Dear ___________,
I have come up with a brilliant idea to change the world. It involves three phases, the first of which is winning the elec-tion for President of the United States. I will then proceed to conquer Luxemburg. The final stage is yet to be deter-mined. Since I am too young too run for President, that plan is on hold. Nevertheless, I still have dreams of making a difference in the world, and God has shown me an incredibly simple way to do so, as soon as this summer. I know I have told you about my Chicago trip to a certain extent already, and I want to share with you a few more details.
Several months ago, I began exploring ways in which I could spend this summer serving God in a greater capacity than I have in the past, specifically mission trips. I narrowed my options and sought God�s direction, and I have made the confident decision to spend the summer in inner city Chicago working with Paxton Avenue Church of Christ. In recent months, God has cast a vision among the church, its leaders, and its congregation to take on a role in developing the neighborhood and surrounding community to the glory of God. The first major steps are now being taken toward estab-lishing a Christian Community Development ministry.
Christian Community Development involves ministering to the community in a number of ways. It calls for individuals to live within the community and live out the Gospel, following Jesus� lead, who showed us love and brought hope when �The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us� (John 1:14). Furthermore, this ministry seeks to meet the felt needs of the community by means of reconciliation, redistribution, and relationships. Various programs are aimed at building leaders, implementing social change and justice, furthering education, and most importantly, reveal-ing the life-changing power of the Gospel and the healing of Christ. There is no doubt that God can bring hope and de-liverance to a community otherwise influenced by poverty, gangs, and drugs.
While this describes the goals of Christian Community Development on a macroscopic, long-term level, you may be asking yourself how I will contribute to the ministry and how God will be using me this summer. My role will include primarily building relationships and investing in the lives of the youth of the church and community. Specifically, I will be involved in leading �Paxton Play Days� for K-8th grade students twice per week, weekly junior high youth group events, and weekly high school Bible studies. Additionally, I will be involved in the adult Bible studies and other possi-ble ministries that may potentially arise and/or be realized throughout the summer. I anticipate an amazing summer full of intense spiritual growth, as I become immersed in God�s work like I never have before.
I am enthusiastic about this summer, but it will not realize its full potential without support. My goal is to raise a total of $750 for the summer, in order to cover living and ministry expenses. A contribution of $10 or $15 (or whatever you wish to give) would be very helpful in allowing me to reach that goal. Furthermore, I ask that you pray for me, and es-pecially the church and the community, a crucial element in the desire to seek God�s vision and channel His guidance and provisions. Any support you provide�prayer and/or financial�will be greatly appreciated. Please prayerfully con-sider this investment.
I genuinely thank you, and please let me know of your decision soon. If you have any questions or would like further information, feel free to ask. You can reach me in a number of ways: mail, email, or phone. I look forward to hearing from you.
God bless,
Alex Pence
201 E. Fake Address
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 555-5555
[email protected]