Dear friends and family,
I hope this letter finds you
well. I am so excited to share how my
life is changing in a big way! One of my
favorite quotes is asked by journalist Hunter S. Thompson. “Who
is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has
stayed securely on shore and merely existed?”
For the past few years, I have struggled with living a
bolder, more meaningful life. While I’ve
been blessed with great family, friends, a stable career, and the chance to do
regular service in DC, in some ways I have been playing it safe. For a while, I have felt a desire for
adventure, travel, embracing the unknown, and journeying to darker places in
the world that need compassion, aid and love.
Ever faithful, God has opened a door for me to seek after this desire to
leave my comforts and truly brave the storm.
Many of you may know that I
have the travel bug, to see the world before I leave it. I have also felt a burden in my heart for the
poor, needy, unloved and untouched in the desolate places of the world. God’s timing this year has allowed me to
think about making a change in my life’s direction. I was planning my own solo trip around the
world, intertwining both leisure and volunteering with organizations during my
journey, when I heard about the World Race.
The World Race, organized by Adventures In Missions (AIM), is a program
that allows participants to serve in 11 countries in 11 months. I am still amazed that a ministry exists which
suits my personal style, incorporating adventure, travel, community and
service. God truly answered my prayers by
letting me participate in January 2009.
During the World Race, teams
will work with AIM’s global networks across five continents to help with
whatever is needed in each country. Projects
include building churches, running children’s programs, doing street ministry, and
caring for orphans. Simplicity and
flexibility are key. This trip will no
doubt transform me as I immerse myself in community all day, every day, and as I
am forced to depend on God in every aspect.
I don’t know what to expect, but I know I will be challenged, humbled, stronger
in the Lord and more self aware.
the thought of abandoning all that’s familiar is a bit overwhelming. I am committing a year of my life to spending
time with people I don’t know, in places I have never set foot, while doing
things I probably have little to no experience doing, with little more than a
backpack! But I will also be leaving
behind distractions to focus completely on serving God. I know I could not have gotten this far
already without everyone’s support, and I will need you even more throughout this
process. I would be honored if you would
get involved both financially and through prayer. The success of this trip, which is 100% God’s
trip, depends on your generous support and prayer. Some of you may not share my beliefs in
Christ, but share my desire to make a difference globally. I appreciate all your encouragement and
support.
my mental and spiritual preparation, support raising, team safety, health and
unity, and open hearts in those we serve. Financially, I need to raise $17,000, which
covers food, lodging, travel, training, debriefing, administrative costs,
medical insurance, visas and vaccinations.
This is about $1,545 each month that I am out there. If 50 people gave $30 for 11 months, or if 25
people gave $61 for 11 months, I would reach my goal. I know this is a daunting amount, but God provides
in powerful ways. Please pray about
whether you feel inclined to support me in this journey. Also, feel free to pass this letter along to
your friends, family, church, and colleagues so that more people can be part of
this!
I have enclosed a response card
and pre-addressed envelope, which invites you to share in this ministry. Please make checks payable to Adventures
In Missions. You may write “appealed by” and my name in the memo
section of the check if you wish. All
donations should be mailed to Adventures In Missions, P.O.
Box 534470, Atlanta, GA
30353-4470.
Including the enclosed card will provide AIM with all necessary information. Adventures In Missions is registered with the
Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Donors will receive receipts for their gifts
with the understanding that the disbursement of those gifts lies completely at
the discretion of Adventures In Missions and that the gifts are non-refundable
and non-transferable, per IRS regulations. Gifts may be tax deductible;
please consult your tax advisor.
You can find out more about AIM
at www.adventuresinmissions.org. The World Race website is www.theworldrace.org. I will also keep you updated regularly with posts
and pictures of the adventure at http://stephaniechiu.theworldrace.org/. Comments are greatly welcomed!
I am excited to embrace the
unknown and leave it all up to God to use me and teach me in ways that I have
yet to experience or imagine. Thank you
so much for all your support!
