Dear Friends and Family,
Sarah here! As of August this year, I’ve been accepted, and have committed to something amazing! For the past year, I knew God was calling me to something big, something that would completely flip my life upside down and change my relationship with Him in the best way possible. So… here I am, responding to the call! I’m super excited to share with you that I am taking a gap year next year and participating in the World Race!
You’re probably wondering what the World Race is. It’s a nine-month mission trip around the world! I will be going to 3 beautiful countries, Costa Rica, Romania, and Cambodia. Myself, with 30-40 other 17 to 20-year-olds will be on the mission field, being the hands and feet of Jesus to people who are in need. While I’m on my mission, we will partner with local ministries to show the radical love of Jesus. That could be doing anything from community outreach, children’s ministry, manual labor, or anything else they may need help with!
You might be wondering, “why would someone put their life on pause to do hard work for other people?” That’s a very good question. I often think that it would be easier to give up on this idea and do the traditional college experience right after high school. It sure seems like the more “normal” option and it would definitely not raise quite as many questions. But here’s the thing, I’ve become “comfortable.” In the Bible, in Revelation, the Lord says that “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” It’s super easy to become comfortable in our everyday lives, and I’ve become just that-lukewarm. I want to be on fire for the Lord! I want to serve Him by dropping everything, following him to wherever He’s calling me, and at this point, I know that God is calling me to a long-term mission. In the past 3 years, I’ve been on two international missions to Haiti and Guatemala which truly have changed my life! I need to experience more and the work isn’t finished!
So friends, other than letting you all in on this life update, here’s what I would like to ask you to consider:
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Would you pray for me? I need prayer and I’m asking you to be a part of this experience with me. As you can tell, this will be life-changing and I would love to know that there are people back home praying intentionally for me on this journey. I’m specifically asking for prayers for:
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Strength and guidance
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Peace, courage, and trust as I embark on this journey which includes the fundraising process, travel, the duration of the trip, and my life when I return.
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My team as we grow and experience this together. Please pray for unity!
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I am also asking if you would prayerfully consider investing in this opportunity as a financial partner. In the past, I’ve been able to raise funds for my week-long trips due to the incredible generosity of my family and friends! This time, I’m gearing up for a 9-month long mission trip and I need financial supporters.
The base cost of the trip is $15,800 which covers airfare from country to country, food, housing, and ministry costs. The other expenses I’m responsible for are:
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Flights to and from the launch site
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Personal gear (i.e. backpacks, tent, etc..)
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Personal costs, (money for cultural experiences, personal supplies, etc..)
Total: My goal is to raise a minimum of $18,000.
I’ve worked hard the last few months and have earned a significant portion ($5,500!). I’ve also put together a plan with options to help raise the additional funds needed.
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I’m putting together flyers to promote pet sitting, house sitting, dog walking, and babysitting which is in high demand especially over the holidays!
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Also during the holidays, I will be offering to wrap gifts for families here locally. So if you would rather have someone else beautifully wrap your family’s Christmas Gifts this holiday season, let me know!
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I currently have two jobs and I’m setting aside a portion of my paychecks to also help fund my mission trip expenses.
One of my youth pastors and friend, Megan Spaulding, has really encouraged and challenged me to invite people to be a part of this experience with me! Not everyone can leave behind their “lives” and serve overseas for 9 months, but everyone can be a part of this life-changing experience by praying for me and by considering financially partner with me to reach my financial goal.
Would you consider becoming a financial partner with me as I serve others on The World Race?
You can choose to make a one-time gift or set up a monthly gift of $25, $50, $100, or really any amount per month. You can donate directly to my mission fund through my official World Race blog! https://sarahpiepenburg.theworldrace.org/
