Two important announcements: (get ready to celebrate)
1. I AM FULLY FUNDED
When I began my journey on the World Race in September 2014, I never imagined being fully funded at this point. I was confident that I would be funded, but not this soon! However, here I am, less than a month away until we launch to India, fully funded! I am speechless. God blew me away on this one and is continuing to do so as I witness the miracles of fundraising through my squamates.
Here are are some things I learned about raising funds:
- Fundraising is not separate from your mission–it is interwoven in it
- It is okay to ask for help! You cannot do this alone (nor will you want to)
- Be willing to work hard and step out of your comfort zone
- Ultimately, all that we receive and have belongs to Him!
- God is, and always will be, my provider. He is Jehovah Jireh (Gen. 22:14)
- Give up your pride and humble yourself (this one was hard)
- Giving is an act of worship
- People want to give, so let them
- Giving brings joy
- By giving, you partner with the person and become part of the mission
- No matter how much you give, no amount is too big or too small
- Giving isn’t just about money. Prayer, encouragement, creativity, support, and love are part of giving as well.
“When you are content in Christ, you can be free to care for others”
Each person is responsible for raising $16,277; which covers the basic necessities such as airfare, travel on land, housing, food, and insurance. Ask me how you can help my squamates if you feel led to give.
2. MEET MY TEAM
From left to right:
Brooke, Lacy, Michelle, Me, Erin, Anna, and Rachel (in front)
{{TEAM UNDIVIDED}}
Here is our story: (so far)
When we were placed in our team, there was uncertainty. [I’m just being honest]. We weren’t sure why the Lord brought all of us together. We were still trying to figure out how our personalities and gifts worked together and I think we were all nervous. We had to grieve the idea of what we had expected for a team–because those expectations were what we wanted (and there is nothing wrong with that), but God has given us what I believe is what we NEED.
As we sat around each other, debriefing, internalizing, and accepting (and questioning) the information that we had just received, there was something special about the way we communicated with each other. Although we were hesitant, there was a gentle fight that was going on in our hearts. I don’t mean fight in a negative tense, like what you do when your siblings are around, but a fight that never gives up, never runs out, and a fight that always advocates for each other.
I believe that no matter what situation we are put in, we will fight for each other like we fight for the heart of our King. Because we are sisters and daughters of God and as women that is what we should do for each other. No. Matter. What.
It is cool to see how all of our unique personalities work together. We balance each other out well.
We were asked to come up with a team name and our team decided together on the name UNDIVIDED. One girl on the team had actually written that name in her bible prior to training camp, so it served as a confirmation for us and who we are and will be as a team.
This is what Undivided means:
Undivided: adj.
Concentrated on or devoted completely to an object.
Not divided, separate, or broken into parts.
Synonyms:
-complete
-full
-total
-whole
-entire
-absolute
-wholehearted
-UNBROKEN
-dedicated
-one
-unified
Every time I read those words, I get God bumps. To think that the team I am part of IS those things makes me so thankful! We are undivided as women and we are undivided as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We are ambassadors of Christ; serving and representing the Kingdom.
We are the keeper of His seed.
We are gentle warriors.
We are women with strength, wisdom, integrity, character, diligence, determination, vulnerability, passion, protection, comfort, and empathy.
When we can’t trace His hand, we will trust His heart and we will follow our King to the ends of the earth no matter what the cost.
I am fully confident in this.
This is my team, and this is who we are!
Thank you to each and every person who took the time to invest in me. Through your constant prayers, constant encouragement, and your gracious and giving hearts, you have allowed me to reach every single goal of my fundraising process and more. I am overwhelmed (in a good way), humbled, and so honored that you have trusted me to do this. I cannot thank you enough. You all have won my heart.
Holley Thornton
