A few weeks ago, the Lord gave a crazy group of dreamers the idea to travel to Guatemala and worship His name in the midst of volcanos and spiritual darkness. We prayed about it and decided it was more than a crazy idea, it was a calling. It needed to happen, and God was going to do big things through it.
Well, crazy ideas usually come with price tags, and this one was no exception—$800. With two weeks to raise the money, things didn’t seem entirely hopeful. Yet dreamers usually see the glass as half-full, and faith was strong. In my heart, the issue was settled long before the finances were. I was going.
I am a strong believer that journeys are exceptionally important, and in this case, fundraising was part of the journey. Although I think missions would be infinitely easier without worrying about finances and fundraising, I know God uses it in big ways, and He proves His faithfulness through it.
Today, plane tickets were purchased for Guatemala. Mine was one of them. The money came in, through a series of unexpected events. A forgotten paycheck, an anonymous donation, a Facebook message and conviction all played a role in God’s provision, and it makes a pretty fun story. Maybe one day I’ll tell the whole thing.
What I can tell you is that I have been beyond blessed through this fundraising process. People did more than give me money. As donations rolled in, they included immense words of encouragement and a sometimes unspoken but always valued vote of confidence for God’s calling on my life.
I often feel completely unworthy of living out these crazy dreams God has given me. Surely there must be somebody else out there who is more spiritual, more disciplined, more knowledgeable, more passionate! Why me? Why am I allowed to live out these dreams? Its moments like these that I gain a greater understanding of God’s grace.
To those of you who have donated to me, whether two days ago or two years ago, thank you. Those words don’t seem big enough to encompass my feelings. I don’t think I have a large enough vocabulary to express what your support has meant to me.
To know that people see a reflection of Christ in me and want to support His work is both incredibly humbling and incredibly inspiring. You see things in me that I struggle to see in myself, and the Lord is working through your encouragement. Slowly, day by day, I’m learning to see more of my strengths than my flaws, more of Jesus and less of the world. I am working to steward your gifts and finances in the best way possible.
Please know, I value all of you so much and I am so thankful to have you all in my life! I pray that the Lord would bless your investments! Check out Malachi 3:10 and be blessed.
Just as you all are supporting me, I want to support you in what ways I can. Feel free to contact me any time if you are in need of encouragement or prayer or anything. I also think hugs may be one of my spiritual gifts, so if you’re nearby and in need, I’m your girl.
Next stop, Guatemala!
