Greetings!

Dear  Friends,

When I first heard that a missions trip to Tanzania (Africa) was being formed in my church, I didn’t think too much about it. I made excuses because of my health (which has since stabilized) and my move to Seattle this fall.  But it soon became clear that God was calling me to serve in Tanzania this summer.  And, needless to say, it scared the hell out of me.  It definitely took me by surprise.  So, I prayed that a few things would happen that day if I needed to go.  But God said "stop stalling, you heard what I said. You need to go."  And, when I woke up the next morning, it was firmly on my mind and now I can’t imagine not going. 

So, I am headed to Mwanza, Tanzania August 5th-August 18^th.  There are five of us going through Christ's Hope (whose mission is “Bringing the life-changing message of Jesus Christ to people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS through discipling and care giving, presenting them perfect in Christ Jesus”) to provide for the spiritual, medical, emotional, and physical needs for local school and street children.  As you may know, Tanzania is a third world country where electricity is  unreliable, disease spreads easily due to lack of medical care,  and water is not so readily available through the turn of a handle.

I will be basically helping out where I can. So, whether it’s teaching English, preparing food, teaching kids games, talking about safety, acting out Bible stories, I will serve however I can. By the grace of God, I will accomplish and fulfill the needs of these children – from basic needs to showing the love of Christ. 

Friend, as I am sure you are aware, missions is not a one-man effort. Therefore, I am asking you, as my brothers and sisters in Christ, to commit to praying for this trip. Another way you can help is by providing financial support. The current estimate I have is the entire trip (flight, food, shelter, etc) will cost about $5000. Would you consider supporting me with a small (or large) donation?  Please make checks payable to City on a Hill Church (PO Box 673, Brookline, MA 02446) and include a note explaining that your donation is for Emily McLean‘s Tanzania trip. Alternatively, you could give online at http://coahchurch.org/#/worship-gatherings/giving. If you choose to give online, select “Other Designated Gift” and write “Emily McLean Tanzania” in the space provided.  When giving through City on a Hill Church, your donation is tax deductible.  Please do not send money directly to me!   Any amount helps, so please, give according to your heart -- whether that be $5 or $1000.

Due to limited Internet connections in TZ, I probably won’t be able to send individual updates to my supporters.  However, I have every intention of updating this blog more frequently as the departure date nears and when abroad.  Here I will discuss the trip, thoughts, and specific prayer requests.

I’m very excited to see how God will work on this trip.  If you would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to ask me.

In Christ,

Emily McLean

bookmouse1@gmail.com