Since I graduated and began paying my own bills and as I begin raising support to go overseas for 11 months, money has played a prominent role in my life. However during recent months, I have been to exposed to how my view of money is not in line with the gospel and therefore always carries the potential to be a very stressful topic for me. During this season of my life, God has continued to provide abundantly everything I need in so many areas. However when you're trying to pay for life with two-three part-time jobs, there isn't a lot of extra cash flow 🙂 There is also a desire to prove to my parents and others around me that I am self-sufficient and able to provide for myself. I want to demonstrate independence and show others that I am in control of my life. This controlling attitude has definitely impacted my view of money. I realized that it had gotten to the point that I was subconsciously walking around with my hands squeezed tight believing that every paycheck or penny carried more security. With that being said, I am really excited about this season of life knowing I have a lot to learn. A lot to learn in terms of a gospel-centered view of money, the control and power that God has over little green pieces of paper, and how His provision is great and constant even in our doubting.
As some of you may know, I need to raise $15,500 to support myself during my 11-month journey. God has granted me a lot of wisdom so far about this support raising process and tremendous peace that He will provide. I can't wait to see how it happens! I have several ideas on how to go about this process. One thing I would like to do is commit to contributing 20% of the trip costs out of my own pocket. I want my friends, family and those partnering with me in prayer and financial donations to know that my heart is in this trip. This is something I am dedicated to, knowing this is where God wants me from July 2012 to June 2013.
One thing that's awesome about the World Race is people have all different reasons for wanting to go. Therefore I want to meet and talk with every person who desires to support and partner with me in taking the love of Jesus to 11 different countries. I want people to know my heart and how Jesus has changed it and the life He has brought me. Another blog will be written about my heart behind going on the World Race so be looking out for that!
So, I want to list my various support ideas to get feedback about current plans, as well as other creative ideas. I also want my friends and family to have a good picture of the different ways they will be able to partner with me in taking the gospel all over the world.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and let me know if you have any questions or would like to talk further about supporting me!
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Send out letters to friends and family in order to raise awareness about the trip and my heart behind going on the World Race
- Meet in person with potential contributors to answer any questions and provide more details
- Collect donated items from friends and family in order to host a yard sale in Raleigh sometime in April; all proceeds will go to the World Race
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Host a Spaghetti Dinner or Soup and Sandwich Lunch at my home church in Charlotte where all donations will go to the World Race
- This will also provide a speaking opportunity to share my heart and my desire for going on the trip with my home church
- Host Dinners in the Raleigh area for friends to fellowship, pray and hear more about the trip
- Design and sell T-Shirts where all proceeds/donations go to World Race
