First of all, I would like to thank everyone for the outpour of love and support for my decision to go on the World Race! You have all been so encouraging, and I am so grateful. There is no way I could do this without you guys. Also, thanks to all who have already started donating and for the commitment from others to make donations.
My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all God’s people.
(Philemon 1:6-7)
With that being said, I feel like a better explanation of what my fundraising goals are, when they have to be met, and what they go towards is warranted.
Fundraising is a huge component of the World Race and also the most uncomfortable. Even though I do not leave until October 1st, I have deadlines that must be met in order for me to go. Asking people for money is a bit awkward. I want you to know that by gaining your support both in prayer and donations, you are helping me connect the Body of Christ to minister in every nation. You are just as equally a part of this mission as I am. I will certainly be sharing with you all of the ways I see God move through the people and the places I visit. So again, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart in advance for the support!
I’ve heard from a lot of people, “Wow, that’s a lot of money!” Indeed, $16,651 is a lot of money!
I want to be completely transparent with what this money will go to and where I am in my goals along the way.
As of today, I have $570 of the $16,651 I am responsible for raising. I am a long way from my total goal, but I am praying and trusting in God to provide as I know he will.
What does it cover?
This amount will cover me living abroad for 11 months and includes meals, lodging, all travel (air, land, and sea), administrative costs, and training camp costs. This will also include my medical coverage while abroad. (A full breakdown is below.) This does NOT include my additional costs for passports, vaccinations, gear (backpack, sleeping bag, tent, etc.) and $2,000 for personal spending.
What are my deadlines?
My fundraising goals are required by specific dates. Although I do not have to be fully funded to leave the trip, I do have to have a large portion.
Goal 1: $5,000 – July 22
Goal 2: $10,000 – September 16 (I cannot leave October 1st if I do not meet this goal)
Goal 3: $13,000 – November 31
Goal 4: $16,651 – January 31, 2016 (I must be fully funded or will be sent home)
I will be constantly updating you as to how far I am in my fundraising goal and different ways that you can support. A lot of people have asked if I will be doing any fundraisers. I have 2 different ways I will be fundraising (possibly 3), but donations will also play a huge component in meeting my goals.
How you can help!
1. Adopt a Day Fundraiser
The cost per day on the race is a little over $50.
I am putting my world race days up for “adoption”. You can adopt one day on my World Race for $50, two days for $100, a week for $350, or even a month for $1,500. After you donate, I will write your name on my calendar (You can pick a specific date depending on the country I’m in at the time), and I will send you a postcard on that date describing the incredible work that is being done in that country. This is such a great way for you to feel like you are part of this mission and get a personal message from me!
* I will be sending out a specific blog post just about this fundraiser very soon but feel free to let me know if you are already interested in adopting a day.
2. Pledgathon
My squad and I have decided to all participate in a pledgathon on June 18th in our own locations. Everyone will either be running/walking, biking, or swimming. I have decided to bike (cause duh! I love my bike). The way the pledgathon works is, you can donate a certain dollar amount for every mile completed. Whether that be $1 per mile, $5 per mile, $10 per mile, etc is completely up to you.
Please let me know if you would like to participate and how much you would like to pledge per mile. I will send an email to everyone who has pledged at the end of the day on June 18th regarding how many miles I completed.
3. Simply Donate
I would be so honored to have you join me on this journey by supporting this mission financially.
You can donate as a one time donation or even do monthly contributions. Online is the easiest way and enters my fund the quickest. Click Support for more info. Checks are also an option and you can click on the Support tab as well for more info.
* I may also sell shirts to raise money, please let me know if this is something you would be interested in!
So please everyone, help me share the news of Jesus around the world by building churches, serving victims of human and sex traffics, caring for the homeless and orphans, teaching English, and praying and supporting people who are so deserving of God’s love.
Thank you everyone!
