For nearly three years, Azzi has ended every night with the same prayer:

“Please give food to the foodless, water to the waterless, homes to the homeless, hope to the hopeless, and love to the unloved—even though everyone is loved because You, God, are love.”

As her 10th birthday approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible heart God has given her. For years, she has chosen to use her birthday to help others by asking friends and family to donate an amount equal to her age to animal shelters instead of bringing gifts.

This year, she wants to take that one step further.

After much prayer, we hope to serve together with Mission of Hope, helping bring medical care, food, clean water, hope, and the love of Christ to families in need.

When I asked Azzi if she would be interested in serving on a mission trip for her 10th birthday, she didn’t ask about presents or a party.

She simply asked:

“Where are we going, and when do we leave?”

When I told her we first had to ask God, she replied:

“If He says yes, then I say yes.”

This opportunity feels incredibly special to me. Years ago, I had dreams of serving internationally as a nurse. Through a series of unexpected life changes, those plans looked very different than I imagined. Looking back now, I can see God’s hand through every step, preparing both of us for opportunities we never could have anticipated.

For years, Azzi has used her birthday to help animals in need. This year, she hopes to use her 10th birthday to help people in need as well.

In honor of her 10th birthday, we’re inviting those who would like to celebrate with her to consider a $10 donation toward her first mission trip.

Our fundraising goal includes application fees, trip fees, airfare, passport costs, and required travel expenses. Any support beyond our goal will be used for mission-related expenses or donated directly to Mission of Hope.

Whether you choose to donate, purchase one of her fundraiser shirts, share our story, or simply pray for us, thank you. We are grateful for every act of support and excited to see how God uses this opportunity to grow our faith and serve others.

We are hoping to serve in rural areas of the Dominican Republic in September, close to her actual birthday!

If you’d like to read the full story—including how God has been weaving this journey together for years—I’ve shared it here: https://www.withempowered.com/blog⁠

With love,

EmilyJo & Azalea