*Please support Mary's trip to South Africa*

The Journey Church is collaborating with Lake Pointe Church to assist their two partner churches with meeting the needs of South Africans that have been impacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis. We will be going to East London, South Africa which is located in the Eastern Cape on the southeast tip of Africa on the Indian Ocean. Various projects will include youth programs, evangelistic visits to HIV/AIDS clinics, vacation bible school activities and construction projects. The two partner churches we will be working with are First City Baptist Church (located in East London) and Gompo Baptist Church (located in Gompo). Most of the ministry opportunities are directed toward people living in shantytowns located near the church. These shantytowns were created during the Apartheid era of South African history when many people were separated by race and placed in townships. These communities are much in need of assistance and care as they have been cast out and are often ignored and discriminated against due to poverty and HIV/AIDS.

The Journey’s mission really spoke to me; it got me thinking about my grandfather who was extremely service minded. He was always such a positive influence on my life and he always stressed the importance of serving others and the lasting effects that service has in everyone's lives. Well, since I have been attending the Journey I have become close with many of its members through my growth groups, and I too now understand on a deeper level the fulfillment that comes from these relationships and the service activities we participate in within the community. This combined with my past experiences have prepared me for what God has been calling me to do—participate in the Journey’s mission trip to South Africa this summer from July 2-13th, 2008.

Please scroll to the bottom of the page to see detailed information related to your giving opportunites.

The Journey's Mission

• Inviting you to an intimate relationship with God,
• Connecting you in healthy relationships with other Christians,
• Guiding you toward an authentic commitment to God,
• Involving you in life-changing ministry and mission in our city and the world that you may,
• Honor God completely.

Fundraising Goals and Deadlines

The cost of my trip to East London, South Africa is $3000.00, and I hope to raise this amount with your support. The Journey is registered as a 501(c)3 organization meaning all gifts and donations are tax deductible. If you are interested in making a donation in support of this trip, there are a few ways for you to contribute. You can make your contribution online by clicking on this link to the Journey’s website, or mail your check to (The Journey Church, Attn: Dawn Thompson, 321 W. 44th Street, Suite 203A, New York, NY 10036. Your support is much needed and appreciated. Please see below for specific deadlines related to fundraising, I will also update my website periodically to show my fundraising progress. To ensure that your donation is allocated properly please note Mary Howell-South Africa in the memo line of your check or in the payee instructions box if you are making your contribution online.

Mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
The Journey Church
ATTN: Dawn Thompson
321 W. 44th Street, Suite 203A
New York, NY 10036

Please note Mary Howell-South Africa in the memo line of your check to ensure that your donation is allocated properly.

If you prefer to make your tax deductible donation online, please use the link below.

When making your payment please click on "Instuctions for Payee" and note Mary Howell-South Africa to ensure that your donation is allocated properly.

http://www.journeymetro.com/midtown/giving/online_giving_step_1

Thank you all for your support of my trip and please keep me in your prayers!

Deadlines are as follows:

March 1  Application Due
March 15  $350 non-refundable deposit due to The Journey Church
April 1  $825 due to The Journey Church
April 30  $825 due to The Journey Church
May 15  $500 due to The Journey Church
June 15  $500 due to The Journey Church