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Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone
Dear Family & Friends, I am writing to let you know about an opportunity I have to serve people in need in Jamaica on June 17-23. Some of you may be thinking, ‘Jamaica? That sounds like somewhere I’d go for vacation!’ That was my initial reaction, too, when Chase Oaks (the church Kylie and I call home) first asked if I was interested in going there to help out and photographically document the wonderful work that was being done there. After some quick research, it didn’t take long to see that a large percentage of the Jamaican population lives in a state of poverty without many of the conveniences or even necessities we take for granted every day. The timing of this opportunity was of no coincidence. I had just mentioned to Kylie not too long ago that I felt I was going through a season in my life where I was just kind of coasting and not doing much that was truly impactful in meaningful ways. God has perfect timing, though, and I decided it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone and serve people in need on my first mission trip. One of my main purpose on this trip involves capturing images for the church that tell a compelling story that hopefully move the hearts of more people to get involved and serve on future trips. I will also be helping out as we visit work primarily at 3 sites. We will be doing construction-related work to further the progress in building a new church to serve the Montego Bay community. In addition we will also be spending time at an a school for the deaf and an orphanage to just love on the kids and give them hope through the story of His grace. I am also writing to ask for your support for this opportunity. I want to ask you to consider supporting me one or more ways. First, I am going on a mission trip and I want this to be His mission not mine, in all this my heart needs to be rightly focused on God and relying on Him to get me through the week. I really want to be prepared to do whatever God asks me to do, and I believe that I need to be spiritually prepared before I go. So, if you feel inclined, would you be willing to begin now praying for me? Also, I would like for you to pray for me to be physically ready and healthy while I am there. Please pray for the families and children we will be serving. Pray that we would be able to meet their physical needs as well as their spiritual. If you would be willing to do this, it would be very much appreciated. The second way you could support me on this project would be to help me with the cost of the trip. I will need to pay $1,500 in order to attend. This amount covers, travel, food and lodging, supplies for projects, and supplies to meet some needs in the local community. If you are able to help this way, details are below. As you can tell this trip is a little less than a month away, so I need to begin as soon as possible. Whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated. If you are able to give financially you can simply send a check to me, made out to CHASE OAKS CHURCH. Then in the memo line put “Jamaica Trip”. Please do not put my name on the check. I will turn it in to the church for you so you will get a tax deduction if you desire. Thank you for considering partnering with me on this mission trip. I am looking forward to sharing the stories of how God will use us to show love through using our hands and feet and hearts during this week. Blessings, Matt |