Saturday, December 3rd, 2016
Hello!
I am writing to update you on the leap of faith I took this past Spring. If you don’t know me well and are hearing about this for the first time, please read my short bio on the About Me Page. I have been traveling to Alaska on various mission trips for the past 2 years. I am on my 4th trip, experiencing the Alaskan winter for the first time. I am living in a dry cabin near Glennallen, in the Copper River Valley.
LightShine Ministries has been leading skilled labor, missionary teams to Alaska since 1995. At the core of every work team is the vision and passion to build the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in Alaska. Personal relationships and loving on the people has always been a big part as they come back year after year. Where do I fit in? Well, I’m a guinea pig of sorts, a pioneer, a trailblazer. I have aspired to do something new within the ministry and in this valley. I am focusing on the personal level as I build relationships and establish new connections. I am in a season of finding my footing, as I make daily house visits, give much needed rides, and visit various churches and ministries in the community. I currently volunteer at KCAM, attend a men’s Bible Study, help elderly with their firewood, and try to be a servant to the community wherever a need arises. I am looking to plug in with a community youth group, and a potential spring youth event as well.
Prayer is essential to making ministry happen. It is the very foundation of the work that is to be done. It paves the way before us, keeps us united as we go and gets us home safe as we recover. It is vital to any missions trip. If you want to be a part of my prayer team while I minister, please sign up here and check Prayer Requests as one of your options. I believe prayer is going to be a key factor as I pursue new opportunities to reach the people in this valley.
On this journey, I have learned to be faithful with what God has given me and in return, He has increased my blessings to continue pursuing this dream. Multiple times these past few months God put it in my heart to give all I had left in an offering plate, only for it to be doubled hours later. As a self-supporting missionary I need to raise all of my own funds and do not receive a salary from LightShine nor my church. LightShine provides oversight for my missionary work. They handle my finances and keep me accountable. At the end of the month I submit all ministry related expenses for reimbursement. Any excess funds can then be given to me as a stipend to enable me to pay for non-ministry expenses (heat, electric, food). Please, do not feel any pressure from me to give financially. I know it’s the end of the year and many ministries are asking. If it is on your heart to give financially, you may do so with the two options I have included below. All donations are tax-deductible.
Check out my Stay In Touch Page to follow along on my journey!
– Andrew P. Smither
a dreamer putting faith in action and hope in the things unseen
Contact Information:
PO Box 525
Glennallen, AK 99588
Cell: 610-780-8979
andrewpsmither@gmail.com
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (NIV)
Donations Through PayPal
Step 1: Go to http://lightshineministries.org/. Click on the link at the bottom of the page to donate through PayPal.
Step 2: In the “special instructions” area note the donation is for Andrew Smither or you can email lightshinefinance@comcast.net stating the amount you gave and that it is for Andrew Smither. It is very important that you note what it is for otherwise LightShine will assume it is for their general fund.
Donations through Checks
Please make all checks payable to:
LightShine Ministries, PO Box 777, Mount Joy, PA 17552
Please print out the section below, fill it out, and mail in along with your check. Receipts are emailed or mailed at year end. For Easy Printing click here, or highlight the area below starting with “Name of person you are supporting:” and ending with the line below e-mail. Right click the area once highlighted and then click Print.
Name of person you are supporting: Andrew Smither; Self-Supporting Missionary
Amount you are giving towards Andrew’s needs: $__________________
Your Name: _________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________________________________
Visit www.LightShineministries.org to learn more about the ministry.
“We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization registered with the Internal Revenue Service. All donations are tax deductible. Contributions are solicited with the understanding that LightShine International Ministries has complete discretion and control of all funds. However, we endeavor to honor all designations. The official registration and financial information of LightShine International Ministries may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. If you have any questions about this, please email us at lightshinefinance@comcast.net.”
