I'm Going to Africa!!

Here's a tip: If you are applying for a passport that you need soon, and the post office lady assures you they are ahead of schedule so there's no need to expedite, pay for the expedited processing anyway. I know the letter below doesn't give much time (sent it out on Saturday), but my passport just came in last week. I covet your prayers for me, my family and my trip team as I step out on this mission...

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Dear friends,

I have some VERY exciting news - I'm going on a missions trip to Africa!! Missions has been on my heart for many years, but due to work schedules/projects, I have not had opportunities to go on overseas trips. I have been active on the local mission field, but I have always wanted to do more. Almost two years ago I started my own technology business, partly to give myself the flexibility to go on trips such as this one. So, needless to say, I am thrilled to be finally stepping out and doing what's in my heart.

I will be going to Ethiopia from April 16-25th to serve with Children’s HopeChest (hopechest.org) as they visit several orphanages. Many children there feel abandoned and rejected. With no one to offer them God’s hope and practical help, their chances to survive and live a full life of faith, family, education, and work are slim. Without intervention, many will end up in crime and/or prostitution, while others commit suicide. Through offering resources and relationships to children in need, Children’s HopeChest is making a difference in the lives of some of the 143 million orphans in the world...one child at a time.

My mission is this: I am going to be a dad to every kid I come across...smiling at the children, holding them, teaching them, doing crafts, singing songs...basically just loving on them and giving each and every one a basis for hope. Every person has a divine destiny, regardless of skin color, social status or geographic area. Maybe one of the children I hold will see the love in my eyes, realize that he/she is valuable to me and to God, and gain the courage to pursue his/her destiny. Maybe that child will become a leader, bring hope to surrounding regions and even change nations. There is so much that can be accomplished through a simple act of love and obedience.

I am writing to ask you to consider helping in the following ways:

1) Cover me in prayer while I am ministering to these precious children (and pray for a safe trip to/from Africa). Pray for God's supernatural favor and blessing to cover our entire team.
2) Prayerfully consider helping me financially with the trip. The cost of the trip is $2,600 and the money is due by this Friday, March 27th. It is tax-deductible and the instructions are at the bottom of this letter. Know this - I would never ask you to do something I wasn't willing to do myself. This trip has cost me much more than what the trip costs due to the business I have turned down in order to go. So, anything you could do to help would be very much appreciated.

In His service,
Mark D