About My Betel Europe Missions Trip

Since Jan. 1st, I've been the Administrative Intern for Betel of America, a Christian ministry which has helped hundreds of men become free of alcoholism, drug addictions, and homelessness. In May, I was asked by my boss if I'd like to continue serving Betel (but in a new role) in Spain in a women's residence for three months. Then, I was given the news that I could also serve in England for three months, again in a women's residence.

So, I'm Europe bound to daily show love to very broken, hurting women. I will live in community with them and care for them in tangible ways: cooking, cleaning, working alongside them in the community, and helping nurture them spiritually as God allows and as friendships naturally grow. Just as in NYC, my main priorities will be showing God's compassionate love and praying for the women and local community. I look forward to serving the women in Spain and England from October 2011 to March 2012! Thanks for your help to finance this missions trip!

God’s love transforms lives!
I’d like to share a quick story of how God’s love and my time in Betel have changed a life. Before coming to Betel, Justin was homeless and an alcoholic for 10+ years. Justin became a Christian while in Betel of Britain after experiencing the kindness of others there. He came to NY still very broken by women and very closed off to others. After some time, he became a leader here. When I came, we gradually became friends as he learned that he could rely on me to help him rather than hurt him. He asked for my help with tasks on several occasions and recognized my sincere friendship and care of him. When he left to live in Kansas this June, he shared with me that he was very grateful for all of my help and our depth of friendship!

My Day In Betel:
While I live with the women, my day will be highly structured and include these tasks:

• Cleaning and cooking for the 10-30 female residents
• Promoting betel with flyers and calendars
• Working in local shops and offices that support Betel
• Caring for children

The Betel Women:
The women who’ve come into the Betel program are in need of love and positive support. They typically have pasts that include:

• Abuse or rape
• Prostitution
• Broken relationships with family members and males
• Life in gangs
• Gypsy life (Spain)
• Homelessness

My Betel Budget:
I am in need of your help to finance this missions trip to Europe. For your consideration, if you choose to give financially here’s what your money will be used to purchase:

• Round trip flights = $1500
• Winter clothes (for Spain) = $150
• Hygiene/personal items = $200
• Int’l Driver’s Permit (must for Spain) = $30
• Total remaining needs = $1880

How You Can Help:

• Pray for my time of ministry abroad. May god’s love be abundantly seen!
• Contribute by 9/14/11 online by clicking on the Donate button on this blog's homepage (top LEFT corner)
  
• Contribute by 9/14/11 with a check or money order (made out to myself) to: Amanda Johnson, C/O Betel of America, 26-02 4th Street, Astoria, NY, 11102-4126
  

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR GIFTS!!!