Dear Family and Friends,

God has placed on my mind and heart the continent of Africa in the past
3-4 years. It has been my plan to go to college, become a nurse to one
day become a full-time missionary in Africa. For this reason it has
been my hearts desire to take a “gap� year before I officially begin
college to experience missions in Africa and to familiarize myself with
its culture and its people. People are asking me, “Why Africa?� I
really cannot explain it. I can only accredit it to the Holy Spirit’s
leading in my life.

I feel an unexplainable burden for the lost, destitute, sick, and
orphaned of Africa. I just read that by the year 2010 there will be
18,000,000 orphans due to the AIDS epidemic, and in less than a decade
from now there will be 42,000,000 orphaned. My heart is burdened by
these numbers, and I desire in some small way, to be of service to
these people. After months of searching for a place of service, God
finally opened a door with
Adventures In Missions.
In AIM’s Next Step program I will learn how to minister, disciple
others and be discipled. This 9-month mission trip begins in September
with a week of training and team building, and then off to Africa I go
with a team of fellow mission-minded young adults to begin working with
different ministries AIM is involved with in Africa, that minister to
AIDS orphans and others.

I am so thankful to God for this opportunity to grow in my relationship
with Him and serve. In order for this trip to be realized however, I am
asking for you to prayerfully consider joining me in this step of faith
by supporting me through your prayers and/or financial contributions. I
am responsible for raising approximately $11,000.00, which includes my
flights, medical shots, visa, and my entire nine-month stay. Would you
prayerfully consider what role God may have you play in partnering with
me this next year? I would very much desire individuals who will commit
to praying for me during my time away and also during this time of
raising up needed support. If you are interested in supporting me,
please fill out the enclosed response form. Fill in the start date and
end date if you commit to monthly pledges. Please make checks payable
to Adventures In Missions. The enclosed card MUST be included, as that
will provide AIM with all necessary information. In turn, they will
send you a receipt. They require that I have 60% of my funds in before
I leave and the rest of the funds can be in pledges. Please note that a
one-time gift is also an option. I have my own Blog site which I will
update each week. Log on to briannafranklin@myadventure.org to read
about how God is working throughout the year. Thank you for considering
supporting me!

I am nervous as well as excited about what God has in store for me this
coming year. It will not be easy to leave the safety and familiarity of
home, but I am so looking forward to see God stretch my faith and watch
how He will use this experience to verify my calling. “May the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit be with you all.� (2 Cor. 13:13)

By His Grace,

Brianna Franklin