Looking back at when I was first accepted and committed to being a part of the World Race mission trip, I remember how through all the excitement and joy, the thought of raising $17,000 seemed utterly impossible. I have been taught all my life that with God nothing is impossible, and the Lord has used this gift of fundraising to show me again that nothing is outside of the realm of his power. I have learned so much already from my short experience with the World Race, but the most important thing I have learned is that you cannot put limits on a limitless God. If God has called you to do something and has shown you a way to do it, then He will make the way and provide everything you need. When Jesus’ disciples asked Him why they could not drive out the demon from a boy he replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20-21). If we do not have faith enough to allow God to radically work in and through our lives, then why would He? It is crazy that by this time in my life, after all the times the Lord has provided for me, that I would not have trusted Him enough with the small task of raising money. There are so many stories throughout my life, and especially the last 6 months, where I was worried that something was not going to work out and yet the Lord has provided even more than what I thought I needed. He is simply asking us to trust and give every worry and part of our lives to Him so that He may show his power and be glorified. I need to thank you all for helping in teaching me this lesson of provision through your generosity and willingness to give what God has called you to give. Without all of you allowing the Lord to work through you and being obedient to Him I would not have made it this far. I am delighted to say that I have surpassed my second fundraising checkpoint, which was $10,000, and the Lord has now provided over $11,000 for my trip. I am now 66% funded, and have only about $6,000 to go! It is impossible for me to express my gratitude to all of you who have partnered with me in this mission trip, both through prayer and financially! Know that I thank the Lord for all of you every day, and I am praying for you as well.
In the midst of all this celebration, let us keep pushing towards the goal together. Paul instructs us in 1 Corinthians 9, to be focused on our goal like runners. We should not run aimlessly so that we are distracted and nothing comes of our efforts. We need to be so set on our goal of glorifying God and spreading the gospel, that we see nothing else but that goal. If you had asked me when I first began with the World Race, I would have said $6,000 was a lot of money. It seems like such a small amount now. I know that the Lord will provide the rest of the money I need whenever, however, and through whomever he desires. I cannot wait to see how He does it! Thank you all so much again for your generosity, obedience, and choosing to partner with me in this mission trip!
GLORY TO GOD!
