July 1, 2009


Dear Friends:

Since becoming a Christian in 2003, I have desired to participate on a short-term mission trip and experience the joy of cross-cultural ministry. This summer, if the Lord provides, I will be joining approximately 10 other members and worshippers of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church (PCA) on a mission to Mexico, specifically Oaxaca and the bustling Mexico City.

While in Mexico City we will join with our missionaries, Wes and Stephanie Vander Lugt with Armonía. Armonía works with urban, suburban, and rural poor in Mexico. Among the urban poor (downtown Mexico City), they have two established transformation (community) centers that minister to the people. Among the suburban poor, they have one established transformation center located in a neighborhood called Santa Cruz. That is where we will be based, helping to run a summer program for kids in the community who come year-round to the daily homework club. We will be helping to teach classes, serve food, clean, play with kids, activities, dance and any other service needed.

Armonía works with the rural poor through their AIMS program (Armonía Indigenous Mexican Scholars). In this program, Armonía provides opportunities for poor indigenous students from rural villages in Oaxaca to continue in their education. They do this by running a student residence in Oaxaca City for students to finish their high school equivalent. When they finish high school, they can apply to University in Mexico City, where Armonía has two more student residences. By Fall of 2009, Armonía will be supporting about 19 students in university and 52 in high school. The students live together in a student residence where they learn to work and serve each other. They are brought into a Christian community (many of them are not Christians when they begin) and develop countless skills, and are also taught about the love of Christ.

The purpose of Armonía's programs is total transformation - of lives and communities - through the gospel of Christ. For example, it is Armonía's dream that if a number of indigenous students become professionals and are committed Christians, and they return to work in their villages, this will be a powerful agent of transformation among their suffering people. Our goal in travelling is to learn what Armonía is all about, and to join the work that is already going on there - to work together with Armonía towards the goal of transforming poverty into life through the power of the gospel.

For me to participate in this ministry it is imperative that I build a strong Prayer Team around me. I would be honored if you would commit to be part of my Prayer Team as I prepare to go and while I am on the field. I am truly desirous to hear from those who will firmly commit to bath me in regular prayer as I this is so essential for us to have a fruitful ministry. Also, please pray for our team that we will be unified, flexible and humble servants to those we go to minister to and work along side.

There is also a financial cost associated with my participation. The cost of this trip is $1,500. I will need to have my funds raised and in the hands of our team leader no later than July 15, 2009. If you would be willing to be one of my Senders, please let me know by filling out the attached note at the bottom of this letter and attaching it to the check that you would send. No gift is too small and all gifts are greatly appreciated.

I would encourage you to visit the Armonía website and Wes and Stephanie’s blog for more detailed information.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration. Please pay close attention to the following information so that we can have your check processed in accordance with the IRS Code and so that you will be eligible for an IRS tax deduction at tax time.

… Make checks payable to: TWIN OAKS CHURCH
… In the Memo Line of the check, please write ARMONIA MISSION and nothing else.
… Do not write my name on the check or put my initials on the check as that will invalidate your donation as eligible as a tax deduction.
… Fill out the attachment at the end of this letter and either attach it to the check or just place it along with the check inside an envelope addressed to me (Eric Burnley 3463 Hwy W, Eureka, MO 63025)
… It is important to follow these instructions exactly as written.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration! At the conclusion of this mission, I will send a report to all those that indicate an interest.


                         Yours in Christ,

                         Eric Burnley




Here is the attachment mentioned above.