Support Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

I just wanted to write and let you know about the amazing opportunity I have this next year in South Africa. As many of you know, I have spent numerous summers abroad serving our Lord in Ecuador and South America. Since my first visit to Ecuador in 2004 with BHBC, I have developed lasting relationships with the people there and have continued serving there almost every summer since.
During my most recent visit, I was able to meet volunteers and leaders from the organization Extreme Response. I was extremely impressed with its mission and goals. Extreme Response is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing relief and support to people living in extreme, often life-threatening conditions. They provide this support many times by sending volunteers to organizations in the areas of need all throughout the world. With little time to ponder, I found myself back home, focusing on preparations to graduate from KSU. I had a decision to make about where to fulfill my advanced internship within my degree program. Within the past two years, I have felt a calling on my life to full time missions. Until recently though, I was unsure exactly how that life would look.
When choosing the placement for my internship, I began praying about the opportunity to go abroad and serve in a missions capacity. I contacted Extreme Response and acquired about possible missions opportunities in Africa. They immediately directed me to Living Hope Community Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. I began talking with my advisors at KSU and requested approval for this internship abroad. While there have been many hoops to jump through and barriers to cross, God undoubtedly had His hand on this entire process. Recently, the program has gained full approval by three departments at KSU and will not only count towards my degree requirements, but also serve as a pilot program for future students interested in this field.

Why South Africa?
In Ecuador this past summer I began discussing the high possibility that I would be returning to the Manta, Ecuador area after graduation. Pearl and Allan Jackson, whom many of you have met or heard about, were very candid in talking about my future in missions. While they loved the idea of me returning yet again for a longer period of time, they were very convincing in talking to me about other places to serve and people to help, given the opportunities in front of me. The Jackson family once again helped me get in contact with the directors of Extreme Response. After talking with the ER representative and brainstorming the idea of going to Africa, the first place he suggested was Cape Town to work at an organization called Living Hope Community Centre. In the beginning this seemed like an impossible option, however, after months of praying and seeking the Lord’s guidance, the doors continued to open and my heart began to truly break for the people and nation of South Africa.

What will I be doing?
In Cape Town I will be working as an intern with Living Way, a sister organization of Living Hope. Living Hope and the surrounding organizations are dedicated to HIV and AIDS prevention and care. As an intern I will be working to develop fundraising programs, community outreach programs and working directly with the people of Cape Town. Since I am required to complete my coursework as well, I will have the opportunity to work directly with the staff in developing and implementing effective educational programs for the community.

How can you get involved?
First of all, prayer here is the key. Prayer not only for me, but for the people of Cape Town, my University colleagues back home, my family and most importantly the Lord’s will.
Second, I am required to raise all of my support for this journey. The money I raise will go towards my living accommodations, field supplies, flight, transportation and food while I am there. I have committed to 8 months of service beginning mid July 2009. However, recently I have received information that the organization would like me to serve as long as I can; given the money I am able to raise. The total cost of my trip will be $16,260. I know it may appear to many that I am asking for the impossible, especially considering the state of our economy. But I know that my God is bigger than any economy or number of dollars needed. I ask all of you to prayerfully seek the Lord’s guidance in this endeavor. Please know that all monetary donations are tax-deductible and are greatly appreciated. Attached is form further explaining how to donate.

I hope you receive this letter well and I thank you in advance for all of your support.

For more information about these organizations you can check out their websites or my personal blog all listed below:
Extreme Response- http://extremeresponse.org/
Living Hope Community Centre- http://www.livinghope.co.za/
Living Way- http://www.livingway.co.za/
My Blog- http://christinacc84.blogspot.com/


With Much Love,
Christina Clayton
“Love Conquers All”