Hello all,

As many of you know, over the last year I have been the leader of the high school youth group at my church, First United Methodist Church of Woodstock.

That means, I’m the Bible-verse explainer, whip-cream supplier, mission trip-planner, pie-sale promoter, prayer intervener, God-related-game creator, church-politics-handler, Facebook-stalker, parent-newsletter writer, tough-times/any times-listener, and all-around nice gal.

I love every second of it.

I really, really do.

High school students have this mold-able quality about them that makes spending time with them refreshing and rewarding. They’re one-part adult, one-part idealistic child and one-part crazy-hormone mess. But when you mix all three, you end up with someone who can take advice, and offer their own opinion in response – all while thinking it is the most (insert: exciting/upsetting/great/awful/best/worst) thing ever to happen ever.

Of course, I couldn’t do any of my work with the students without God, so I pray every day he will help me reach them. Thankfully, (most) every Sunday, he does.

Now, I’m asking that you’ll help me and God with that goal as well.

We are planning a youth group trip to Florida, for the end of June. Twenty-five of us — four adults, 20 students and one amazing junior leader– will trek down there in two 15-passenger vans (I’m kind of scared to drive the vans) all in the name of God. While there, we’ll work with children, the elderly and the homeless.

But we need your support to get there.

First, of course, we need your prayer. Lots, and lots and lots of prayer.

If you don’t believe in God, then we need your happy thoughts. Lots and lots and lots of happy thoughts.

Also, we need financial support. We’ve baked pies, made pancakes and sold soup all in an effort to reach our goal of raising $10,000.

But, that’s a LOT of money.

A lot.

And we’re not quite there yet.

So, as the group’s leader I’m making a personal plea on our behalf for support.

If you feel God calling you to help us, you can send a check made out to: First United Methodist Church of Woodstock to: 971 Quill Lane, Woodstock, Il, 60098.

Any amount, big or small, will be really, really, really appreciated.

Seriously.

Also, the trip is at the end of June, and we’re in the final planning stages, so I’m kind of hoping God will compel you to help soon rather than later, if you get my drift.

I know many of you already are praying for me, and I sincerely thank you for that.

And for those you who feel compelled to help us out now, thank you for that too.

Thank you times 1 trillion.

Thank you.

I couldn’t do any of this without you or God, and I know that.

So, seriously, thank you.

Love,
Crystal Lindell