Dear Friends & Family,

I wanted to take the time to share with you about an exciting opportunity that has recently opened up for me. I have been accepted to do a 1-year missions internship in Francistown, Botswana (Africa). This internship is through Light of the World Ministries (lotwafrica.org) founded by Reverend Matt and Kristin Buckley. Matt and Kristin have been missionaries in Botswana for over 20 years, and they have a very established and thriving ministry, which I am excited to be a part of.

Matt & Kristin Buckley

During my internship, I will have the opportunity to involve myself in various aspects of their ministry, including:

• Light of the World Church: a thriving community church reaching youth, children, singles and married couples, with branch churches being established in nearby villages.

• Light of the World Academy: a Christian school reaching families with children between the ages of 2 1/2 through 6, and soon expanding to elementary ages.

• Light of World Bible Training Center: where I will be receiving 15 hours per week of formal Bible instruction.

• Urban Ministry: outreach to prisons, schools, businesses, etc.

• Village Ministry: outreach to native locals in more remote/provincial areas.

Ever since I was a child, I have been supportive of missionaries and I have the utmost respect for the work they do. After much prayer and consideration, I believe that missions work is a calling that God wants me to explore for my own life. I know my time in Botswana will provide me with the opportunity to gain first hand experience living in the mission field, as well as help me develop a greater understanding for what God is personally calling me to do.

I once heard a missionary say that the safest place you can ever be is in God’s will. I feel safe in my decision to participate in this internship. I believe that this internship is God’s will for this season of my life.

My plan is to move to Botswana by July of this year. In order to do so, I will need to raise about $14,000. This amount will cover the cost for my tuition, travel expenses, health insurance, and basic and personal expenses for one year. I would greatly appreciate support that is given either as a one time gift, or in the form of monthly support for the year I will be living in Botswana. I would like to ask you to please prayerfully consider investing in me, and sending me out to do what I firmly believe God is leading me to do.

I sincerely appreciate your consideration and support!

Thank you and blessings!

– Mel