December 30, 2008
Hello friends!
I'm sitting at a table in Starbucks, trying to write a letter to you about my upcoming trip to the Philippines. The barista is shouting out - “Grande Peppermint Mocha, No whip, for Chris!!!” It's really hard to appear manly when they announce your drink outloud in Starbucks.
Okay, back to my letter. On February 6th - 18th I’ll be going to the Philippines - though not on vacation.
Rather, I’ll be part of a 15-person team from Westgate Church interacting with the children living at Sankey Orphanage, assisting with small building projects, and doing outreach within the surrounding community near Lucens, Southeast of Manila.
Three things motivated me to do this. The first was listening to Tom Randall's passion, a man who speaks about twice-a-year at my church, and whose energy and faith helped build the orphanage with whom I'll be serving.
The second was a thought that entered my mind about one month ago that I should go and help with this orphanage in any way that I could.
And the third was Jim Carrey.
In the movie “Yes Man”, Carrey is required to say, “Yes” to any request made of him. While the requests get a little crazy, the concept is phenomenal. It’s so easy to find reasons NOT to do things in life. This Philippines trip is a perfect example. However, I wanted to take a new approach. I wanted to say, “Yes” and see what God might do in and through me!
When I discovered that our church was doing a Philippines trip next month, I felt the confirmation was complete! And that's why I'm writing you this letter.
I recognize that a trip like this is quite an undertaking and our team will need the help of others to serve effectively. As Christians, we first ask for your prayers. We would love your commitment to pray for our physical health and safety, for our spiritual and mental alertness, for the financial needs of our team, and for the families and the community we’ll be serving.
Our second need is for financial support. I need to raise $2,200 by January 25th to pay for all aspects of this 13-day trip. Anything you could give would be extremely helpful. I’m asking if you might make a one time, tax-deductible donation.
The fastest and easiest way to support financially is online at:
https://www.westgatechurch
Once there you can scroll down until you find my picture and bio and click the “Donate Now” button. NOTE: It may say your donation was unsuccessful. HOWEVER, apparently, when you check your email, it will say that your donation went through. So be sure to double-check before re-donating. :)
If you’d like to contribute with a check, simply make it out to Westgate Church and write ONLY “Go Beyond” in the memo section of the check. You can include a post-it with my name so that your contribution can be properly recorded for my trip. The check can be mailed to:
Westgate Church
1735 Saratoga Ave
San Jose, CA 95129
If you choose to support me and I receive more than necessary for this trip, or for some reason I am unable to go on this trip, the funds you’ve donated will be allocated to the support of other members of the same trip. If not fully utilized there, the funds will be placed in the Westgate Church Short Term Missions Fund to be used for other similar trips.
Even if you are unable to support me financially or prayerfully, I would still love your encouragement.
Feel free to ask questions, send me encouragement, or just stay in touch on facebook and/or email: Scharmen1@aol.com.
Thank you so much for being a part of my life. I will be in touch and let you know how the trip is going!
Chris Scharmen
Westgate Church
1735 Saratoga Ave
San Jose, CA 95129
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."
– Jim Elliot
