For those of you who may not know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sara Dawson, and I am a parishioner at St. Maria of Paris Orthodox Mission in Cleveland, TN. I am also a high school Spanish teacher with a passion for languages and learning.
I have been blessed with an amazing opportunity this summer: the chance to go on my first mission trip. July 6-17, 2013, I will be traveling to San Esteban, Mexico, with a group of clergy and lay people from all over America to teach and help the churches in and around San Esteban.
San Esteban is a remote subsistent village of approximately 1000 native Aztec Orthodox Christians four hours northwest of Mexico City. Because it is so remote they are only visited by a priest only two or three times per year. When a priest does visit the church is full. The people are hungry for Christ!
While the Diocese of Mexico is preparing to bring a mission priest to the village, the people still lack some of the fundamental teachings that would prepare them to participate fully in Divine Liturgy and the day-to-day life of a Christian believer.
When I heard that the OCA was putting together a trip to aid in teaching the people of San Esteban, I humbly requested to be considered to join the trip and was elated when I received news that I could travel with the teaching team. But I cannot do this without your help, friends.
I ask that you please prayerfully consider helping me fund this trip. The total costs are approximately $1, 200. All donations are being collected through St. Justin Martyr Orthodox Church in Jacksonville, FL. If you would like to donate, there are three ways to do so.
- Send a check to St. Justin Martyr Orthodox Church. The address is 12460 Old St. Augustine Road Jacksonville, FL, 32258. Please mention my name in the memo of the check.
- Visit the St. Justin Martyr website to give online. Then send an email to the church at office@st-justin-martyr.org and mention that your donation is in my name.
- Give your donation to me directly, and I will send it to the church with other donations that I collect over the next few weeks.
Your gift is tax deductible. The absolute final due date for my funds to be in so that I can be on the team is June 1.
Throughout my trip and the weeks leading up to it, I will be posting updates on preparations for the trip and reports from the trip itself.
Thank you so much for all of your help in making this opportunity a reality for me.
Blessings,
Sara Dawson
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