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Greetings! We would like to share with you a little bit about our journey and how God has been guiding us recently. March 1st, 2008 was a life changing day for us: it was the day we got married! Ever since that day, and even before our hearts and lives joined as one, we have been praying for direction from the Lord. We both have felt the tug on our hearts towards missions for some time, and we have been specifically presenting this request to God for wisdom on which direction to take. After much prayer and fasting, our eyes have been opened to an exciting opportunity.

In January, we will be leaving for Kenya, Africa, and serving a year-long term with Eric and Julianne Wildgen (a young missionary couple from our church). We are praying that God would grant us wisdom in regards to the length of our stay. We have made a commitment for a year, but our hearts are excited and willing to serve beyond that if He calls us to. We are trusting God to make this decision very clear to us.

Eric and Julianne had their hearts broken for Africa quite some time ago. They have recently taken over the leadership of a program for high school graduates. The ministry is a discipleship school based on a farm in Gilgil, a village approximately an hour and forty five minutes from Nairobi. Recently graduated high school students can come to stay on the farm while they await the results of their final exams and hope to hear from prospective colleges. During the day, the students will work to help maintain the farm, and in doing so, they pay for their stay. During the afternoon and evenings, they will be involved in various Bible studies and teachings, helping them build a more solid relationship with Christ.

When we first arrive on the farm, we will be helping Eric and Julianne with whatever they need us to do. Then they will gradually give us more responsibility, both with the farming and the discipleship program. We will also be taking Swahili language lessons at this time, to have a foundation for building relationships. Beyond the discipleship program and farm in Gilgil, we will be involved in evangelism in schools and villages, church planting in the bush, and teaching in churches, just to name a few things.

We believe that God calls us to make our needs known to our brothers and sisters within the body of Christ, so that we can partner with each other. First, we need to build a foundation of prayer warriors who will commit to praying for us daily. Interceding for others is an important piece of a Christian’s life, and we need you to lift us, our marriage, the ministry, and all those involved before the Lord. Would you please consider making a commitment to pray for us regularly?

We also need people to partner with us by giving financially. We believe that God will provide for all of our needs, and that He may do that through you! We need to raise $1,500 a month for ministry expenses. Our goal can be reached with 30 people who are willing to give $50.00 a month. Would you please pray about partnering with us and contributing monthly to help us reach our goal? If God is leading you towards a financial gift, please make an indication on the enclosed card. We have also included a stamped envelope for your convenience. If you would like a detailed breakdown of our budget, please contact us.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. We appreciate your friendship, and we look forward to hearing from you! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us.

In Christ’s love, Jake and Laura

hawkins_08@live.com