Recommendation letter

Hello all,
English is my second language. So please be so kind to help me write a recommendation letter for applying a schoolarship for Master's Degree. Thank you so much for your help:. This is my draft:
Dear Dr. xxx
As a parish pastor , I am very pleased to recommend AAA, one of a Christian sisters I have known in years, to xxx Scholarship program.
I have know AAA since her 8th grade, when I had pleasure to served in BBB parish, BBB city . She is one of the student in my religious class. Her family is also one of the service of the congregation.
I was glad when seeing her accept hardships for education. As a mentor of her, I hope and believe she will be selected to your program. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Peace in Christ,
May, 2012

P/s: this is a Christian scholarship, so... Again, thanks for wasting your time in my troubles.