Donate to Mafer's OPT Journey and Pro-Life Advocacy

Dear Friends and Supporters!

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Maria Fernanda Vilela (Mafer), and I am reaching out with a heartfelt request for your support during a pivotal moment in my journey. Honestly, I can't believe God has brought me this far!

As an international student, I’ve been blessed to study and grow at Portland Bible College for the past 4 years of my life.Sadly, this journey is coming to an end and I’m soon getting my bachelors in theology!!  Praise God. My time here has been transformative, and I truly believe that God has called me to remain in this incredible place to continue pursuing my purpose. 

I am passionate about the pro-life movement and am eager to make a significant impact in this area. I have been given an incredible opportunity to apply for the position of Pacific Northwest Regional Coordinator with Students for Life, an organization dedicated to advocating for the protection of the unborn and supporting women in challenging situations. This role aligns perfectly with my calling and vision to make a difference in the pro-life movement here in Portland. I have faith that even if I don't get this position, God has something already prepared for me. (Detail: The picture submitted is actually from the time when I volunteered for Oregon Right to Life and went to the University of Portland Campus to talk about abortion with several students walking by. I talked to many students and changed their minds about how valuable human lives are, including theirs. This special day changed my life. That day, I knew this was something I wanted to do and what God had prepared for me.)

To stay in Portland, I need to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows international students to work in their field of study for a period after graduation. The OPT application process, however, comes with its own set of challenges and financial requirements that I am currently struggling to meet.

Your generous contributions will help cover the costs associated with the OPT application, including application fees, legal assistance, and other related expenses. With your support, I can continue to contribute to our community and fulfill the calling I deeply feel in my heart.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings me closer to achieving this goal and allows me to stay in Portland, where I believe I am meant to be. Your support not only helps me personally but also enables me to give back to this city that has become a second home.

Thank you for considering my request and for any support you can provide. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me and will make a lasting impact on my journey.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about my story, please feel free to reach out. I am grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and support.

With heartfelt thanks,

Maria Fernanda Vilela