There is a man who narrowed down his worldly to his hard drive. The few items he owns are listed on his website as either to keep or to sell/donate. His name is Kelly Sutton and he is a 21st century minimalist. When I first read about him I was captivated by his choice and ability to get rid of so much stuff. I was convicted by this minimalist movement when I looked around my own bedroom and bank records.
At the time the royal wedding hubbub was happening someone posted a list of what the money spent on the wedding, 130 million USD, could have been used for (sponsoring 4,062,000 children through compassion international, buying 16,250,000 KJV pew bibles, planting 2,600 churches and running them for a lifetime, and literally purchasing vatican city). This money could have shared the gospel with 100,000,000+ people.
I was originally shocked and appalled at the money spent on the royal couple, but I was later struck by Matthew 7:3-5:
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
As a middle class, white, college educated woman with a well-paying job I belong to the wealthy class on a global scale. I can afford to spend money on a pumpkin spice latte or a new book every few days. Between my mom, dad, and myself I can pay for a undergraduate college degree with minimal loans.
I could help support a compassion international child and forgo the latte from Starbucks.
I could buy a bible for someone who can afford one.
I could give money towards a new church plant.
I could help share the gospel of Jesus Christ because we all need Jesus, we all don’t need new clothes, books, coffee, or whatever else is out their for our consumption and consumerism.
I am taking the long out of my own eye and I don’t like what I see. I see a girl who is easily swayed by a well played marketing ploy. I see a girl who has spent way too much money on things that don’t matter. I see a girl who has only been thinking of herself.
It doesn’t matter that I have the newest book or the latest designer whatever. The stuff doesn’t matter. It is just stuff. It isn’t my salvation. It isn’t going to help me. It won’t be there forever. I don’t want to live a life where I go on and spend money getting my master’s and then doctorate and become just another worker making money, buying this and that, and tithing once a week to keep my conscious clear.
So, I am called to go. To help, to share, to do. I am called to go out to the ends of the earth and live with people in real community, sharing, loving and learning with each other. And I am asking you to partner with me prayerfully and financially on this trip.
I need lots of prayer. I don’t know what I am going to encounter on this trip and I am learning how to rely on God for all things. I am learning to depend solely on God and I am asking for a commitment to pray for me and my squad.
In order to go on this trip I need to raise $15,500. I crunched some numbers and if 25 people pledge $50 per month for 12 months or 50 people pledge $25 per month for 12 months I will have 100% of the funds I need.
You can support me through a monthly donation or a one time gift. Online you can click the “support me” link in the sidebar of my blog or you can mail a check (with my full name in the memo) to:
Adventures in Missions,
PO Box 534470,
Atlanta, Georgia, 30353-4470.
Thank you for reading my blog! If you have any ideas, please let me know! Thank you so much!
Love & Peace,
Emily Sophia Stevenson
