Dear friends and family,

I’m so excited to let you know that I have been approved to participate in the Walla Walla University Student Missions Program! This means that I have decided to take a year out from my college studies and spend it on the island of Majuro teaching 4th grade at the Delap SDA School. I’ve been told that my year as a missionary will be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding years of my life.

I recently changed my major to Elementary Education and I couldn’t be more excited. I have accepted this assignment in the Student Missions program because I want to spend a year engaging in service and sharing God’s love with others. I am so thrilled about this opportunity, and now I am growing in God as I begin the challenge of fundraising.

There are several costs associated with this experience: travel costs, visa costs, mailing costs, living costs while I’m out, and the list goes on. Each year, the student missionaries are required to raise the money needed. We do that by working in the community for donations, asking for donations from mission supporters, working with our local churches for help, and by earning as much as we can in addition to the money given. The funds are used to get us to our location, to make sure we’re cared for while we’re there, and then to bring us home. A portion of the fundraised money ($500) goes toward training and support offered through the SM office. Any excess funds I raise help other SMs to go, provide emergency aid, as well as help support SMs in the field.

Will you consider joining me in this by giving as generous a gift as you’re able? Any amount you share will be deeply appreciated! Each of us has a goal of $3,500. Donations will be deposited into the Student Missionary fund to help turn our dreams of being missionaries into the satisfaction that comes from serving others.

I’m so blessed that I have such a wonderful opportunity to share God’s love. I’ve been looking forward to going as a student missionary since I was in highschool and now that the time has come, I am asking you to share in the blessing by helping financially. I appreciate your prayers to help me face the many challenges I will face as I live away from family and friends, adjust to a new culture—its people, food, and way of life—and serve as an ambassador for Christ.

Thank you so much for your help. I’m blessed and thankful to have you share in this experience with me.

In His love and for His service,

Emillie Hathaway