My Support Letter

Dear Family and Friends:

I am uncomfortable with sweaty palms as I take that first step. I muster the courage to initiate a conversation with a neighbor in an unfamiliar city. One interaction turns into two, to three. Clammy hands are no more. A relationship is being built. An opportunity has been created. My desire to empower, love on, and advocate for those in need comes to life. I hear laughter and feel tears as I listen to my neighbor’s stories. My heart is filled with joy as I share and show Christ’s love. These are images I have as I think about my next step in life. In my desire to serve in areas of social needs, I have committed myself to a program called Mission Year, where I’ll be able to live, serve, play, and experience life with the urban poor.

My commitment to Mission Year will be focused in five different areas. They are:

Community Service: I'll be volunteering 25-30 hours per week with an organization I'm passionate about. I don't know where I'll be placed yet, bu the thought of working with the homeless population, HIV/AIDS patients, refugees, or teen mothers would be an amazing way to serve.

Church Partnership: My team and I will attend a church in our neighborhood. Part of the church partnership is to find an area of ministry to which we can dedicate our time. For me, it will be children ministry.

Relational Impact: I will be building healthy relationships with my neighbors and will seek practical ways to show Christ's love.

Justice: Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." A part of Mission Year is to find an injustice that affects the people of our community, share that with those who can help, and advocate for change.

Christian Community: I will live in community with my teammates and together we will build relationships with the people in our neighborhood.

When God first called me to Mission Year, my immediate reaction was to run. I didn’t want to commit a year of my life that would strip away my independence, and constantly keep me out of my comfort zone. It was easy to form excuses. I had a handful. But then I was gently and lovingly reminded of my passion for the broken, the poor, and my love for God.

God has started to strip away my safety and comfort as I have answered his call to be a part of Mission Year. As I start this next step in life, I want to invite all of you to be a part of it. I need your support, whether that is through prayer, encouragement, or giving financially. For this year I need to raise $12,000. I know that number seems daunting. It is for me, but God is faithful and I know he will provide. If you would like to contribute to my Mission Year account you can return the envelope attached to mission year or you can go online to www.missionyear.org/support/katherinelangley. Please write my ID number down when you donate. It is 10-0046. All donations are considered tax deductible. I appreciate you and what you have done for me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without your support, encouragement, wise words, and education. Have a wonderful day!

Love to you all,
Katherine