Dear Friend,

Confession: I’ve never been on an overseas missions trip. In fact, I’ve never really understood what the real payoff is. Fiscally, it seems more responsible to give money to those invested long-term in their mission field. But here I am at a church oriented outward, sending both long and short-term missionaries for the glory of God’s Kingdom. I’ve come to see how those who go are impacted in their own faith, and that going can be an essential support to those in the field.

It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to meet Chance and Dee Dee Galloway last summer that a desire to go to a specific place began to develop. The Galloways were sent from Christ Community Church in 2011 to Bulgaria. Their heart is to identify and develop local leaders, pastors, and church planters. In the works is a project to build a safe home for young girls rescued from sex trafficking. As if that weren’t enough, they are also involved in an agricultural project that will support a food pantry and soup kitchens for the hungry. You can read more about their work here: http://www.gallowayministries.org.

Our team of 8 will head to Bulgaria on June 17^th and will return on June 26^th. The specific task we have is to organize a Vacation Bible School in a new area the Galloways are seeking to reach. The extra help our team will provide will make it possible to have crafts, stories, hygiene lessons, and games with the kids. We are finalizing all the crafts and games and will be bringing most of the material, including hygiene items, with us. In the evenings, we are hoping to connect with local teenagers. I’m working on creating devotionals for the team and will be jumping in wherever I’m needed.

How can you help? I covet your prayers: for myself, the team, those we are seeking to reach and those who will continue the work once we come back. Financially, the cost of the trip will be $2,000. Should the Lord lead you to give financial support, tax-deductible donations can be sent to Christ Community Church, 4078 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907. Please put “Bulgaria – AS” on the memo line of the check. You can also give online at: http://www.ccclive.org/give.html (follow link next to Electronic Giving, enter amount, “Missions Designated” and for optional memo write, “Bulgaria – AS”, then continue to follow the instructions).

I believe that the great commission is to make disciples “as we go”, and that wherever we are, we are in our mission field. I’m excited to expand my experience and dive into a different culture and learn to love and serve a people group completely new to me.

Thanks in advance for your support in this new adventure. Can’t wait to see how the Lord uses this experience in love for Him and His Kingdom!

Grace and peace,

Anja Joy