Dear caring friends, loving family and interested supporters,
We would like to start by thanking all of you for being in our lives. We would not be who we are today as individuals or as a couple, without all you have done for us. This past year we have been growing closer to God and strengthening our relationship with Him. Over the past few years we have felt God urging us to step out of our comfort zone, live abroad, and follow The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
During our first year in South Korea, God kept suggesting that what He had planed for the next step in our lives was a long-term mission trip. It was then that we heard of The World Race, a mission opportunity provided through Adventures In Missions (AIM). AIM is an interdenominational missions organization that focuses on discipling, prayer and working with the poor. With The World Race we will be serving in 11 countries for 11 months. Previous teams have fed the hungry, worked with orphanages, helped those involved in sex trade, partnered with local churches along with countless other areas of ministry. As you can see, this is an amazing opportunity that God has given us.
Our World Race adventure will begin June/July 2010, and it will be like nothing we have ever experienced. We know that God will use this time to allow us to examine our individual strengths and weaknesses, and through that our marriage and dependence on Him will be strengthened. Prior to departing on this adventure, AIM will provide a 10-day training camp where we will begin to prepare spiritually and physically. The training camp will also give us the opportunity to meet the other members of our team who we will be serving alongside for the duration of the trip. Cinthia has always had the heart's desire to help those around her, while Jonathan has the growing passion to serve full time in ministry. The World Race will give us the chance to grow in both areas of our lives. We also know that God will use this opportunity for us to create strong relationships not only with those on our team, but also with those that we meet along the way.
We truly feel that God has brought you into our lives, and what we need from you most is your prayer support. During the months before our trip, please pray that God will prepare us for what He has planned. Following our date of departure, pray that God will keep us safe and that we follow His will with every opportunity that is given to us. Another way you can partner with us is through financial support. Since there are two of us, we need to raise a total of US$28,000, this may sound like a lot, however it covers our transportation, food, lodging, translators, and everything else we will need to survive during those 11 months away from home. Please consider making a monthly pledge, even the smallest amount will go a long way in supporting us. If you are unable to commit to a monthly pledge, you can also support us with individual donations. By supporting us financially and with your prayers, you will be directly involved in every country that we serve in.
We are thrilled that this opportunity is within our reach and we are excited to see the impact that this will have in our lives. However, we are more excited to see how God will use us to minister to His people as He changes their lives. We are incredibly grateful to have you as a partner during this adventure and we cannot wait to share every moment in the field with you. May God bless you today, and always.
Your friends, Jonathan & Cinthia |