Dear friends, family, and whoever else it may concern,
My name is Joshua Choi and I am writing this letter to ask for your help. Before I do that, I would like to tell you a little about myself. I am 22 years old and currently in the process of applying to the Concurrent Nursing Program and Seminole State College/ University of Central Florida. I also work part time as a server at a sushi restaurant and serve in the church as a Sunday School teacher. Now that you know everything about me, let me tell you why I am writing this letter in 3 words. WE NEED YOU! This summer, myself and 8 others plan on going to Ecuador on a short-term mission trip and in order for this trip to be the best it can be, we need your help! For those who don't already know, our church, Harvest, sends out people to go on short-term missions to Ecuador every summer. I believe that God has presented me with this opportunity for a couple of reasons.
First, I've been on other mission trips but I've never been to Ecuador. Every year, as I heard the testimonies of how God has been working in Ecuador, I've been encouraged and inspired to go myself one day. One of the things that I was most shocked by is that our mission teams have been to parts of Ecuador that have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. When I heard that, it reminded me of the time I recieved the calling to be a missionary. The conviction that God placed in my heart was this: Go and spread the name of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. 2 Tim. 2:2 says," and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will in turn teach others also." I want to seize this opportunity that God has graced me with and deliver the greatest news the world has ever recieved; the message of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Second, I believe the church in Ecuador needs encouragement. I am a big believer in encouragement through being there physically. Every time I felt like I was alone and helpless, having someone come through for me and fight alongside me was the biggest encouragement. Although we would only be there for a short amount of time, to go support and work alongside the church would not only help them, but it would also encourage them to know that they are not alone in their work for the Kingdom of God.
Last, a quote by John Piper. "Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn't." Although I can't and won't be able to tell someone what God has planned for their lives, I do know for certain one thing; we were made to glorify God and enjoy Him forever and I believe that we are able to do that through the act of worship. I genuinely want the people of Ecuador to experience the same joy and happiness I feel when I worship God.
Now, let me tell you how you are able to help without actually being there with us! What we need most from you is prayer! Going on this mission trip without prayer is like going to war without a shield. We need all the help we can get and we can only get that help by asking the One who can truly give us what we need. Please pray for us that we would recieve the discipline, wisdom, patience, and love we need in order to effectively execute He has planned for us and the people of Ecuador. Please pray that the people of Ecuador will be able to pass the Gospel on to faithful men who will in turn teach others so that the Gospel is preserved for coming generations
If you don't feel that praying is enough, you are more than welcome to support financially! Just go to www.donate.harvestkpco.org and search for the DR 17 icon. Anything you give will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter! God bless!
For the glory of God,
Joshua Choi