one step CLOSER!!

Look what came in the mail today!! I am so excited!! 

My Mission Trip Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

   When I was in first grade, my friend’s sister went on a mission trip to Africa. My mom & I followed her blog and read about her experiences. I knew from that moment on, this was what I wanted to do. One day, I would be a missionary and tell people about my Savior, Jesus Christ.

   I am so excited - my parents and I are planning to go to Kigali, Rwanda in Africa! K&N Management (Rudy’s BBQ and Mighty Fine) has a mission trip scheduled to go at the end of July with Africa New Life Ministries (ANLM). I’d love for you to visit their website http://www.africanewlife.org/ to see all they are doing. If I raise enough money to go, I will be able to visit our sponsored children, Augustine and Mariza. (I have enclosed a picture of them, for you.) We would also tell Rwandans about Jesus and serve the people there.

Here is where YOU come in! I NEED YOUR PRAYERS!! Here are some ways that you can pray for me:

1. Me and my parents getting there safely

2. Me not getting any diseases

3. For me to have a great time and our trip to be pleasing to God

Secondly, I am hoping to raise the funds to go. I have to raise $3,000. Please pray about helping me in this way. Contributions are tax-deductible as ANLM is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The attached giving information has details about giving online or by mail – both are good options. Please do not think I am asking you to contribute to a vacation trip. We are traveling for the sole reason of glorifying God and furthering His kingdom. The accommodations, long travel, and lack of comfort items will certainly be a challenge to endure but, God willing, we will be safe.

Whether you are praying for me, helping with financial support, or giving in both ways, I am so very thankful - from the bottom of my heart.

Also, I will be writing a blog about my travels. That way, I can share with you all the preparations, status of my fundraising and the awesome things God is doing in Africa!

Here is the website: http://austin2africa.blogspot.com/

Love,

*** A message from Brookly’s dad: I’m sure many folks that are reading this are wondering if sending an 11 year old on a mission trip is wise. From your vantage point, I would certainly have some doubts. Please do not think that we made this decision without careful consideration. We spent, in my view, an ample amount of time praying, discussing, and determining if this was the right course of action. Ultimately, we decided that if she is able to raise the money, she should be included on the trip. After all, it was her idea and her desire to raise the funds. A couple of our biggest concerns and how we reconciled them:

·      Will Brookly be safe in Rwanda? We determined that she would be as safe in Rwanda as she is in Cedar Park.

o   There will not be a moment in Rwanda that we are not with her.

o   Africa New Life has an impeccable safety record and keeping their missionaries out of harm’s way is a priority.

o   We have a large and trustworthy team that, with God’s provison, will be able to handle almost any set of circumstances.

·      Will the poverty and hunger be too much for an 11 year old girl to experience? Brookly is a very caring and loving person. I believe she will be deeply affected by what she sees. However, we will be there to ensure that it is focused on good. She has always wanted to be a missionary and I believe a trip with her parents is the best first step. Our job is to:

o   Inspire her to see the difference she can make in this world, not be depressed about what she can’t do.

o   Be there to answer the questions that she will have. I’m sure that some very important, deep and substantial conversations will be had on this trip.        

·      Will she make a difference? Brookly is a hard-worker and she is excellent when meeting new people. She’s very outgoing and incredibly easy to travel with. She’s tough and fun loving. I believe she will connect with the children fantastically. I know that they will feel loved and important in her presence. I believe she will reflect our God and His son extremely well. I’m sure that she will leave more confident in her ability to tell others about Jesus.

In conclusion, we’ve decided not to worry. To give up our doubts and fears and to trust God. Our prayer is that through this trip God will be glorified. That we will make a difference, show God’s love, and inspire others to do the same. Specifically, regarding Brookly, we pray that this will be a step in her being an instrument of God, and that she will be positively changed by the experience. Melanie and I believe that because they never experience or even witness a true need, many children in our country, including our own, want for everything and appreciate very little. We hope to leave behind a legacy of Haley’s that breaks that cycle.  If you help Brookly go on this trip, you are not just investing in this one mission trip, but very possibly in the start of a lifetime of her making a positive difference in this world through Jesus Christ.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and God bless each of you.

Brookly’s Dad, Craig Haley

Brookly Haley – K & N Mission Team

Thank you very much for your consideration in financially supporting this mission trip. I value your investment in our team as well as your prayers during our time in Rwanda. Below are some ways you can contribute financially.

1. Instructions for giving online:

-Go to our website, www.africanewlife.org, and click on the ‘Donate’ button.

-Donate the desired amount to the 'General & Where Needed Most' fund.

-You will then receive an email receipt for your donation.

**VERY IMPORTANT** You MUST reply to the email receipt (which should reply to dave@africanewlife.org or donna@africanewlife.org), stating what individual the donation is for (e.g., ‘This donation is for Brookly Haley’s mission trip.’). At that time it will be allocated to the proper trip.

-If you are unsure, or just want to double check, let me know that you have donated & my mom can verify.

2. If you would like to financially support my mission by sending in a check made out to Africa New Life Ministries. (Do not write my name anywhere on the check). Please mail it to my home address and my mom will forward it on through our team leader. The team leader will ensure that it is credited to my trip.