Well I did it! I just put the last stamp on my last fundraising letter (for now). My family and I just left on an epic quest to get my brother and my 49th state and my mother’s 50th state; North Dakota (my dad has some catching up to do). In addition to this adventure, I had a quest of my own, to mail out over 100 support letters. Armed with a box of envelopes, two rolls of stamps and a stack of support letters, I began this journey in Pennsylvania. With my mother at the wheel and my brother copiloting, I hunkered down in the back set and began writing notes to my potential supporters. As I began I realized this would be no small task since American roads are not conducive to neat penmanship. My one saving grace; we would be driving toward the American plains where the roads are known for their straight and flat nature.
Half way through the first day on the road, I thought I would never finish. There seemed to be no end in sight, much like the 900 miles we still had ahead of us. But here I am; 900 miles, some carpal tunnel and several paper cuts later, my letters are mailed and we are in Fargo, North Dakota. I will apply this lesson of perseverance and patience to the fundraising process, my trip preparation and while in the mission field; one letter at a time, one dollar at a time and one day at a time.
Through this two- fold quest I learned several things, Ohio rest stops have Panera, patience and perseverance is required to achieve any goal and anything, no matter how daunting, can be accomplished if it is God’s will.
The three biblical passages below encouraged me to persevere and put my faith in the Lord as I raise funds for this trip.
Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV)
10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Romans 5: 3-5 (NIV)
but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
