Brothers and Sisters,
I’m writing to share with you the adventure of a lifetime…The World Race. I, along with 40 others, will be leaving in June to begin my travels in ministering the hope of Jesus Christ to 11 countries in 11 months. We will be placed into teams that will compete, in the one or two days that it takes to travel, to be the first to arrive at the next destination. Once at the location, our teams will partner with various local ministries to serve the region’s needs according to our spiritual gifts. This is all so exciting as can I reflect back and see how God has been preparing me for this moment. The desire has always been there, but I had much to learn and the timing was never right. To my joy and excitement I recently felt the call and urgency to “GO!” Now is my time, while I’m single and with little responsibility, but mainly because
NOW is when I am called.
The World Race is a program through Adventures in Missions that recognizes a generation of believers who are passionate and willing to share and express our faith in radical ways. By being on a World Race team I will abandon what I know and live alongside those who are called poor. I will elevate my education and work experiences through pre-trip ministry training and monthly debriefings. I will realize and testify to true direction and safety when my dependence is on God alone. I am filled with anticipation for the person I will become and the spiritual growth I will witness. I see this as an opportunity to embrace my role in being part of something greater than myself. How do you envision your role?
Let’s do this together. Would you consider partnering with me on the World Race? The first step is to make a habit of visiting my web page, http://tamarareif.theworldrace.org/. Here you can track and encourage me as I travel the world, post comments, and send pictures! As Iron Sharpens Iron, it is my prayer that I will be able to do the same for you as you read my posts and view pictures from abroad. What I desire most from you is a commitment of prayer. Please go to
“My Links” on the left of the web page and schedule yourself in the
Prayer Partner Calendar. Sign up and begin now as the team prepares and later while we are away. I have and will update the calendar with important dates and events for those of you who like to pray more specifically. Knowing that I have a committed team of prayer warriors will be such an encouragement and comfort to reflect on when hard times arise.
In this envelope you will also find two prayer cards. I ask that you keep one for yourself and place it somewhere you’ll come across every day. Use this card as a bookmark, put it on your fridge, bathroom mirror, or maybe there’s a place to display it in your car. Let it be a reminder to pray for the divine appointments in front of the team along with God’s provision and protection over us. Many of you have large circles of influence such as your church, family, colleagues, etc. Please feel free to share a prayer card and this letter, so that they may all have the chance to join the race with us! If you would like additional prayer cards let me know and I’ll send them your way!
Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I do need to ask and want to give you the opportunity to financially support me with a tax-deductible donation. However, first let me share with you my financial goals. I must raise a total of $13,000 and hope to raise an additional $2,000 to help with costs such as medical insurance, vaccinations, visa applications, travel to the start point, and return travel from NY at the conclusion of the trip. It is critical that I have at least $6,500 in my support account prior to our departure in June; the remaining balance can be pledged monthly throughout the year. So here I am asking, “Would you consider being a financial partner with me?”
There are five ways in which you can financially help. Please do so only as you feel led.
1)
By check: make the check out to Adventures in Missions and in the memo line write appealed by Tamara Reif. Please send the check and the enclosed support card to Adventures in Missions in the pre-addressed envelope provided. Including the enclosed card will provide AIM with all the necessary information to send you a receipt. All gifts are tax-deductible.2)
Credit/Debit Card: on my web page in red text under my picture you will find ”
Support Me” Click there to be directed to a secure page.3)
Monthly Pledge: please fill out a response card and return it AIM or contact me4)
Other donations: you may wish to donate items like frequent flyer miles, international cell phone/minutes, satellite phone/minutes, camping equipment, etc. Again please contact me to confirm the need is still there and to make other arrangements.5)
Fundraisers: participate in some fundraisers that I’ve started or use your creative gifts and start one as well. I’d love to hear your ideas! Two that I’m currently working on is
Change
The World
Race, which is collecting spare change at various locations. The second is a partnership with Pampered Chef, where 20% of all party and catalog sales through Vanessa Rice will be donated to World Race in my appeal. Contact me if you are interested in knowing more about either fundraiser. (http://www.pamperedchef.biz/vanessarice?page=home)
I know that we can all agree on the need and desire to make a difference in this world. Those of us participating in The World Race will be a voice for so many who have no voice. Please consider joining my team, add your voice, in whatever way you are willing and able.
Love and Blessings Abound,
Tamara Reif
