Orientation in Toronto!

A few weeks ago I got back from Missionary training in Toronto, Canada which was run through the Canadian Churches Forum for Global Ministries (CCFGM). We spent two weeks learning about mission, cultural “icebergs” and how our own experiences influence the way we see the world. There were 11 of us from the Young Adult Service Corps (YASC) there plus missionaries from other programs. We had a great time getting to know each other, praying together, playing board games all night and exploring the city of Toronto! I had a wonderful time and am really excited about this upcoming year now.

Speaking of this next year, my tickets have been booked! I leave on August 1st in the morning and will arrive in Nagoya on the 2nd. Ohh, it’s going to be a long flight. I’ve been downloading lots of new music to listen to on the way over. My next step is packing and finishing getting the few new things that I will need like adaptors and new shoes. I have a lot to do and only a little over three more weeks to do it…can I get it all done??

I’ll leave you with a quotation and a picture:

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time; but if you are here because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." --Lilla Watson

Niagara Falls!

Fundraising Letter

June 1st, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,

I am about to begin a new chapter in my life by becoming an Episcopal Young Adult Service Corps Missionary in Nagoya, Japan. For 12 months I will be living and working in an Anglican community in Japan and assisting in their youth ministry programs.

I am writing to you to ask for your support. First and foremost I ask for prayers and thoughts of encouragement as God leads me through this new adventure. Secondly, I am asking for financial support. The church cannot engage in missionary work without resources. As part of my preparation for this work I need to fundraise $10,000 which is approximately half of the cost of supporting an overseas missionary.

Not everyone is called to become a missionary, but through spiritual and financial support we can all participate in the work that God calls the whole church to. I invite you to please consider joining in this work by supporting my mission year by a donation of:

1 Day = $28
2 Days = $52
1 Week = $192

Of course, donations in any amount will be greatly appreciated!
Please make your check out to DFMS with “YASC Christen” in the memo. Don’t forget to fill out the attached form for a tax receipt and please mail both to:

Mission Personnel
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10017


Thanks so much for your support!
Peace,
Christen