APRIL 21, 2001

Dear Friend: When God calls, He desires to hear us say, “Here I am. Send me.” My name is Seana Rizzutto, and I am extremely excited to serve with OC International by mobilizing students for short-term missions. When I came home last August from my trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, I desired to be on the receiving end in the country that hosts mission teams. I can hardly believe that at the same time there were prayers going up requesting such a person for OC’s summer STEP program. STEP into Guatemala with me! It is important to know about the country and culture before diving into a 15 month adventure. These general facts on Guatemala might give a better mental picture: Area: approximately the size of Tennessee Terrain: mountainous, fertile coastal plains and rainforests – HOT! Population: more than 10.5 million Languages: Spanish, 21 Indian languages Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional Mayan Education: 41% in attendance; 52% are literate Agriculture (24% of GDP): corn, beans, coffee, cotton, cattle, sugar, bananas, timber, rice, rubber Manufacturing (14% of GDP): prepared food, clothing and textiles, construction materials, tires, pharmaceutical The program is call STEP - Summer Team Evangelism Program. “Step is a short term missions program of OC International in cooperation with the Christian community in the U.S. and Canada. It is designed to send summer missionary workers to countries where OC has resident missionaries, in order to encouraged and strengthen the national Christians and carry on evangelistic work throughout the country. The program functions under the direction of various established missionary organizations and local churches, coordinated by OC career missionaries in that country. It’s objective is to effectively assist pastors in church growth, evangelism and multiplication.” For 15 months starting June 8, 2001, I will be working with OC International. For two months, I will participate with four college students from around the U.S. in Guatemala. In September, I will begin recruiting for four months with a traveling team, matching young people up with OC opportunities. I will then return to Guatemala in January 2002 to help coordinate STEP, take the new team of students through this exciting cross cultural experience, then return home to Portland, Oregon in August 2002. While I am working on the field, I will be under the supervision of Gary and Nancy Lengkeek. They have been missionaries since 1976. Their desire for the summer STEP program is to focus on three “priority arenas.” Full immersion into the new culture – get to know the sights, smells, sounds Experience ministry opportunities – sharing one-on-one, kids clubs, giving testimonies, staying with local families Be there for each other – help “STEPers” grow in faith, encourage daily devotions and journaling, stress the importance of prayer In a recent letter, Gary writes that, “this is a time to answer questions that a summer team participant has. It is a time to learn about another country. It is a time to learn about ministry. It is a time to learn about God’s will. It is NOT a time to solve anything in a country. It is NOT a time to resolve problems which a country may have. It is a quasi classroom time.” STEP gives a spark to the churches it visits. It allows the missionaries at work to go into new areas to implement their Bible education program. STEP helps to make OC’s name and the programs it offers well-known throughout Guatemala. Taking STEP into communities that have the Bible program established allows the missionaries to follow up in a neutral way with the people in more remote areas. “Most places want visitors from the U.S. and the churches enjoy coming to STEP’s evening activities. Children see models of what it is like to live the Christian life through STEP participants.” As I take advantage of this amazing opportunity, I am inviting YOU to come with me. My journey with OC is just beginning, and it would mean so much to me to have you by my side. Once a month you will receive a letter from my 15-month journey. A basic premise of the STEP program is that participants will be responsible for all costs involved in their travel and personal living costs. OC does not offer any salary or financial reward for this summer ministry: it is a sacrificial offering of one’s time and lost earnings. I truly believe that God can work miracles if we allow Him to guide the way. Therefore, I believe He will provide financially. Enclosed is a breakdown of the needed budget for this adventure. I would like to ask for your support. If you feel lead, you may make a one-time donation toward the $6000 needed up front, or a monthly gift toward the $2500 needed per month. All donations are tax deductible. Already, the Lord has provided several supporters to cover $2000 toward my monthly needs. Others have contributed a total of $2000 toward my one-time expenses. By May 31st, 75% of all my financial support needs to be provided. It will happen! Checks can be made payable to OC International – account #196. You may send it directly to OC International in the care of David Armstrong, PO Box 36900, Colorado Springs, CO 80936. Thank you for your consideration. If it is not possible to support me financially, I do ask that you will keep me in your prayers. If you are interested in seeing more, check out their web site at www.infovia.com.gt/Sepal, or write to STEP@oci.org I can’t wait to experience it all! Sincerely,

MY PLEDGE CARD

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