I would encourage you to sit down and make a list of people who know you and appreciate you, including your relatives. then write a short letter to be duplicated and sent to them all. Some suggestions: 1) Remind them of who you are. 2) Tell them what you want to do. 3) Tell them why you want to do it. 4) Tell them why they should believe that you could make a contribution - experience you have, training you have received, etc. 5) Tell them where to send the money. 6) Ask the Lord to bless your letter.

It will help if you are able to make an arrangement with your church so that if they send money to you it can go through the church and the donors can receive a receipt for income tax purposes. It will also help to show that a church has confidence in you and is backing you on this adventure.

I would also talk to you pastor to see if he would allow you to share your vision with a Sunday school Class or two, and if perhaps the church could take up a special offering for you.

All of this is far better than a grant, Sabrina, especially if you emphasize that you would like people not only to give to your travel expenses but would pray for you before and during your trip.

When you return, don't forget to thank those who sponsored you and tell them some cool things the Lord did for and through you on the trip.

Just some suggestions!