As many know, 2009 was undoubtedly a life-challenging year for me personally and it still continues to be. Personal growth in my faith and realization about how fragile life is was expedited these past ten months after the loss of Mason unexpectedly in December. However, with every sunset, there is always a magnificent sunrise that triumph’s the darkness to begin a new day. In this new day, I have recognized what is truly valuable to me as well as my unique skill set which has inspired me to help people beyond my family members, friends and community.
Simultaneously, with this insight, an opportunity became available that would enable me to act and use my abilities for people in eastern Africa. I applied and have been selected to participate in a mission trip to Uganda January 5-16, 2011.
The mission trip is through Lake Hills Church in conjunction with Villages of Hope – Africa. Villages of Hope is a non-profit organization whose focus is to return displaced individuals to their villages, to rebuild their community by drilling for fresh drinking water and building their homes, and to restore viability to the community through education, sanitation methods and farming groups.
This letter’s purpose is to create awareness about the situation in Uganda and to get you involved with my mission, in whichever way you feel called. There are a few ways that you can help!
· First and foremost Thoughts & Prayers. To stay healthy and that I will be used to touch the people of Uganda’s hearts and minds.
· Spread the Word: I have attached the support form and a flyer. Please forward on to other people that might be interested in helping with my cause.
· Ideas & Time: If you would like to donate other items such as gift certificates (for raffles), fundraiser supplies, your time or ideas for fundraisers, please let me know!
· Monetary Donations: Our team is in the process of raising the money to go (averaging $3200 per person) and this money will help pay for the activities and supplies needed for our trip. Any amount you can give will be a huge blessing to my effort.
If you feel led to support me financially, please respond by October 31, 2010. There are two options (1) mail in a check or (2) donate online. All donations are tax deductible.
(1) Instructions for Check Donations
· Please indicate on the Support Form attached.
· Checks are to be made out to Lake Hills Church and in the memo line, please write: “Jan 2011 Uganda – Taylor Jackson”
· Mail checks to: Lake Hills Church / Attn: Missions, 11431 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78738
(2) Donate online at www.lhc.org/give This is a secure site.
· Click on “Secure Giving Module”
· Select if you are a “First Time Donor”
· Specify that this is a “One Time” donation
· At the bottom in the Comments section please type “Jan 2011 Africa – Taylor Jackson”
By sending me to Uganda, it is my personal mission to bring hope in the midst of a chaotic world to at least one Acholi person. I believe that changing just one person's attitude into "I can do that" can change someone's world as they see it, and, even more so, create a rippling effect on their own community and livelihood. Just like a virus, a hopeful attitude is contagious and can be passed from person to person, village to village and so on. I can drill for water. I can build shelters. I can make my community viable. WE CAN change lives together!
Your support, encouragement, and prayers are deeply appreciated. You can learn more about Lake Hills Church, Villages of Hope, Uganda, and my fundraising efforts at www.hopeforugandafundraiser.blogspot.com
Sincerely,
Taylor Young Jackson
Taylor Young Jackson
