My support letter

April , 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

Many of you have either heard from my mouth or from the grapevine, that I am getting ready to begin a new journey in my life. For those of you who don’t know, I am MOVING to Bogota, Colombia! This is a dream of mine being fulfilled. Years ago I felt the calling to leave the comforts of the US and relocate my life in Bogota. Why, you may ask? Because there is an incredible organization there called Children’s Vision International that has grabbed my heart in unimaginable ways. They not only rescue the highest-risk orphans from the street, but take them into their home and give them shelter and protection, food and nutrition, an education, and most importantly, a foundation of the knowledge of God. Beautiful children who had no hope are given hope.

The woman who began this mission has inspired me in many ways. Having known her from my youth, I would hear the stories the Lord’s faithfulness, the Lord’s provision, and the Lord’s protection that has carried her through her journey in Bogota. For 20 some years, she has taken upon her the authority of Christ over these street children and that nation, selflessly laying down her life to serve “one of the least of these.” I got the opportunity to work hand in hand with her during my Christmas break last year. During my time, she asked me to come and be her secretary so she can continue to focus on the calling she has received. I jumped at the opportunity to serve my Lord, His servant, and His children. So, Lord willing, June 22^th, 2011 I will be moving to South America.

As you may have guessed, I am going “missionary” status, and will be raising all my own funds, which brings me to the reason I have sent this letter to you. I need financial support to fulfill the Lord’s will for my life. The cost of me living there will be $500 a month. This will cover food, transportation, insurance, a work cell phone and travel from Colombia to the US. On top of that, I will also need to raise $5000 up front. This will cover my flight there, a Colombian ID, visa costs, my room and board, and a laptop.

This is what I would ask you: please don’t disregard this letter. Take a few days and pray. Would you ask the Lord how He might want you to be a part of this? If He so leads you to financially support me monthly or by a one-time donation, my commitment to you is to keep you a part of this journey during the time I’m there with a monthly, personal update that will include pictures and prayer requests. I also commit to pray for you and your family as an act of gratitude for your support. I have already begun to set up my “support team” of people who are actively involved in my service in Colombia, and I would love to have YOU join.

If you do decide to support me through your financial gifts, would like more information, or would like to be apart of my “prayer team” back home, please shoot me an email or give me a phone call. I would like to connect with you on a more personal basis to explain the financial process or to answer any questions.

Thank you!

Sarah Gnagey

sarah.gnagey@gmail.com

785-209-3794

And the journey begins...

Two days ago, I bought my one-way ticket to South America. Let me repeat that...ONE-WAY! Yes, I'm moving to Colombia. I will be taking you along on the journey, that is if you would like to join. Many updates and stories to follow on my re-vamped blog site.

Let me start with this. My story: It all started with my beautiful mother, Cheryl...who you should follow as well @ http://cherylgnagey.blogspot.com/ She went to Colombia when I was just a wee child. She came back with a brand new perspective, and some new friends. One of the new friends she met, had just moved to Colombia. This woman, who I will name Mary, had a huge heart for street children. She began to risk her life to save them from the dumps and gang-ridden neighborhoods and give them a home and family, but most importantly, an opportunity to know Christ. After 20 some odd years doing this, she has raised over 120 children and has given them an education.

This woman has remained a friend of our family. Making visits and staying at our house during some of her time in the states. I would hear the stories of the faithfulness ofYHWH and his protection, and of his miracles, and my heart would come alive. I would tell her often, "Someday, I will be there with you." BUT AFTER 22 YEARS, I still had not had the opportunity to go. My family went, my friends went, my church went, BUT I NEVER went...that is, until Christmas 2010, when a door was opened.

As I entered into that culture, I was shocked. I had never spent a good amount of time in a country like this...that is an impoverished and oppressed nation. It was as if my spirit began to experience what truly defined Colombian culture, and this grandeur dream of mine had a huge reality check. Yet, despite the oppression I was experiencing, I connected in an UNBELIEVABLE way with Mary and her husband. It was like I was with old friends, or my favorite extended family member. It was a level of connection that I have rarely experienced. I wanted to work for them. I wanted to be around them. We could be a great encouragement to each other.

"Could be." Those are the key words. Despite the great connection, I was continuing to let my dream die. But on a rare night, that was full of fellowship rather than work, Mary asked me if I would ever be interested in coming to work for her as her secretary. UH? In fact, that was the ONLY thing I was interested in doing in Colombia. My heart had been in a prep process for this question, beginning months prior to that day. What was my response? My spirit leaped within me (potentially in the manner that John leaped in Elizabeth's womb when Mary, who was carrying Jesus arrived), and my perspective changed in that moment and I knew I would be moving to Colombia to serve YHWH, and to serve Mary and her husband in a matter of months.

4 months later...here I am, send me. I leave June 22 on an incredible journey. Through fear, I choose trust. Through lack of comfort, I choose the comfort of the Spirit. I'm not ready, but I'm ready. Ready to gain more oneness with my Father.

Now to much work that needs to be done beforehand!