But first, the theoretical.
If we’ve talked in person recently, you’ve probably heard me say something about how the fundraising process is so much more of a learning/growing process and adventure than I could have predicted.
If we haven’t talked recently, let’s. I’d really love to answer any questions to the best of my ability and hear about what’s going on in your life!
As I’ve mentioned before, fundraising for my life’s needs for a year which will enable me to minister to people who hunger for hope for all sorts of reasons is so humbling. It requires a daily letting go of my pride, being blatantly honest with myself and God, and relying on God like never before. It’s kind of like eating Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, except instead of a ridiculously wide variety of flavors, it’s feelings – sometimes you get joy, sometimes disappointment, sometimes worry or doubt, sometimes radical hope.
But here’s the thing about feelings that God reminded me of this morning: no matter what I’m feeling, He remains constant – constantly loving, gracious, and providing. The only thing my feelings change about how I approach God is how I approach Him, not how he responds. (head to 1 John 3:20-21 if you need a reminder of God’s constancy and desire to respond in love)
Here’s another thing continually being impressed upon my heart: Fundraising isn’t supposed to be a transaction.
My hope is that this is a partnership in which we get to journey together; I simply have the honor of representing you, being an extension of your gift, to the people you enable me to serve.
Now, let’s get literal.
Let’s put this partnership thing into practice. Here are a few ways you can join me:
1. If we spread out the cost of travel days, each day on the race will cost approximately $50. Together, let’s get this trip covered one day at a time.
Here’s what I mean: pick a day, any day from August 2016 through June 2017 (maybe one you can easily remember that’s important to you, or just pick at random), let me know which one you choose, and sponsor that day, or half of one, or twelve by donating through the “support me” button on the top of this page. I’ll write your name down in my planner on your day, and when that day comes I’ll write you, filling you in on the way we got to serve others together that day.
2. Wear a Reminder and help two people at once.
The awesome people at Threads of Hope are serving families in the Philippines while helping send me all over to serve. They’ve sent me literally hundreds of bracelets made by women in the Philippines to sell. Half of the money will go directly to my fundraising account while the other half goes directly to supporting the bracelet makers and their families.
Wear your bracelet as a reminder to pray for the people we serve, my teammates, and me.
Here are my lovely friends modeling just a few of the bracelets (Rachel modeling the flat style on the left and Kelsey modeling the round style on the left)
Round bracelets are $2 each, or 3 for $5
Flat bracelets are $4 each, or 3 for 10.
+$1.50 if they need to be shipped.
There are approximately a bagillion colors and patterns, but if you have a color scheme preference, let me know!
Email me at [email protected] to order!
3. Okay, so this one is a little transaction-y, and many of you may have already seen it, but I just have to include it.
My sister is seriously wonderful, has a real knack for making beautiful things, and is also wonderfully selfless. She’s making these incredible baby-toddler headbands and clips and graciously giving all profits towards this trip. The headbands are nylon so they’re comfy and don’t leave dents like a lot of other headbands, and the clips are alligator clips, about two inches long. She even takes color/style requests! She’s asking $5 per item plus $1.50 for shipping.
Contact her at [email protected] for orders or questions!
4. The classic.
The good ol’ “support me” button at the top of the page can be used at any time to make a monthly donation. There is no amount too small or too big. Everything adds up, and when my food budget is about $5/day, I am seriously grateful for every little bit.
Or if you’re like my old roommate who randomly had an extra $200 one time, 1. How??? 2. Consider making a one-time donation!
And if you haven’t already, subscribe to this blog. Unless you choose to sponsor a day, it’s how I’ll primarily be sharing what we’re doing together all over the globe!
May you have a weekend full of sunshine and something wonderful that you enjoy immensely.
