Hello everyone,
My name is Emerald Thomas and I am a 22 year old senior currently attending Prairie View A&M University studying Sociology. I am so very excited to inform you that I have been accepted to attend a mission trip this summer 2019 to Uganda, Africa through a non-profit organization called, Sovereign Wings of Hope Ministries (SWOH). Before I continue about the trip, let me briefly share some of my past and current experiences.
Some of you may know that this will be my 2nd mission trip ever done. My first one was in Peru, South America and it was the best week of my life While there, I was able to help a church start to build their second floor and a roof over it. I even learned how to make adobe bricks, which I found so cool how they use what they have to make many great things. The main important thing that I cherished the most when I left, were the friendships that I made with the natives in such little time that I had. I even have a few of them as Facebook friends now. That whole experience alone humbled me so much to really appreciate what I have at home and that also made me work even harder in school. So after completing that one, I knew from then on this was something I wanted to do for others who may not have all the help or resources to do for themselves. I felt that God was calling me to do even greater things, which has led me to where I am today and meeting SWOH ministries.
For this trip, we’ll be with hospice patients and their families. We will also be visiting children at Wings of Hope Christian Academy, a school that SWOH built, that has given orphans a home and many kids around the area an education. Also, while we are at the school, we will be purchasing over 100 pairs of shoes to give to the children that attend the school everyday typically without shoes on their feet. What I find even more amazing is that once we get the shoes, we are going to wash their feet first and then put on their brand new shoes. Lastly, we will host a pastor conference for all of the natives and their pastors to teach new techniques and ways to serve their community through God. We will be able to experience African life and getting to know the natives, not just on a “surface” level but in a personal way. I want to be able to leave from Uganda knowing that I have left a positive mark on them that they and also myself will cherish forever.
The dates for the trip are June 27th- July 18th, and the amount needed to go is $3500 per person. This includes, Airfare-Round Trip, room and board for the trip, and project expenses. I have until May 31st to have all of my finances taken care of. I would also appreciate if you could also send prayers as my team and I embark on this journey. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my letter and I pray that God continues to bless your life.
Sincerely,
Emerald Thomas