Dear Family and Friends,We hope this finds you happy and well. We are very excited to tell you about the upcoming season in our lives and our involvement with Global Outreach Developments International (G.O.D. In’tl) . After a season of moving states, joining lives in Nashville, getting engaged and getting married, Ben and I are transitioning to life as a married couple, and looking forward to what God has in store for us this year. For those who may be less familiar, Ben and I work with the non-profit third world development agency G.O.D. Int’l. The organization works with poor communities in third world countries, and also offers an institute for Biblical Education and Community Development in Old Hickory, TN. We believe that a Biblical education coupled with compassion for the poor and oppressed sectors of society help bring God's kingdom to earth. It’s our desire to see the God’s word implemented so that communities can thrive, having access to what they need while truly knowing God. My involvement with G.O.D. began four years ago when I went on a mission trip to Africa the summer of 2009 and India the summer of 2010. After these trips, I made a commitment to submit myself to studying the Bible and giving my life for the poor in Uganda, Africa. During the summer of 2014, I went on a 7-week trip to practice journalism and photography. I wrote a variety of stories and was able to develop wonderful relationships with our friends in Uganda. Ben's involvement with G.O.D. began this year when he moved to Nashville, TN. Ben started taking classes in the spring of 2015, however his heart for missions was formed long before he moved to Nashville. In the summer of 2012, Ben traveled with Brentwood Church in Lynchburg, VA to Uganda, Africa. Just as my trips impacted me and the course of my life, this trip impacted Ben and contributed to his decision to move to Nashville and participate with G.O.D.As previously stated, life has been a series of transitions for us, yet our sensitivity to God and what he wants for us is what keeps us humble, motivated and full of faith as we live each day one day at a time. This past summer, Ben and I were asked to consider going to Africa together, with a team of people, for five weeks. Ben and I were extremely thankful to have been given this opportunity and responded in faith that we would go on the trip. Although I have had time abroad in the village and with the people G.O.D. works with, Ben has yet to meet our friends and see the efforts of our teams in the village and surrounding areas. We felt this trip was necessary not only for us and our marriage, but also for our continued connectedness and involvement with those within our community who also are committed to serving in Africa. For me, this trip is considered my second immersion, whereas the trip in 2014 was my first. The goal of the first immersion was to be immersed in the culture in Uganda, make friends, learn to get around the village, develop skills, as well as various capacities. The goal of this trip is to solidify my commitment to our friends abroad through a particular project. Although journalism and photography is something I will always love, I've had it on my heart to work with textiles--mending student uniforms and crafting reusable pads for girls to use during their menstruation. For Ben, this trip is considered his first immersion, in which he will experience the village and our friends for the first time. Ben will be helping a local primary school in the village with organized sports and recess as well as other activities. Although we have individual goals for the trip, we have shared goals and objectives as well. During this trip our team will be providing a lunch program for the local primary school because a majority of the students do not eat lunch as a part of their school day. We will also be hosting a one-week camp for the students at the local primary school as they end their term and transition into their holiday. This camp will facilitate educational growth as well as skill development. We need your support. As people who feel called by God to take responsibility for the least of these, we need your prayers for our friends in Africa, the programs we are trying to implement and the love we are demonstrating as we travel to different regions in the world. We truly believe that we cannot do this or give our lives in this way without your thoughts and prayers. Secondly, we need financial support. Ben and I need to raise $8,000 to travel to Uganda for five weeks by November 20, 2015. While we recognize this may not be doable for everyone, we ask that you pray about giving any amount to our trip and partnering with us in serving those less fortunate than us in Africa. Above all we value the work that we are able to do and the people that we are able to meet along the way. We hope that this becomes something you wish to partner with us whether in prayer, financial support or both. We love each of you dearly and are thankful to be able to share our lives with those we love.
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