I hope all is well with you! Since I last saw you, so much has happened in my life. I am in my senior year of high school, and trying to soak up every moment. I also am trying to seek the Lord with my life, and want to tell you a little about that. During these past couple months, the Lord started teaching me that when everything is stripped away, He still remains. He is still loving me, fighting for me, and guiding me– and He is doing the same for you too. This season in my life has truly looked like laying my life and heart at His feet, and letting Him move. The Lord has turned my world upside down this year, and through it all, Jesus has strengthened my desire to serve the Lord and His people.
I have had a heart for missions ever since I went with my church to Quito, Ecuador in 2018. It truly changed my heart and view of Jesus and this hurting world’s need for Him. Part of His guidance in this season was making my heart for missions a reality, which is why I am writing to you! I’ve been accepted to go on the World Race Gap Year, a 9 month mission trip to Guatemala, Cambodia, and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) with an organization called Adventures in Missions, in September 2021 after I graduate high school this Spring!
The World Race exists to mobilize a generation of radical Christ followers, discipling and training them to establish the Kingdom of God. While on the field, I will have many different ministry opportunities ranging from teaching English in local schools to sharing the hope of the Gospel with local families to caring for orphan children. The World Race gives me the opportunity to spend 9 months serving and loving people the way Jesus does, so that the people of Guatemala, Cambodia, and Eswatini are able to know Him. I am confident that the Lord is going to work in us and through us, and I am beyond thankful for this opportunity to learn more about the Father and to bring the Kingdom to the places we will be.
Coolest part? YOU have an opportunity to help me get there! There are two ways to walk alongside me in this journey.
Prayer:
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For me and my team, that we would delight in our new community together, and grow together in the name of the Lord. Pray that each of us would have open minds and be willing to step out of our comfort zone to bring light to some of the darkest parts of the world. It is our desire to be nothing more than the hands and feet of Jesus to every person we encounter.
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For the people we will serve. That we can use our stories to make connections and form awesome, lasting relationships! That we can be a reflection of who Jesus is so that they can see Him through us.
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Over the number $15,800. That is the amount I need in order to do this.
*If you want to keep the prayer card I included in your envelope in a place that you see a lot (fridge, mirror, door), it’ll remind you to pray for me when you pass it!
Financial support:
I am asked to raise $15,800. That being said, please pray about financially supporting me through this trip. Any amount is genuinely helpful! My fundraising goal includes the costs of training, travel, lodging, food, and other necessities while abroad. I know that the God who called me to this is faithful to provide. While you may not be traveling to a distant country, you are still doing something significant by enabling me to walk out my call and be the hands and feet of Jesus. By supporting this mission, you are a part of God’s Kingdom work! As I take this large step of faith in trusting the Lord, would you prayerfully consider joining me by contributing a monthly donation or a one-time donation?
There are two ways you can financially donate:
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Via my blog (http://avagrashorn.theworldrace.org). Not only does this act as a place for donations, but I will also be posting regularly about my journey — subscribe if you want to stay updated!
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By check. Please make all checks payable to Adventures in Missions. I have enclosed a fundraising card that must be filled out and sent with your check to the address listed on the card. This is all included in the already addressed and stamped envelope inside to make it easier for you 🙂
Lastly, thank you SO much! I am beyond excited. If you want to talk, or have ANY questions, here are some ways to contact me:
Cell: 609-969-9176
Email: [email protected]
World Race Blog: avagrashorn.theworldrace.org
Instagram: @avamgrashorn
Facebook: Ava Grashorn
I would love to have a conversation whether it be over coffee, or the phone, so please reach out if you’re interested or have any questions! I will be giving you a phone call in the next few weeks to share more about what I am doing and to see how God is leading you in this 🙂
*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 and non-transferable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
