Sally Smith
123 Missions Court
Aptos, CA 95003
831 668-1234

September 24, 2006

Dear Friends,

As you all know, I have been blessed to be a part of two mission teams to the Grand Bahama Island (2005 and 2006).  Twin Lakes Church has created another opportunity for those who are able to serve there once more, in February 2007.  It is my heart’s greatest desire to return again to continue the progress we began in February 2006 as we initiated the establishment of the Sewing Project.

As it happened, just this past week the couple who ministers to the people we worked so closely with these past two years came to Aptos to visit!  This was a gift in many ways.  For Karen and Raoul Armbrister, to travel to our lovely Central Coast, spend some time alone as a couple and get some needed rest (the needs of the people there are so great, these wonderful people are ‘on call’ 24/7); for our team members to greet them in California and show them around the beautiful area where we live; for Raoul and Karen to speak at Twin Lakes Church on Sunday morning, sharing a bit about their mission for the people of the Grand Bahama Island.  And, another important part of this gift has been their chance to share with us the serious need for another Mission Team to travel to the GBI and their dreams and wishes for our return trip.  

The trip in February 2007 will focus once again on hurricane relief, as we meet their continuing needs:
	•	Distribution of school supplies and clothing (especially for babies and young children), 
	•	Continuing the Sewing Project for the purpose of establishing a cottage industry on the island, which includes:
-Further instruction of sewing techniques and hand embroidery for the islanders, 
-Distributing more donations of fabric, sewing machines and sewing notions
	•	Continued construction on the Feeding Center and Boat Building projects
	•	Visiting people out in the community for health screenings

The purpose of this letter is two-fold.  First, I ask each of you to keep our team members in your prayers, beginning right now, and continuing through the entire trip (February 24 through March 3, 2007).   Please pray for our health and safety as we travel to and from GBI, and for our courage, creativity, community, and commitments to be strong.  Please pray for safe and smooth shipping of the donated goods – we will be shipping soon, allowing time for them to arrive on the island before we do.  Also, please pray for the work of our team to grow beyond the participation in the trip.  

I know that God has been using me to serve and help others, and you know how important this work is to me, as well as to the people of GBI and also to the Mission Teams.  I had not planned to return, however, I have learned from Karen and Raoul that the need to continue putting emphasis on the Sewing Project at this time is crucial to its success.  And that is the second reason for this letter.  

Because I have been privileged to be a part of this team for two years now, I am also at a point where I need to ask for financial assistance from any of you who are able.  The total cost of the trip has been a little over $2,500 per person in the past.  And though I am able to contribute some of this on my own, all of the costs are higher this year and I need help with travel and lodging expenses.    My goal is to gather $2,000 before the end of November 2006.  

If you would like to be part of this mission through your financial support, please send a check to me, with the following instructions.  Please make your check payable to Twin Lakes Church and write “Grand Bahama Island Mission Team 2007” in the memo.  Please do not write my name anywhere on the check – the IRS has informed us that doing so will prevent your gift from being tax deductible.  

I’m sure you know this letter was tough for me to write.  It’s much easier to ask for prayers than financial support.  Please know this is prayerful and heart-felt and that I will continue to work diligently in my role to carry out the mission of our team.

I appreciate all your prayers and support!  With my love,