One of the biggest lessons I have learned over the past few months is that I cannot do this on my own. This is in no way about me or my abilities. It’s about me getting out of my own way, stepping out of my comfort zone, and experiencing the love of God through the words and deeds of others.
God truly is the giver of good gifts. And I have found these gifts in the friendships of those on my support team. If you would like to become a member of my support team, consider joining me in any of the following ways:
1. Become a faithful Prayer Warrior.
Prayer doesn’t cost anything but your time. Satan will attack my team (and already has been) with any means available because he does not want the Gospel proclaimed and prodigals to find their way Home. Prayer is my first and last line of defense, my most powerful weapon, my most effective medicine, and my most coveted form of support.
Please be in prayer for myself, my squadmates, and the people we will encounter on our journey. Pray our hearts stay broken and vulnerable to God’s leading. Pray that we have the wisdom and courage to act on every opportunity given to us. Pray for team unity, vulnerability, and patience with each other. Pray that God removes our fears, doubts, and insecurities and gives us the words (or actions) to share His grace and the Gospel with those who don’t speak our language. Pray also for our loved ones we’re leaving in the States; may God place his protection and grace around each one of them until we are able to meet again.
2. Write an entry for my “Blessings Book.”
There are going to be moments next year when I am more homesick than I will care to admit, moments when I am craving a hug from someone who has known me for longer than a few months, and moments when I will want to quit.
It is in these moments that I will need encouragement to stay the course.
Whether its a note or letter of encouragement, a handwritten prayer, a picture that make you laugh, or your favorite quote, please take the time to write it and send it to me before I launch.*
I will compile all of these things into a “Blessings Book” that I can open and revisit whenever I am in need of rebuilding through the encouragement of dear friends.
*If you’d like to participate in this, message me through the “Contact Me” link under my picture on the left or Facebook, and I’ll send you my mailing address. Also, please write “Blessing Book” on the envelope somewhere, so I know not to open it until next year.
3. Donate to Adventures in Missions.
You see that pretty teal bar at the top of this page? That’s my fundraising tracker. It displays how much of my total goal has been raised to date. ($12,189 as of this posting!)
Let me tell you, that bar has grown in length than I ever imagined it would. I am truly in awe. Just six months ago (which feels like yesterday), I was sitting with my housechurch wondering how I would get $10,000 by Christmas. God has been so faithful to provide this much through the incredible generosity of others.
But I’m not quite fully funded yet.
If you would like to help me reach my total goal of $16,562, please click the orange “Support Me” box to the right of the bar.
4. Purchase gear or other items.
Like I mentioned, I am in awe of God’s provision through the generosity of others. Because of these faithful ones, I have been able to purchase all of my required gear without going into debt. (If you know my financial story, you know how excited this makes me.)
I have created an online registry of remaining items I would like to acquire yet. These items are not required, but they may provide a bit of convenience or a taste of home while traveling. You can find this registry HERE.
There are a few essential items that I still need, but they can’t be put on the registry for various reasons. These items are:
– My 2nd HepA immunization
– Malaria medication
– Plane ticket to Atlanta, GA for Launch in January
– Miscellaneous personal items (Giftcards to Wal-Mart or Target will suffice)
Thank you for taking the time to read about the different ways you can become a part of my support team. I appreciate you!
