I'm sure my fellow Racers can attest to the fact that when you commit to the World Race the words "support" and "fund raising" become part of your everyday vocabulary. The truth is that God has called me to go on mission for Him through the World Race, and that call comes with a $15,500 price tag.
When you tell people that's how much you have to raise, you get a few different responses.
"Wow! So much money!" "God will provide for you." "Considering all that it covers, that's not too bad!"
"It's ridiculous to think that with this economy you will be able to get people to give you that."
"I'm not saying its impossible, but good luck."
Some of these are what I would expect to hear, but that doesn't mean that the negative comments aren't any less hurtful. Especially when they come from people who are close to you, or from people who you know have a relationship with Christ. When I was praying over whether or not to commit to the Race, the comments from others on fundraising were putting seeds of doubt in my mind. So it came down to this: I believe in God and in His power, but do I actually believe God when He says He will provide for me? Do I trust Him enough?
It's times like these where taking a step of faith is necessary. I thought and prayed and came to a conclusion. If God is calling me to this, then He has already provided the funds. Yes, I still have to work to get them, but they are there because He is sovereign and He is good. I like the way my mobilizer Kacie said it:
"You all paid a $150 deposit to commit to the Race. God is looking at that $150 in your account, and He already sees $15,500." AMEN!
So my next step was to start raising the funds and asking people for their support. Enter in the Support Letter. I prayed over what to say and how best to convey my heart for this ministry, and I feel like God truly gave me the words. But despite this, and the faith I was declaring in His ability to bring in the money, I still felt hesitant to ask people for their addresses so I could send the letter. I think most people realize that there can be a certain stigma attached to these letters and asking people for money in general. I entertained thoughts like, "How can I ask someone for their address without letting them know what I need it for?" And I felt God telling me, "Stop being ashamed! I have called you to this, and raising support is part of the journey. Not everyone will sigh with frustration when they get your letter. In fact, many MANY people will not only be pleased to be asked for support, but will even reach out to you and ask for a letter before you can even send it!" And how true this has been! God is SO faithful.
He's taught me other lessons of faith through this process as well. When donations started coming in, I was in shock by the amount of some. I thought, "Did they mean to give me this much? Was there a computer glitch that messed up where the decimal went?" And then I felt God speaking to me again, gently admonishing me with, "O ye of little faith!" As much as I had prayed people would be generous and declared my faith that they would, I still wasn't fully trusting in God. I believe God is using these lessons, and my fundraising in general, to build and strengthen my faith and trust in Him. I am so thankful for this!
So, let's get down to the details. How exactly can you support me? Where does the money go? What does the money cover?
- Total Needed: $15,500.00
- What does this cover?: All of my field expenses- food, lodging, travel
- How can I donate?: through check or online transaction
- Where do I send a check?: Adventures In Missions, PO Box 534470, Atlanta, GA 30353-4470 and on the memo line please write "GIBSONLOGAN"
- Where do I donate online?: Through this blog! On the left you will see a "Support Me" link- click there and follow the steps! ***Please not that there is a transaction fee deducted from the donation for all online donations.
- Where do my donations go?: Directly into an account with the World Race. I do not have personal access to them at all.
- When do you need to raise the money by?: There are certain deadlines I have to hit along the way, but I must be fully funded by 6 months into the field (January 2014).
- Do you have other expenses not covered by the $15,500?: YES. I have to personally pay for all of my gear for the trip, vaccinations, flights to training camp and launch site, materials for support raising, and anything I decide to personally purchase while gone. This will be at least another few thousand dollars.
- Can I donate to these other expenses?: Yes. To do so, please get in contact with me personally via this blog, email ([email protected]), phone, Facebook, etc. as you would be directly sending money to me in this instance.
Fundraising can be challenging and intimidating at times, but as God is already showing me He WILL provide. As of today (February 9) I have raised $2,631.67. That's so wonderful everyone, and my deepest gratitude goes out to those who have supported me so far! I am less than $1000 away from meeting the first deadline (which comes in May).
Thank you all for your prayers, support, and finances. I pray that God blesses you as much as He has used you to bless me!
