Can I have a stamp?

Saturday I sent out my support letters. I always feel kinda awkward sending them out, but I know that it's the best way to ask people to give. Here's a copy of it:

"As you may already know, I have been presented with an opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Ireland this July. I will be working in 3 camps, each a week long, in different areas of the Republic of Ireland as well as Northern Ireland while I am there. I believe God has shown me how I can contribute directly to this effort and help fulfill His commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15.

Ireland, though once called the land of scholars and saints, is in what One Mission Society UK is calling “A Famine of Faith”. The camps I will be working with are children's camps and will hopefully raise up a generation of God-fearing Irish people. You can read more about the camps at http://www.byouth.org/

I am writing to ask for your help in 3 areas. First and foremost I ask you to pray for the success of this trip. It’s not automatic just because I show up. I’ve already begun searching for transportation, gathering the materials I might need, checking formalities, etc., and frankly, unless the Lord is directing these efforts, I would just as soon stay home. So your prayers are extremely important.

Next, I am asking for your financial support if you are able to help. Some part of me cringes to ask for money like this, but on the other hand, I truly believe the Lord IS directing this trip and your money will not be wasted. I need about $2000 for traveling expenses and cost of the camps where I’ll be working. Unfortunately because I am going on my own and meeting the organization there, your gift is not tax deductible and checks should be sent and made out to me. Every penny that you send will go towards either this trip or future trips to Ireland as that is where I feel God is calling me to go.

And lastly, I need you to pray again. Yes, the money is important, but “where He guides, He provides”, so I know He will make a way, but I need to be assured that People of faith are interceding as I take on this task with others in the Irish Baptist Association.

Thanks for taking time to read this and thanks in advance for your support. I’d like a chance to tell you about my experiences when I return, but while I am preparing, and while I am gone, you can keep up with all I’m doing here: http://shenanigansofdrew.blogspot.com/ "

Do with this post what you will, but I hope that you support my trip, whether it be through prayer, financially, or both.

Takin Care of Business

Today is the day that my application was turned in to the Baptist Youth office. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Today is also the day that I sit down and hammer out my support letters along with the list of people I plan to send them to. I still need between $1500 and $2000, but if God wants me to go on this trip, I trust that He will provide exactly what I need. Any money that goes over my goal this year, or that I don't spend while I'm over there is going to go into an account to go towards my trip next year. The huge downer is that since I'm not going through an organization, any gifts that I receive are not tax deductible for the giver. I'm praying that this doesn't keep people from giving to the advancement of God's Kingdom.

This video was sent to me by Peter Lawther. It's a very powerful video that shows the spiritual climate of Ireland. Please watch this and keep the people of Ireland in your prayers!!