Wednesday, April 15, 2015

The Beginning of a Journey...

When I was a teenager I said, "by the time I'm 25 I want to be married, have a child and be overseas." Well, in August I will be 26 and these three goals/ prayer requests have been answered! I was married at 24, Elaine & I just had our first child, Mordikai (Kai) Andrew, in December and we have just received the official word that we'll be moving to the Philippines. It’s funny how God answers our prayers even when we begin to think it will not happen.

We are extremely excited to share with you about the opportunity that God is leading in. As most of you know, in August 2014, I was able to go and visit a ministry in the Philippines called Streetlight. Streetlight ministers to children who live on the streets of Cagayan De Oro (CDO), Philippines. During my time there I was able to get to know the missionaries in CDO and participate in the daily routine of Streetlight. I was also able to visit the headquarters of the mother organization, Kids International Ministries (KIM). While at the headquarters, I was able to talk with and discuss future plans with the director and other board members of KIM. Since getting back in the states we have continued to discuss a potential future with KIM and have recently been accepted to come and minister for 1 year. The purpose of this year would be to learn the language and to also see how Elaine and I could fit into the ministry of Streetlight. We are hoping to leave January, 2016 and return a year later at which point we will decide if we want to join KIM full time.
Over the upcoming months we will be nailing down the specifics of our trip and be raising the necessary monthly support for our family while in the Philippines. Our goal is to raise $2000 a month. KIM requires us to have at least $1500 in monthly commitments before we can move to the Philippines. There is also a one-time start cost of $5000; this money would go toward plane tickets, visas, insurance, etc.
We are hoping to take several trips to visit friends, family and churches that would be interested in this endeavor. If you think your church would be interested in having us share about this opportunity to partner with us so that we can be God’s hands and feet to these children, please contact us as soon as possible. But more importantly than the finances, we would ask that you would be in prayer for our family as we step out in faith and make this move. If you would like to join our Prayer Team, please email us your address. We would love to send you a prayer card.
Adopted in Christ, The Canfields
Prayer Points ~ Mental and Spiritual Preparation ~ Continue to grow close as a couple ~ Wisdom as parents ~ $2000 in Monthly Support ~ $5000 for start up costs
How to partner with us financially:
1) Email us and let us know how much and if it is a one time gift or monthly commitment.
2) Checks should be made out to "Kids International Ministries." Our names cannot appear anywhere on the check, or it could potentially compromise the tax deductibility of the gift. This is done because IRS regulations prevent donors from dictating specific use of funds, however, KIM is committed to honoring donor intent in terms of what ministry the donation is intended to benefit. We will receive 100% of donations intended for us.
3) In the envelope, include a note saying: "One time gift of $__ for Zac & Elaine Canfield" (or) "Monthly commitment of $__ for Zac & Elaine Canfield"
4) Send to: Kids International Ministries ATTN: Zac and Elaine Canfield PO Box 1639 Lawrence, KS 66044