Dear Friend,

My name is Evan Dixon. I am 19 years old, live in Huntersville, NC, and I am a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. My parents are Rob and Evelyn Dixon, sister Mary Dixon, grandparents Robert and Beryl Dixon. I am a lifetime member of Independence Hill Baptist Church. If you are receiving this letter, it means we are connected in some way, shape or form, either directly or indirectly through a friend or relative. I am writing to tell you about an exciting new way God is working in my life.

As you may already know, over the past two years I have been involved in 3 mission trips to the country of Nicaragua with my church. I have spent 4 weeks over the course of those two years working with New Song Mission Nicaragua, a non-profit organization that started in Asheville, NC with Tommy and Linda Gable, who are now serving full-time as missionaries in Nicaragua. Since my first trip to Nicaragua in the summer of 2007 I have felt a strong connection with the ministry that is happening there, and have continually felt a calling to return there. During the two week trip I was able to take part in this past summer, I really began to feel a tug on my heart to be a part of this mission for a more extended period of time than just a week or two. During the flight back to the states, God paved the way for me to discuss this with Linda, who was returning to the states for a short period of time on the flight with us. Her and I discussed how God was working in me, we prayed together, and I have been praying about it ever since. After plenty of prayer, contemplation, and discussion with my family, church leaders, and other missionaries, I have made the decision to spend my summer in Nicaragua this year.

As you probably realize, this is a big step for me, and I am taking this endeavor very seriously. This is something I truly feel like God is calling me to do. If you have ever felt this sort of calling, you can understand that it is bigger than any human-desire, and bigger than words can express. I believe that God has a great plan for each and every one of us, and I am delighted to have gained a small bit of insight into what his plan for me.

Like any other student, I enjoy my summers very much, and spend much of them working to make money to support myself throughout the school year. Obviously I won't have the opportunity to do that while in Nicaragua, so I am definitely making a sacrifice financially, not to mention sacrificing time with family and friends. Though this is intimidating, I can trust the the Lord will pave the way for me to fulfill the plans he has for me.

You may be asking yourself, "What does this have to do with me?" Well, first and foremost, I need your prayers. The power of prayer is a wonderful thing, and I have seen it work miracles not only here at home, but multiple times in Nicaragua. I want my friends and family praying not only for me and my journey, but the mission field as a whole, which will ultimately lead to furthering the Kingdom of God. Additionally, I am seeking your financial sponsorship. Over three months, from May to August, my trip will have estimated cost of $3000 for three months, including my airfare to and from, room and board, food and other expenses. Any contribution, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated.

In an effort to keep you informed about my journey and what I am doing this summer, I will be maintaining a blog on my website for the public to see. It will include pictures and journal entries periodically throughout my trip. If you are familiar with the website I have had in the past, it will be very similar. I would like to encourage you to follow along with me as I proceed.

Lastly, I would like to thank you. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to read this letter. As simple as it sounds, that alone means more than you can imagine. I am excited about this opportunity to submit to God's will and embark on this journey with him. I hope you will help me make it a reality and go with me, in spirit and in prayer, the whole way.

In Christ, your friend,

Evan Dixon

evan@evandixon.com
704-650-7612
12700 Alexanderana Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078