Anyone who has been following along with my WR fundraising and preparation should be aware that I had a benefit concert on March 23. It was my first organized fundraiser for my trip, so I wasn't sure what to expect or anything. I'm also not the biggest fan of public speaking, so getting up to talk about my trip twice was uncomfortable, but my comfort isn't really the important thing. Also, the money wasn't the important thing either; the important thing with the whole event was that God showed up.
My day started out with a fair bit of discouragement and frustration. That was definitely NOT how I wanted to start off with my fundraiser, so I prayed about it and texted a friend for prayer (and to vent). God reminded me about how the focus of the event was supposed to be on Him, and He also placed 1 Timothy 4:12; my friend supported me, prayed for me, and was very much an encouragement. As the event was beginning to start I began talking to more people and was becoming more encouraged. I was just touched at how God worked the event so that despite being out of my comfort zone I was able to see Him working just from the people around me.
That's what stuck out to me: the encouragement, the conversations, the fact that people wanted to support me and, more importantly, God's cause. I didn't care how much money people donated if any at all. I am equally as blessed for the small child who will pull $1.25 out of his pocket to the people who are willing to write out fairly large checks and everyone in between! I'm just glad that those who donated were willing to step out in obedience to God with their finances. It was a step of faith for me to sign up for this, and I'm seeing more and more how God is faithful, and that the fundraising that I found so intimidating is an important part of my journey.
So, I'm learning about how I interact with people as well as how to boldly speak about God and my missions work, and I'm understanding more and more how God is faithful in every aspect. And the concert was wonderful. And a very special thank you to The Bob Suter Band, Jessica Bittner, Obadiah, Shekinah Knights, and Crimson Flow for playing and making this fundraiser possible!
And, for those who want to know numbers, I raised approximately $1,000 at the concert! Once that money is processed and added to my account I will have just over $5,000; almost 1/3 of my funds raised! Truly a blessing from God! But I'm seeing more and more how money is just a tool, necessary but not the main focus.
