I know support letters are a necessity because mission trips
cost lots of money...and it helps the student grow in how the world works.
But, when my boy had to send a support letter out to request
for prayers and money for his mission trip in Washington DC, I thought that it
would be best if I create a form letter that reflects true HINTER sentiments.
You see, as a HINTER, a support letter should be filled with
a personal connection, honesty, and clarity what the mission-bound HINTER is
really up to.
~~~~~ The
"HINTER Seeking Support" Form Letter ~~~~~
Dear Person-I-Barely-Know,
Remember me? The last time I saw you I screamed at the top
of my lungs and messed in my pants. Sorry about that. Granted, I was only 2,
but you were tall, scary, and you smelled like dog (or maybe that was your
mamoth-sized-to-my-toddlerness Yorkie). I've learned from that 'life-lesson'
moment and have since then improved how I interact with those much older than
me...way older than me.
Other than the 'incident' in your pool last summer while you
were on vacation, I have been a model of today's youth. What? You didn't know
about that? Well, this is now also a confessional letter.
I am writing you to ask for your prayers...and money. Well,
I'm really writing to ask you for money. I know prayers are powerful, but I
tried to 'pray myself a new iPod Touch' last Christmas and it didn't work...so
I think some cold hard cash will be more effective in paying for the plane
ticket.
I am traveling to Washington, DC this summer with two girls
I like...and my church youth group...and some leaders. I'm really looking
forward to the trip! We will start out spending time serving the desperate,
clueless, and the criminal in DC. Then, once we leave the Capital building, we
will serve the honorable and homeless around the city (don't worry about my
safety, I've learned lethal hand-to-hand combat from BlackOps, and so far it
works great against my 8-year-old brother).
While we are there, I plan on promoting my band (and Jesus I
guess)...because nothing brings joy like a youth-driven-awesomely-rocking metal
song...about Jesus. If you donate, I'll send you a link to our Facebook fan page
so you can follow the band, er, mission trip.
I'll admit this trip could be life-changing. Your donation
could help me learn to care for the needy, learn how to trust God in tough
situations, and appreciate how great I have it at home. But even if I don't,
I'll get to see the Crime Museum and the International Spy Museum...both in my
'gift mix' and could accelerate my main career interests.
Best of all, I won't have spent a dime of my own
money...unless the Spy museum still sells their "21 ways to infiltrate
your boss's/teachers/parents computer for your own gain" booklet.
Thank you for your prayers...and your money...especially
your money.
Sincerely, Your
just-a-little-bit-more-than-a-stranger-but-my-parents-think-you're-ok friend,
I-just-wasted-20-minutes-of-Skyrim-I'll-never-get-back
HINTER.
