Uganda Support Letter

I finally got my last "support letter" out last week for my Uganda trip. This has been an ongoing process that has been tedious and tiring, but SO worth it! I wanted to share the letter with you. If you're interested in helping to support me financially, please let me know, but if nothing else, please pray for myself and my team as we go on this incredible experience together!


Dear Friends,

I am writing to update you on my upcoming Uganda trip. We have confirmed our travel dates for March 27 – April 11, 2009. I will be leaving a few days earlier to drop Mikaelyn off in Michigan with my parents and meeting up with our team (of 9 people) on their layover in Europe, to fly together into Africa.

Our team has been meeting regularly to get to know each other and to plan and organize what is evolving into a very exciting trip. While they were in the States on furlough, we met with missionaries, Jerry and Candis Bingham, who are working with Action International in Uganda. They are so excited for our team to be there and believe that the Lord will work through us to touch the lives of the Ugandan people. While we met with the Bingham’s, each of us went around saying a little about why we all wanted to be a part of this trip. It was amazing to see how the Lord has specifically placed each of us on this team through His creativity. I am excited to get to know my team members and to experience this opportunity with them.

Personally, I have taken on the responsibility of leading a few days when we travel to the Awach IDP camp, also known as the Butterfly Club. These women are what they call the “child mothers”. They have been through such terrible situations and are in essence, babies raising babies. When I first heard of these women, or rather girls, I was struck deeply with a desire to serve them. With the help of the other women on my team, these will be my days to use the gifts the Lord has given me to reach these girls.

I am writing this letter to ask you, my friends and family for your support. Some of you have already sent in financial support for which I am truly thankful. Please continue to be in prayer for safe travel, the health of the team and that God will do His work in and through us to demonstrate His tender love and care. The financial cost will be approximately $3,600 per team member. The cost of Mikaelyn’s flight and a stop in Grand Rapids for me would be over and above that amount. If you are able to help in any way, I would be grateful.

In order that your contribution will be tax deductible, you should not designate your contribution as personal support for me. Funds raised are for the entire team and the ministry in Uganda, and the entire team has joined together to raise the needed funds and important prayer support. Checks should be payable to Westminster Chapel, and may note “Uganda Team Support”, but should not have my name on the check notation.

Also, due to IRS guidelines for tax deductibility for all team contributions, please be aware that should I for some reason be unable to go on this trip; your contribution will be applied generally toward the team expenses or to mission projects on site in Uganda.

Please return the response card, noting prayer and/or financial contribution, so that the funds will be properly designated to the team. Again, please do not note my name on any check you enclose.

Thank you for your gifts of prayer, finances and love. I look forward to having you partner with me in this incredible experience.

In Christ’s unyielding love,

Sarah Jean Groenink