The real deal

I've finally finished my support letter, and they should be hitting your mail boxes in the next week or two. If you don't get an actual letter or want to be extra sure that you get one, please email me your address or find me if you live local (postage is expensive!) and I'll give you one. This is a scary but fun step, it's becoming very real now that I'm doing actual, concrete things and not just talking about it. Below is the text of the letter in case you're too anxious to wait for your mail.

This September, I’ll be moving to Monterrey, Mexico, to join Back2Back Ministries as part of their Short Term International Team (STINT). I feel so blessed to have this incredible opportunity! I’ve been involved with Back2Back Ministries for the past 10 years, and have been on numerous trips to Monterrey with my high school, church, and family. I’ve seen the ministry blossom over the past decade as people are introduced to Jesus and the amazing grace and perfect love that He offers. I’ve been able to see first hand how God loves and provides for the orphan child, and how God uses mission trips to dramatically change the lives of the Americans who participate in them, myself included.

For me, this one year STINT will be a continuation of a path I’ve been on for many years. My Dad likes to say, “past behavior predicts future performance.” If you know my Dad, you’re probably familiar with his funny sayings, but I can see that this calling to commit one year of my life to serving the orphans and the poor is just a continuation of my path. God has given me a compassionate heart and a love for working with children and for serving others. I’ve had the chance to work as a crisis counselor, be an orientation coordinator for incoming freshman at Purdue University, serve Clear River Church as a kids teacher and childcare coordinator, and work for several years as a full time social worker with high risk foster children in Indiana. God consistently breaks my heart for the needy, and while it’s often challenging, I’m committed to continuing on the path that He’s called me to.

During my one-year STINT in Mexico, I will work in two general areas: 1) I’ll help the 30+ Back2Back staffers provide “care for today and hope for tomorrow” for 8-10 children’s homes and impoverished communities, and 2) I’ll help guide mission groups from the States who leave their comfort zones and come to Monterrey to serve and often have life-changing experiences. I’ll also be able to use my education and experience in social work to help the ministry look at ways to more effectively serve the children and families in Monterrey.

As I prepare to leave, my biggest need is people to commit to regularly pray for me and for Back2Back Ministries. Moving to a new country where I don’t really speak the language and committing to serve orphans and the destitute is no small undertaking. While I’m incredibly excited, I also feel a little overwhelmed by the task at hand and the calling God has placed on my heart. As with most missionaries, there’s also a financial component. I need to raise $24,660 through one-time gifts and monthly supporters for my year in Mexico. This money covers my living expenses, travel documents, necessary insurance, and moving expenses. If you are able to commit to supporting me through prayer or financially, please complete the enclosed card and place it in the pre-addressed envelope which will go directly to Back2Back Ministries. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

For more information on Back2Back Ministries, visit www.back2backministries.org

To follow me on my journey, visit http://mexicomindy.blogspot.com

Sincerely,
Mindy Webster

webster.mindy@gmail.com