Prayer Letter 2

June 11, 2009

Dear Friends,

I realize that it was only a few short weeks ago that I sent out my first letter. Thank you to those of you who have committed to pray regularly! If you who would like to join my prayer team, keep sending those cards in! Today I am writing to ask if you will partner with me financially.

The estimated amount that I must raise for a year teaching in Bolivia is $13,700. This covers all expenses involved (airfare, housing, living expenses, insurance, etc...). In faith, I am moving forward, trusting God to meet the needs in the short amount of time I have between now and when I need to arrive in Bolivia.
As a batter swings the bat before the ball is over the plate, so I am swinging, trusting that YOU, with the backing of the Spirit, will supply the needed funds. It is important that I have the support raised and/or promised by the beginning of August so that I can arrive before the school year starts.
In being faithful to the calling and the responsibility of raising funds, if you know of anyone else who may be interested in hearing about this work, please pass on their information (see the response card).
As you consider giving, please consider committing to monthly support; this will be a huge help! I need a total of $1,370 per month for 10 months, but about ½ raised up front to cover airfare, etc...

We live in an age of STATISTICS, so let me begin with one, but I will move quickly to HEART—because that is where it truly matters. Did you know that one of the top reasons why missionaries leave the field is for a lack of education for their children? MK (Missionary Kid) schools around the world play an important role in allowing parents to use their unique gifts to minister, while knowing that their children are being taught by qualified teachers.

Carachipampa Christain School in Cochabamba, Bolivia is one such school that urgently needs teachers for this upcoming school year. Schools like Carachipampa rely upon the Lord each year to fill teacher needs.
For me personally, this year of teaching will not only play an integral role in the missions work already being done in Bolivia, but also provide me with various opportunities to minister to MK and Bolivian children, further direction and connections as I continue to pursue God’s heart for the world, and this year will also help me know how to better prepare for when I return—all while doing what I love: teaching 3rd graders!
Through much prayer and various circumstances, I believe that God has specifically called me to go this year! I know that He is preparing a special work in Bolivia.

I was listening to an old song recently with these lines: Jesus, all for Jesus; for it’s only in Your will that I am free. I can become easily overwhelmed with this seemingly daunting task of preparing to teach in a foreign country, of raising support, of living in a new culture . . . Yet each time I come to that place, God reminds me of His incredible faithfulness and power for those who believe.
Believing is not just knowing in my head, but basing ACTION on that belief. May this year, and my life, be a declaration that I completely believe in Christ—in who He is and in what He does. To God alone be the glory!!

Author Henri Nouwen says that we should live, “proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people the opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission.” I pray that you will consider financially partnering in the advancement the Kingdom!
I would love to meet or talk with you about teaching in Bolivia, and have set time aside this summer to do so.

Kelly

Prayer Letter 1

May 27, 2009

Dear Friends,

God is indeed good; I am continually amazed at the grace and mystery of who He is. This year I have especially felt the work of God in my life as He prepares me for what is ahead. Last summer I had a very special five weeks in Southern Romania working with Outstretched Hands. For the fall semester I was student teaching in 2nd grade; I had an absolutely wonderful experience there and was very sad to leave my class in January when the semester ended. For the rest of the school year I worked as a substitute teacher and continued to serve on campus; I look back at my last year of ministry at UW-Whitewater feeling very blessed. There is so much to say, and I am humbled to be a vessel through which Christ could work.
During this past year I have been seeking God—and the wisdom of mentors—as to His direction for my next steps in missions. For some time I have been corresponding with a missions agency called SIM (Serving in Mission). SIM is an international and interdenominational organization that glorifies God around the world through church planting, discipleship, and ministry to human need. Most recently, I returned from their headquarters in North Carolina for a four-day orientation and interview process called SIMStart. SIMStart serves as a tool to inform and equip individuals as they pursue missions with SIM. It was a special four days for me to find out more about SIM, how God is working around the world, and my specific role in it. I have been accepted as a short-term associate with SIM and am prayerfully moving forward to teach at an MK (missionary kid) school beginning this fall, as there are still several schools without teachers for this upcoming school year!
Please join with me in prayer as I finalize details with these schools to see where I can best serve the missionaries and their children, and also connect with local ministries. Because I will be serving missionary families, I will need to raise a considerable amount of support to cover travel and living expenses for a year. I will keep you informed as details are finalized.
I am beginning now to build a committed prayer team. I covet your prayers more than you know and I recognize that above all your prayers are, and will, have the most impact. Consider committing to pray for me at least one day a week! Check the postcard.
Also, to be a better steward of my time and resources, if you would prefer to receive further correspondence by e-mail, please fill out the enclosed postcard.
I am anticipating what’s next! Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail for any reason. I’m looking forward to connecting with you.

Blessings,

Kelly Reynolds