I’ve learned a lot in the past year, especially when it comes to preparations for The World Race, but the thing that I’ve been struggling with the most is having to ask for help… constantly.
I’ve always prided myself in being pretty independent. I like to do things on my own, and I like to feel like I’m in control. Many might see this as a good quality, but I’m learning that it won’t serve me well while I’m preparing to leave the country for almost a year and be God’s hands and feet. I’m slowly realizing that I cannot do this on my own… and how annoying is that? Relying on God completely is not my strong suit, and I’m really praying that that changes throughout this process. I don’t know how it wouldn’t. He is pulling my out of my comfort zone 100%.
I’m here to say, asking for help really really sucks. It’s hard. I feel like this goes without saying, because I don’t think there’s a single person out there who genuinely enjoys asking others for help. Maybe it’s because we don’t like to admit that we can’t do things on our own. Maybe it’s because we don’t want to risk rejection. For me it’s because I hate feeling like I’m being a burden, or like I’m making people uncomfortable. And, as I mentioned, I like to feel like I’m in control. If it were up to me, I would do everything myself. I would be that super cool go-getter that you see in movies who doesn’t need anyone’s help. But God has shown me what a silly and sinful attitude that is. And it’s an attitude that I just can’t have while on the World Race.
I’m extremely blessed because I am, for the most part, surrounded by people who seek out ways to help me. Last week I was in Vintage Paris, an awesome coffee shop here in Branson that I go to all the time, talking to the owner and a barista. We chatted for a while about all of the things God has been doing for Vintage Paris, the owners, and the many people who are blessed when they enter the shop. I mentioned my trip for The World Race and how I’ve been stressed about raising the money. Without my asking, they quickly offered to help me, saying they could have a fund raiser and courtyard garage sale to help me sell my clothing, furniture and Threads of Hope bracelets. When I got home that evening, I called my mom and we just marveled at all that God is doing in this stressful time.
These moments keep me going and remind me that God has purposely put people in my path to help me do His work… BUT, If I had a dollar for every person, both strangers and acquaintances, who made my search for supporters, donors and prayer warriors seem pesky, inconvenient and burdensome, I would probably be fully funded right now. Because for every helpful, supportive friend and family member that I have, there is a person who doesn’t see my mission as a blessing but as yet another support letter asking for money or an annoying blog post cluttering their Facebook feed. This is a crippling feeling: putting yourself out there and risking being thought of as a burden? No thanks.
Now that I’ve started sending out support letters and actively reaching out to people, I’m realizing that asking for help, especially in my current situation, is the wise thing to do. But the problem is that it also opens the gates for rejection, and a whole lot of it.
But as others on my squad have wisely said, we can’t deprive the people around us of the opportunity to be a part of this huge thing that God is doing through The World Race. Whether they can donate or not, why wouldn’t I want to talk about this trip? I mean, how cool is it that God is using young and likely underestimated men and women to go out to other nations to teach others about Him, and to help and encourage other believers in their own journeys? So yes, I’ll keep asking for help and talking about The World Race to strangers at the dog park, that guy at the Taco Bell drive-thru and the college students who definitely won’t be able to donate, but who can pray for me and my squad. I’ll keep spreading the word and sending support letters to anyone I can reach because I’ve been so blessed by the stories of other peoples adventures, and I hope that this trip will do the same for someone else.
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How can you help?
First and foremost, prayer. This whole thing will be one of the most challenging and scary things I’ve ever done. Just pray that the Lord keeps my squad and me safe, and that He prepares our hearts, minds, and bodies during these months leading to our launch. Also, pray for our fundraising efforts and that people receive us well.
As I’ve mentioned, I have the daunting task of raising $17,017 to cover my living and travel costs while I’m away, and there are several ways to help me in this. You can donate to my trip as a one-time gift or as monthly donations, allowing you to choose the amount and beginning and end date. If you would like to do this, please make checks payable to Adventures in Missions P.O. Box 742570, Atlanta, GA 30374-2570. Make sure to specify that you would like the donation to go to AnnaGrace Mercer or your donation will not be sent to my account. If you would prefer to make a donation online, you may do so by clicking the “Support Me” link on the left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed. Keep in mind, though, that a 5% credit card fee will be taken out of the donation for credit card processing. Also know that these donations are not refundable.
I am selling bracelets for Threads of Hope, and you can get one (or a bunch!) by contacting me on Facebook, through email, or calling or texting me. They’re absolutely gorgeous handmade bracelets, and half of the proceeds go towards helping at risk families in the Philippines.
There will be a few other ways to help me as well. I am selling most of my stuff, including furniture, clothes, and a whole lot of other stuff. I will also be selling calendars and will be taking names for those before I order them.
Another way to help me is, if you’re in need of calligraphy work (hello SNU brides!) I would love to do that for you, as well as any design or photography work you may need.
Lastly, share this! You can never have too much prayer and support!
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If you have any questions, or just want to talk about my trip with me over coffee, I would love to hear from you! You can call or text me at 832-622-3174, or you can email me at [email protected], or message me on Facebook.
