In order to redeem this particularly lazy, luxurious Saturday (though I am not really convinced it needs redeeming) I addressed envelopes for fundraising letters. Yes, one of *those* letters. The "I'm doing something spiritual and exciting so I need your prayer (oh and some money too)" kind of letters. Writing the letters was more than banal, it felt downright tawdry.
It is not that
anything I wrote was untrue or insincere; I can honestly say that I agonized
over how to communicate honestly and engagingly. I do not even mind receiving
letters similar to mine, I first heard about International Justice Mission through
a support letter! Perhaps embarrassment in asking for money engenders
such distaste for my own letter? But I'm a 23-year old, recent college
graduate and no one, including myself, expects me to have $20,000 of
disposable income. Pride, then? Do I feel that my "independent
spirit" is a slight sham when I clearly depend on dozens of
people? Definitely some vulnerability is involved as I share with
hundreds a cause and pursuit which clings deeply in my heart.
What about fear? Fear that few people will respond, that they will think
I am only using them or, worst of all, they might think I am one of those
idealist types delaying the responsibilities of adulthood by taking unpaid
positions in Africa.
Lean close, I will
let you in on a secret... It's a combination of all those reasons.
Yikes. Time for a mug refill.
Still, I choose to follow the joy. Through these support letters I choose to share myself and my needs and leave my hesitations to just deal with it. A former intern encouraged me with the advice that I am not just asking for myself, but sharing the work and giving people an opportunity for blessing.
With that said, I am
going to post a copy of my letter. If you would like to receive a hard copy
feel free to email me your address.
And hey, thanks for
listening.
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God carves unique niches in each of our hearts for things we love and are passionate about. My heart comes alive when I see God’s love and justice displayed to the weakest and most oppressed of His creations. In January 2014 I have the opportunity to pursue that joy to Nairobi, Kenya for a year-long internship with International Justice Mission. I will serve as an Executive Administrative Intern aiding the office in their mission to bring rescue and restoration to victims of child sexual assault and police abuse of power.
IJM is an international human rights agency composed of Christian attorneys, social workers and investigators whose mission is to protect people from injustice. National IJM staff investigates situations of abuse and partners with officials to free victims from danger, provide ongoing legal support and facilitate restoration through aftercare. Additionally, IJM pursues bridge-building relationships to empower communities to prevent future abuses and ensure that public justice systems actually work for the poor.
My dream to work with IJM began in high school when I first heard about the extent of modern day slavery and violent oppression. In fact, my introduction to IJM came from a support letter just like this! This spring I was privileged to serve a 6 month internship with IJM in Washington, DC—an experience that nurtured my wish to continue pursuing justice as I learned more of not only injustice in the world, but of God’s redemptive heart. While I now know more about the darkness that exists, what inspires me is the good news. The hope and power of Christ displayed by seeing people rescued from physical slavery, restored from vicious abuse and shown the heart of God is greater than any darkness that exists.
I want to invite you to see that hope by partnering with me, and I am writing for your support in two areas.
Donation Ideas!
|
|
$45
|
The approximate cost of living for
one day in Nairobi
|
$87
|
The current USD to Kenyan Shilling
exchange rate is $1/87ksh
|
$117
|
To remind you of Isaiah 1:17,
declaring God’s heart for justice
|
Financially – As an unpaid intern, I need approximately
$15,000 for my year in Kenya. This amount covers all of my transportation,
visa, rent and living expenses. I leave in mid-January but any donation at any
point during the year is gratefully accepted! I have enclosed information on
how you can donate online through IJM or directly to me.
Spiritually – Prayer support is not just an afterthought for
me. Not only would I love prayer for the work in Nairobi, as well as my
personal needs and safety, I crave prayers of encouragement, that my spirit
would be strengthened as I am faced with violence and abuse, that I would
remain tender-hearted to the work and that my hope and joy would be sustained
by Christ.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or for more
information! I love to speak about IJM and would happily do so, if possible,
with your church or friends. Stay updated by reading my blog www.onetimeinyuma.blogspot.com,
adding me on Facebook or emailing me at hv.beckett@gmail.com.
I am excited about this next year and thankful for your
support!
With joy,
Hannah
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