Summer Pen Pal 2021

GOAL:

PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHRISTIAN YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS TO MAKE FRIENDS REMOTELY IN THE ABSENCE OF ELECTRONICS; DEVELOP PARTNERSHIP IN DISCIPLESHIP BETWEEN HIMEJI BAPTIST CHURCH AND LIVING FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH.

Objectives:

1.       Share words of encouragement from the Bible

2.       Promote cross-cultural understanding

3.       Improve English writing skills and penmanship

4.       Cultivate friendship with an overseas peer

Step #1: Announcement for Sign-up

 

Step #2: Screening and Matching Pen Pals

 

Step #3: Distribute contact information and program rules and guidelines

 

Step #4: Launch the program (suggest 4 letters, about 4-6 weeks)

 

Step #5: Celebrate end of program with a joint online worship

 

Rules and Guidelines:

•          Students will be matched with a pen pal of the same gender and approximate age.
•      Students can choose to use their own or church-provided stationery
•      Church will provide standard postage; additional postage will be at the student’s expense
•          Students will write a total of 4 letters to their pen pal, about one every week  (we will designate a launch date where all students will mail out their initial letter, then they will write the next letter in response to the received letter, and so on and so forth.)
•      Students are to write letters that are genuine and decent.  Assume that your letters will be read by family members.  Feel free to include drawings and decorations in your letters!
• Below are suggested content that you can follow to write your letters.  You can add additional content, but we recommend that you include some or all of the content as outlined:

Letter 1:

·     Introduction: Say a little about who you are, where you’re from, your family, and some of your interests.  Attach a photo of yourself.

·     Ask some questions about their life: What information do you want to learn about them?

·     Share how the pandemic affected you: We surpassed one year living in a pandemic.  How did COVID-19 affect your life and how did God help you through this time?  This will be a good time to share some Scriptures.

·     Mention what you’ll be doing between now and their next letter: This will give them something to write to you about. For example, if you’re going to a concert that could prompt a question in their next letter.

·     Sign off: Thank them for reading your letter and let them know you’re looking forward to their response.  This is a good place to share your prayer request and ask for their praises and prayer requests.

Letter 2:

 

• Greeting (attach your photo if you haven't done so)
• Response to questions: Answer questions that your pen pal asked in the previous letter
• Share about your experience with your pen pal's culture: Describe food, art, music, movies, or trends that you have experienced in your pen pal's culture, and what you think about them.
• Share something positive:  What is something from worship, small group or personal devotion that has helped you this week?
• Ask something that you want to know about your pen pal and their country.
• Sign off: Thank them for reading your letter and let them know you’re looking forward to their response.  This is a good place to share your prayer request and ask for their praises and prayer requests.

Letter 3:

• Greeting
• Response to questions: Answer questions that your pen pal asked in the previous letter
• Share about your future dream: What do you want to study in college/university and why?  What do you want to do after you get your degree(s)?  If you have graduated college/university, what are you doing now and what do you aspire to be in the future?
• Share something positive:  What is something from worship, small group or personal devotion that has helped you this week?
• Ask something that you want to know about your pen pal and their country.
• Sign off: Thank them for reading your letter and let them know you’re looking forward to their response.  This is a good place to share your prayer request and ask for their praises and prayer requests.

 Letter 4:

• Greeting
• Response to questions: Answer questions that your pen pal asked in the previous letter
• Share about your church and your church involvement: Describe the people, programs and activities in your church. Write about what you participate in and your circle of friends or someone that you look up to.
• Share something positive:  What is something from worship, small group or personal devotion that has helped you this week?
• Sign off: This is the final letter of the summer program.  Thank them for reading your letter and let them know that you’re looking forward to meeting them in the future, virtually or in-person!