Sierra Leone

Image of Sierra Leone

Source: Wikipedia

Why am I Going?

I started this page out by just copy/pasting my support letter and hoping that everyone would just get the idea of what I was doing from that, but it just didn't feel heartfelt, and this is a different medium than a letter so I feel it should be different, does that make sense?

But anyway, yes! I am going to Sierra Leone. I feel like I should have 1,000 reasons for me to want to go, but It can really be summed up in a lot less than that. I primarily want to love these people like Jesus would love them. I want to share God's love. I don't expect everyone to have a need that I can fill. I'm not even sure if it would be right for me to try.

I expect to see some joyful, and some broken kids. I just keep having visions in my thoughts (not in a creepy supernatural way) of some amazing smiles shooting out from their faces, I see so much laughter, I see our team in awe of what is happening around us, and God's plan being put into action all over Africa.

I feel like it has almost become a "trendy" thing in our Christian church to talk about Africa, and I guess it's one of two things, either it is just a new trend for us as the Church (like our cross necklaces) or God has an amazing plan for this continent that he wants us to go and be a part of weaving his spirit and our lives through this place. I am pretty certain that it's the second one. God has an amazing plan for a continent with an immeasurable amount of needs.

I don't want an ordinary American Dream life, that's why I came to Orlando Florida in the first place. I want to use the gifts I have from God and change the world. And I want to do it with absolute humility, knowing that the work is from, and for God...No plan of man can stand up to that and I am going to be a part of the solution for God's kingdom coming to this Earth.

"The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works that I have done and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father."
- John 14:12

Support Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

I have something pretty amazing to share with you. The journey started about two and a half years ago when I first became a Christian. I didn't really know what it fully meant to be a "Christ Follower" but I had a desire, even then, to help on a global level. This desire and the possibility of me going started out pretty small because of my work situation and then school, until recently that is... I've been learning so much about the continent of Africa, and more specifically the needs that some of the children have there: some are orphaned, some dying of AIDS, and some just need love. Now have the opportunity to be a part of their lives.

I will be going to Sierra Leone, Africa for 2 months with 10 other members from my church through an organization called Children of the Nations (www.cotni.org). We will be leaving on June 25th and returning on August 18th. During that time I will be helping with kids' camps, VBS, working with children that have special needs, raising awareness on AIDS/health issues, and the thing I'm most excited about: developing relationships, and sharing the love of Jesus.

In order for this trip to be possible I will have to raise some money. The total cost of the trip for me will be $4,328 (includes: travel, lodging, ministry resources for the children, and food). And in a world-view of this the timing couldn't be worse with me just graduating from school, and currently jobless, but I know that this trip is a God-thing and that He is faithful to provide.

However, I don't just need money! I need prayer, and a lot of it. Here are 3 things you can pray for me about:

  1. Humility. I don't want to be Jesus for anyone and I don't want to be a hero. I want to bring glory to God by loving these people of Sierra Leone.
  2. Health. Please pray that I will stay healthy through all of this (in accordance to God's will). I will be getting plenty of vaccinations but I don't want to be unable to work there due to sickness.
  3. Teammates. My new friends and teammates who will be joining on this journey need the same prayers that I need and maybe even more, please pray for them too.

Remember, you're not limited to those three things J. I really believe in the power of prayer, it makes a difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, I can't wait to tell you about the amazing things I've learned in Sierra Leone when I return.

Much Love,

Robert Spangler

† If you are going to be sending support please makes checks payable to Discovery Church, and put Sierra Leone in the memo. Please do not put my name anywhere on the check and mail it to me at 7843 Pine Crossings Cir. Apt#927 Orlando, Florida 32807. The gift is tax-deductible and Discovery will send you a statement.