By now many of you have received a letter from Hannah and I regarding our trip to Uganda this April and May. If for some reason you’ve not received a letter, we apologize. We want to include you in our journey so we’re posting our Uganda letter here.

Hannah and I have been very encouraged by many of you who have already responded through your support and prayer. Already, nine limited prints have been sold. If you are interested in purchasing a print, act quickly before they’re all gone. You can find them HERE.

Again, thanks so much for your prayers. If you feel like sharing this with your community, church or neighbor, please feel free… You can also retweet or share as a facebook link if you’re a cyber junkie.

If you would prefer a hard copy of this letter with a photo of Hannah and I… please email me your address and I will send you a letter in the mail.

To our friends and family,
I am so honored and proud to share with you that Hannah and I are planning to journey to Uganda, Africa this April to work with a youth camp that several others and myself began in 2004, Faith Quest Uganda.

In 1987 a small camp began in Oregon called Faith Quest. It was started by a couple of youth workers who saw the need for spiritual growth and action among teens in the northwest. For 23 years Faith Quest America has impacted thousands of teens to share and impact their world for Christ. One of the former students from the church that began Faith Quest America answered the call to be more to his world and became a missionary in Fort Portal, Uganda. That student, Jeff Cash, has been serving the people of Uganda for more than 15 years and has done amazing work for Jesus and the community throughout Uganda. Jeff has partnered with local authorities and government agencies to bring aid and relief supplies to many in need. Jeff is answering the call to make a difference in the world.

So you might understand my excitement for the opportunity that Hannah has. She is stepping up to make a difference in her world like Jeff. This will be the first time, since Faith Quests beginning, that a current student from Faith Quest America will travel to Faith Quest Uganda. We are prayerful that Hannah will not be the only student from the United States to travel; however, things like school schedules, sports and financial support have already made it difficult for other students to attend. As a home school family we are afforded flexibility where our schoolroom is located. Africa is an incredible classroom. Our biggest roadblock however, is the financial. We estimate $8,000 budget for our trip to be successful. This is where we trust in God and look to you as partners with us.

Both Hannah and I are working to provide our financial contribution to the trip. Hannah was offered a job, by the owner of Wendy’s, in Wenatchee on Saturdays cleaning tables and refilling sodas for customers. I’m working on selling some limited edition prints of my photography locally and through the internet. Our goal is $1,000 each. We are looking for both prayer partners and financial partners to help us fulfill our financial and spiritual goals. Hannah and I are asking, “Will you sponsor us with a tax deductible gift?

We are trusting that Jesus will provide… He has so abundantly given in the past through generous gifts like yours. With your financial gift, we will also be able to help provide for the needs of many students at Faith Quest Uganda. Everything cost money and your support helps provide for us as well as many students who will be attending camp. My first year in Uganda, through the generosity of many, we were able to supply housing for a displaced family for six months. Busessa and his family are doing well and ministering in the Dominican Republic of Congo now thanks to the generosity of many like you.

I’ve shared a lot, but I would like for Hannah to share some of her thoughts. She has written a letter to you expressing her thoughts about this trip.

Hi everyone, Hannah here.
This year I would love to travel to Uganda, Africa. I want to make a difference in this world… I want to show the love of Jesus to the children I meet in Uganda. I would love to be Jesus to the children I meet whether orphaned, in some village or maybe sitting in a clinic waiting for someone to show them the joy of the Lord.

I’m excited because I will be among the first Faith Quest campers to attend Faith Quest Uganda and Faith Quest US in the same year. That’s pretty cool. However, the only thing that stands in the way is the cost. My costs will run about $4,000. For my Pop and I about $8,000 total. That’s a lot of money. I’m planning on doing a few jobs to contribute to my trip, but I still need financial support so that I can go be with the widows and the orphans just like Jesus told us to.
Thank you for always being there in the past and God bless.

Hannah K. Thomas

Hannah and I know it’s been a difficult year for our nations economy. We are doing our best to be faithful stewards of the blessings God has given us. Breaking it down, we are asking for a $1 a day for the next 30 days or a special gift helping us reach our goal. On April 28th, 2010, Lord willing, we plan to board a plane with several others to begin a two week mission in Uganda. However our financial needs are arriving sooner than that. Our airfare is $1,531.00 per ticket. That’s a total of $3,062 total so your gift of $30 would help us lock in our trip.

One last blessing I want to share with you, our family has sponsored a child with World Vision for four years now. His name is Zakalyia and he lives very close to Fort Portal, where Hannah and I will be staying. His birthday is May 10th and we are working with World Vision to visit him and celebrate his 8th birthday. On my last trip I was unable to connect with him because of an outbreak of the Ebola virus. We are prayerful that God will bless this opportunity for Zakalyia, Hannah and I.

Hannah and I are so thankful for you. As we conclude this letter, we covet your prayers. Jesus is leading every bit of this mission. He will be glorified no matter what. Second, we are seeking your financial support. We cannot do this without your support. Your gift of $30, $50, $350 or whatever amount is placed on your heart will be a huge blessing. Thank you so much.

“Until the whole world hears.”

Johnathan and Hannah Thomas

PLEASE SEND GIFTS TO: KING’S ORCHARD CHURCH OF CHRIST PO BOX 1019 WENATCHEE, WA 98807 / Please sign checks to: King’s Orchard church of Christ with the memo UGANDA FUND

peace.
johno~