April 24, 2002

Dear White Riata Friends and Family,

EXCITING NEWS!! We were recently notified that Rope has been selected as one of seven "Athletes of the Year", by Athletes International, out of Phoenix, Arizona. We will travel to Phoenix in late June for a 4-day conference and Banquet, where he will be honored alongside the six other athletes. Athletes International is an organization which honors sports figures for their contribution to their specific field, as well as their witness for Christ. Past honorees include Deion Sanders, Reggie White, Cody Custer, A.C. Green, and many others.

But more exciting than the award itself is the invitation that came along with it. Rope has been invited to join Athletes International for a major missions trip to. Mbale, Uganda, East Africa in September. This will be their 6th major missions trip, and in the past four years their group has seen over 40,000 students from Africa come to Christ. It seems the platform of the athlete is well received in Uganda and A. I. continually has more invitations to schools than they can possibly handle. This year's mission trip will consist of school assemblies, village services for adults and children, Women's Conference, Men's Meetings, Pastors Seminar, Crusade, youth prison, hospital visitation, and a youth conference. Dates on the seventeen day trip are September 18-October 4, 2002.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! In order for Rope to participate in this mission, we are asking for your help. Most critically, we need PRAYER SUPPORT. Please begin to pray for this group of men - for favor, for safety, for God's wisdom and timing. Pray also for the people of Uganda, that God would begin to prepare their hearts to hear His Word proclaimed. We are expecting that Rope will witness many of God's miracles, including a massive harvest of souls. Please pray for Candice and the boys, that during this time the peace of God would surround and overtake them, and that all of their needs would be met. Secondly, we need FINANCIAL SUPPORT. Rope is responsible for raising his own support for the expense of the trip, including airfare, transfers, lodging, meals, and insurance. White Riata Ministries will provide as much financial support as possible, but we need to raise at least $3,000 to cover the costs of this trip. If this is something that the Lord lays on your heart, we want to offer you the chance to sow seed that will travel around the world. In "The Great Commission", Jesus challenges us to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...." Few of us will ever get the chance to actually "go" into other nations, but your finances and prayers are both ways for you to participate in this great mission. Prayerfully consider what God would have you to do or give. Any amount of support over the cost of the mission trip will go into the general operating fund of White Riata Ministries. If you are led to give, please mark your check with the words "mission trip" in the memo section, and make them payable to "White Riata Ministries". Thank you in advance for your prayers and your support, and may God return them back to you onehundredfold.

God Bless You,
Rope and Candice