Dear Family and Friends

In August our family will have the exciting opportunity to expand our worldview and take another step of faith by traveling to Austria to participate on a mission trip as a family.

Over a year ago we spent our Christmas break working at the Oasis for one week and the second week we traveled to work with refugees that had moved on from the camp. This year we decided to head back to Austria in August so we can spend two full weeks serving strictly at the Oasis.

 The Oasis is an international team that walks alongside refugees and helps them move towards an intimate relationship with Jesus. Refugees are like you and me, having a home, family, friends work, possessions, culture and dreams. Because of persecution, war, famine, natural disasters, or other reason they feel forced to leave it all behind. Many of the refugees come through the Oasis from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe. For additional information about the Oasis you can go to http://oasis.iteams.org/

In order to make this trip a reality we need to raise $12,000. Over the last year our family has committed to putting a set monthly amount in savings so we are not only personally but financially invested in this trip. We are praying you will join our family on this mission path that God has set for us. We are asking you to prayerfully consider being a prayer partner and a financial supporter. Praying for our family, the Oasis team, the refugees, and the work we will be doing is more important to us, but we also know we are not able to serve fully without being financially supported.

We also understand that financially everyone is struggling, but we ask that you take a moment to read Deuteronomy 16:17 “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.” We ask that you give as you are able, remembering all that you have was given to you by God , but not to give that you will suffer. Any amount, $5, $25, $50, $100, $250… would humbly be appreciated. We ask that your checks are made out to International Teams and write Simmons Family in the memo line. All donations are tax-deducible, and your cancelled checks will be your receipt.

Currently our trip is set for Friday, August 2 - Saturday, August 17, 2013, but don’t forget to check out our blog http://inresponsetothecall.blogspot.com/  or Facebook page (In Response to the Call) for updates before we are even on the mission field.

God Bless,

Robert, Jeni, Rob, and Samantha Simmons