Hi Friends, I know this is the time of year when everyone is still recovering from Xmas shopping, but I'm asking for help for a cause of which I'm both incredibly proud and in which I truly believe. Please take the time to read the letter below about the trip my two younger brothers, Kevin and Allen, will be taking this summer to the Ukraine to work with children and their families and to also gain life experiences for themselves I'm sure. We all come from different backgrounds, faiths and beliefs, but its all about positive vibes, however you look at it. If you've got a few extra pennies to spare (every tiny bit helps!)... please help me help my little bros help change even a little part of the world. Thanks!!! Ty [Letter from Allen Chan] Greetings! How are you doing? I hope that God is doing as many amazing things in your life as he is in mine. I’m having a great year as a junior at Lecanto High School and as a Youth Leader at Gulf to Lake Youth Ministries. I am on the honor roll and involved in basketball. I also play guitar weekly in our youth-ministry band and volunteer locally in our community, with over 300 service hours credited to date. In addition, for the past 3 years, my brother Kevin and I have given up our spring breaks from school to travel to places such as New Orleans and Jacksonville to help build homes and offer aid to underprivledged and homeless people. With all the great things God has permitted me to do here, I feel like God’s calling me to do other things over the world. I want to share with you a challenging ministry opportunity that God has presented to me. From July 19th through July 31st this summer, God has offered me the chance to go to Ukraine with my youth group from Gulf to Lake Church. This 12 day mission trip we will be reaching out and spreading the gospel to the Ukraine youth while also learning more about the people there and their culture. We will also be helping to build and repair classrooms at local orphanges, while hoping to inspire and encourage those we encounter. While God has opened up a door for me to develop a greater heart of compassion for his people around the world, the exciting part is that you will be able to share in this compassion in several ways. First, you can help pray for me and my fellow students. We will need prayers that God will prepare us for our visit and bless our efforts as we minister to the people of Ukraine. We will also need prayers that our financial needs will be met. At this time we need to raise $3,000 each to attend this trip, and that is quite a challenge. Another way you can be involved is to help provide that financial support. Would you consider supporting me with a donation? It doesn’t matter if its $5, $10, or $100. Any amount is of great help. I will need to raise all my funds by April 30, 2012 in order to pay for airline tickets and other items. The total amount of your gift is tax deductible, and you will receive a receipt from Gulf to Lake Church. Whether you feel led to contribute financially, through prayer, or both, all of your support is appreciated. I look forward to doing God’s work, helping those in Ukraine, and letting you know all about how God has worked through me and my youth group when I return at the end of July. Blessing, Allen Chan http://www.gulftolake.com/youth The cherished dream of many Ukrainian people – an independent Ukraine – came to pass in 1991, right after the collapse of the Soviet Union. But as it turned out, independence itself did not guarantee a future many had hoped for. People now faced the problems associated with a transitional economy and a corrupted government. They learned it takes so much more than an abrupt change in the regime to bring about positive and long-lasting changes in the lives of people. 35% of population is below poverty line. There're 100,000 orphans in Ukraine - the highest rate in the world. Due to economical and social problems people can't grow their own kids and send them to orphanages. Only 10% of grown orphans lead "normal" life, while 40% become addicted to alcohol or drugs, 40% go to prison and 10% commit suicide. 350,000 people live with HIV/AIDS and governmental system can't handle this problem and often people with HIV/AIDS are being ignored by institutions and individuals. http://www.radooga.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=72