is full; more full than I could ever imagine. And that I hear his voice clearly and have the courage to follow.
I made my decision to apply in November 2016 and found out in January 2017 that I had been accepted. I hope that you will join and support me. My biggest challenge right now is fundraising $17,617. This includes my food, travel, lodging, and insurance provisions for the year. Will you agree to help with $100 monthly or some other amount?
Final disclaimer:
Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
Yours In Christ,
Sherelle I Greaves
