Argentina 2008 - Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! The last few months have been spectacular! In October, I performed as Professor Williard in the play, Our Town, at Mission Viejo High School’s Performing Arts Theater. My character received “dramatic” reviews from critics and the play, itself, was written about in the Orange County Register. Elsewhere, I have been busy writing essays and completing applications in my attempt to be admitted into college. As senior year at Mission Viejo High School moves towards the second semester, I have a solid group of friends who I share and do life with. I have met most of them through my home church, Saddleback Church.

I have been involved in several ministries in the high school ministry. I have taken my passion for drumming and joined the musical worship team. This “upbeat” group has taught me how to work as a team and to lead others to the Throne. Also, I am involved behind-the-scenes during the high school services, giving my knowledge and time in the art of lighting. I have been designing and running the lights for about two years and it has been one of the “brightest” parts of my life.

As part of a team of twenty students from the high school ministry, I will be traversing to Argentina in March of 2008. Argentina is a large country in the southern part of South America. This culturally European country is home to the highest peak in the world outside of Asia, Aconcagua, penetrating the clouds at 22,834 ft.

This missions trip is part of what is known as the P.E.A.C.E. plan, an outreach effort to attack the “five global giants.” They include spiritual emptiness, corrupt leadership, poverty, disease, and illiteracy. This initiative was created to:

P - Promote Reconciliation
E - Equip Leaders
A - Assist The Poor
C - Care For The Sick
E - Educate The Next Generation

Our main goal is to share the love of Christ with the people of Argentina. We willing be traveling to Mendoza, a small city located on the foothills of the Andes Mountains. One team will be working with a church and their outreach to the poor and orphan children. Working with another congregation, the second team will be working with an outreach to families. At this point, it is unclear which team I am apart of. My four years of AP spanish will play a key role in this trip.

There are two ways in which you can be of great assistance. First, PRAY! Pray that we will keep our ears open to what the Lord has called us to do. Also, pray that the team will be God’s ambassadors and honor him with our thoughts, deeds, actions, and words while we are in Argentina. As bond servants to the Lord, pray that we would be a united group with one goal: to love God and to love others.

A second way that you can help is through financial support. All support goes directly towards the funds of the trip, and no where else. The trip is an estimated $2140. Any support would be greatly appreciated. Obviously, this is a substantial amount, but I put my trust in God who transcends money; I know that he will provide for my needs. Please realize that this money is going to be used to share the love and Good News of Jesus Christ with the people of Argentina.

If God leads you to give something financially, small or large, please make it payable to Saddleback Church. Do not include my name in the memo area; in this way, it will be tax deductible. Please send your contributions in an enclosed envelope to my address, which can be found at the bottom of this page. Once given to me, I will take it directly to the church. I must raise $1200 by January 7th, and an additional $800 by February 1st.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to telling you about the many things that God will have done on my trip to Argentina. May God bless you with His extravagant love.

Sincerely,
Jay Kelly

Contact me if you would like more information.