This will probably be one of the most awkward and discomforting blogs I will write about. Plain and simple. It's natural for people who are trying to do things on their own to not want to ask others for help or support, even when they need it. That being said, I will be asking for ALOT of support in alot of different areas. Going on a year long missions trip will not only be life changing in good ways, but also in some bad ways. There will be many challenges and times where I'm sure I will be confused, annoyed, happy, sad, and most definitely scared. Scared of the unknown. Scared of the future. Scared of the past perhaps. All of these things will confront me during the upcoming year, and I will not be able to handle everything that comes my way, except through prayer.
"Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and HE delivered them from their distress."
Psalms 107:28
Prayer-
Prayer is what binds us all together. A missionary in Rwanda is somehow still at home and connected to his church while the pastor prays for him and the congregation is holding hands. The power of prayer can never be underestimated. It is the strongest tool that any of us as Christians can use. For this trip, I will need unending prayer from my church, friends, family, and anyone willing to support me through the months. It would be most appreciated and not taken for granted at all. I, too, will be praying for everyone back here at home while I'm gone.
Sharing-
The more people know about this organization, and what they do, the better off we all will fare on our year long adventure. Advertisement is one of the hardest things to do without spending a fortune. Luckily, today's world is being run by social media and information is readily available and free. And of the biggest things that can help racers is the fact that so many people could know about it. Something that can help me as a future racer will be all of my supporters telling their friends and families of AIM (Adventures in Missions) and about the World Race. THe more people that know, the more support and prayer they can give. I will do my best to tell as many people as I can about the race and I ask that all of you amazing people can do the same!
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 NIV
Giving-
Aside from prayer, this is equally important concerning the trip. It is also the most difficult to talk about and ask for; funds. All missionaries need money to maintain their way of life, to provide for them because they do not make money by going to other countries, to help them along when the only stuff they have gets lost, stolen, broken, damaged, or worn. We, as racers, will be in different countries, constantly using our own money, and the money that we are graciously given by our supporters. We will not get paid for anything we do, and will rely SOLEY on the generosity of all of you. Here is the plain and simple truth….
The World Race will cost $15,500 altogether. This includes food, shelter, traveling, and air fare to and from 11 different countries throughout the world for an entire year. The cost sounds tremendous, trust me, I KNOW! It sounded like just a dream when I first heard about it. I thought to myself, "Oh ya that'd be cool but, theres no way I could ever raise 15 grand!" And you know what? I was right. MYSELF, ME, I! I could never raise that much money. Not by myself. But then I realized, I don't have to do it by myself. Sure, I have a job and I will save every penny I can to ensure this trip but I will not be able to make that. But, that isn't up to me to decide. I feel that I was put on this planet to make a difference in people's lives, and when I heard about this trip, my heart dropped. THe perfect opportunity for me. But the money! Why does it always seem like it's about the money. I told myself, if God really did want me to go on this trip, he would provide me the funds no matter how large or insurmountable they might be. I have an amazing church, wonderful friends, and awesome family members and I know that God will allow them to help support me in any way they can find. Asking people for money is hard. Especially in desperate times like these. People dont have extra money they can give out. But isn't it insane how God always finds a way to keep his children? Psalms 84:11 says He witholds nothing good from His children. He didn't even keep His own Son from us. He gave freely. I think that is what we all should do, no matter the cost. GIVE FREELY. Through these gifts, we, YOU! are directly responsible for me to share the word of God to those who don't know it or have never heard it. Because of your actions and giving, one day God will look on you and say I remember when you gave to help spread My word. That is enough to get me started saving….
Again, I know it sounds like a daunting task, raising $15,500 but if you break it down, it really wont be to crazy. You can look at it a few ways. If I can get 150 people, groups, churches, organizations, whatever to give me $100 each, I would be totally covered. Thats only $10 a month! If I could get 26 people to do $50 a month, that would totally cover me. And of course, and one time donations would be a tremendous blessing as well, no matter how small. There is a tab on the left side of my Profile that says "SUPPORT ME!" where you can make an online donation. You can make it a monthly payment, or just a one time mayment. Again, anything would be a great help to me.
I need support. Bottom line. Prayer, gifts, encouragement, anything will help. I am looking forward to thanking each and every one of you who helps me through this trip. Thank you for partnering up with me to help those who need it and for helping to share God through me. I am so thankful for this opportunity I've been given.
In Christ,
Luke Alcala
