Instructions for Writing Your Mission Trip Support Letter

Your mission trip support letter is an important way to share your heart, invite others to partner with you, and let them know how they can support your team. While we’ve provided an example letter to guide you, it’s important to add your own personal touch so your supporters can connect with your unique story and excitement for the trip.

Example Letters:

Alaska Mission Trip

Colorado Mission Trip

Both Mission Trips

Here are some steps to help you write your letter:

1. Begin with a Greeting: Start by addressing your letter warmly, such as “Dear [Recipient’s Name].”
2. Share Your Excitement: Briefly explain that you’re going on a mission trip with Roswell Student Ministries and share why this trip is meaningful to you. Mention the destination (Anchorage, Alaska) and the purpose of your trip—to partner with Praying Pelican Missions and serve the local community through various projects.
3. Ask for Prayer: Let your readers know that prayer is one of the most important ways they can support you and your team. Ask for specific prayers, such as for safety, unity, and the ability to share God’s love effectively.
4. Invite Financial Support: Gently invite them to consider supporting your trip financially if they feel led. Explain that funds will go toward travel, lodging, meals, and materials for the projects. Be sure to include that an instruction page for donations has been sent with the letter.
5. Express Gratitude: Thank your supporters for taking the time to read your letter and for considering how they might partner with you. Let them know how much their prayers and support mean to you.
6. Close Sincerely: End your letter with a warm closing, such as “With gratitude” or “In Christ,” followed by your name.

Additional Tips:

• Keep your letter personal and heartfelt—write as if you’re speaking directly to the recipient.
• Share why you feel called to participate in this mission trip and what you hope to learn or experience.
• Keep the tone positive and encouraging, focusing on the impact you hope to make with your team.

Remember, your letter is a way to build connections and invite others into the mission. Be confident and authentic, and trust that God will use your words to inspire support!

Instructions for Students: Donor Giving Information Page

The attached page includes instructions for your donors on how to give financially to support your mission trip. Below are some key details you need to know:

Tax-Deductible Donations:

• Checks: 
• o    To ensure donations are tax deductible, checks must be made out to Roswell United Methodist Church.
• o    Do not write any names (yours or others) on the memo line. This is required for tax purposes.
• Online Giving: 
• o    The attachment includes instructions for donors who prefer to give online. Make sure to reference this option in your letter so donors are aware.

Donor List Submission:

•  For tracking purposes, you need to provide a list of the people to whom you’ve sent your support letter.
• Create a simple Excel or Google Sheets document that includes the first and last names of each donor. If you are writing to a couple or family, list them as, for example, “John and Jane Doe.”
• The list doesn’t need to be fancy, just clear enough to connect each donor to your name. Please send your list to Emily Thomas (ethomas@rumc.com).

By following these instructions, you’ll ensure that donations are processed correctly and that we can connect donor contributions to your mission trip. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!