What a year it’s been! As you may or may not know, God has opened a door for me to go to Ethiopia with e3 Partners and Watermark Community Church again this Summer, July 22 – July 31.

We will team up with Ethiopians as we do children’s ministry/VBS and community outreach. The purpose of the trip is to build relationships and partner with Ethiopian Christians to help fulfill e3 Ethiopia’s vision of planting and growing churches within unreached people.

Over the past year, I’ve grown immensely and my faith has been challenged and stretched in more ways than I could have thought possible. Whether I’m leading Bible study group of six amazing women, coaching soccer and mentoring in West Dallas, or helping kids with disabilities after school, I am reminded of how God is always utilizing us to glorify Him in the most unexpected ways.

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26

Last summer, I went to Ethiopia for the first time and had no idea what to expect. I went on a mission trip to Haiti in 2014, but it was a labor-focused trip, during which we helped built a church for a village in Yvon, Haiti. Our Ethiopia trip, however was, and is, purely focused on helping build relationships. Every day, I was challenged to fully engage with villagers about their lives, families, and faith. I was completely pulled out of my comfort zone and left with a stronger desire for mission work. Whether it’s halfway across the world in Ethiopia, or at home in Dallas, I continue to see the importance of sharing God’s love with everyone.

As I prepare for the upcoming trip, I would be honored for you to join me. First and most importantly, please help through the power of prayer. Pray for my team, our Ethiopian translators, the local Ethiopian Christian leaders, and for the people with whom we get to share the love and grace of Jesus!

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18: 19-20

Second, there is also an opportunity to join me financially for those who feel called to contribute. Feel free to visit my personal fundraising page at https://purecharity.com/kim-long-s-fundraiser-for-oromo- region-ethiopia to donate. All contributions are tax deductible! I will be fundraising the entire cost of my trip, which will be around $4,000. 100% of the funds will go directly toward my transportation, food, lodging, translators, and supplies, $2,500 of which is due by March 15th, 2016.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration, Kim Long