During the three months I spent in Africa I fell in love. I fell in love with people who gave so freely and cared so deeply. I fell in love with beautiful sunrises and unending sunsets. I fell in love with different organizations all doing their part to restore dignity across a people group raised on dependency. It was also during my time in Africa that God began awakening passions and dreams in me. I spent several afternoons serving at Children Of The Nations orphanage in Malawi, Awana kids camp in Zambia, and Isaiah’s babies home in Zimbabwe. During my time in Malawi it became very clear to me that I would open an orphanage one day. The following two months – in Zambia and Zimbabwe – that passion was confirmed. Also in Malawi, we partnered with an organization, while we worked with African Bible College, called H.O.W.M.s (Housing for Orphans and Widows of Malawi howms.org). H.O.W.M.s employs local resources and local workers to rebuild village communities in Lilongwe, Malawi. Similarly, I’d like to begin an organization that provides orphan care and education, while also providing village care for local African villages where self-sustainable empowerment projects – similar to programs provided by H.O.W.M.s – can build communities and grow leader
All of this sounds really good. I am a dreamer. I can vision cast all day. But when it comes down to the actual logistics behind running a nonprofit, I need a game plan.
In August, I was given an invitation to a program called The Fellowship.
The Fellowship is a six-month program with Adventures in Missions at their headquarters in Gainesville, Georgia that strives to equip leaders with tools to realize their Kingdom potential. I ever-so-graciously disregarded several emails from the program director before finally contacting her back in the middle of November. Two weeks after talking with her, I found out I was accepted into the program.
Initially I was completely against the idea of returning home to America to fundraise again. The decision to commit to another season of fundraising did not come lightly. Prayerfully I sat. In my doubt, I was met with the response – remember that time I helped you and 300 other people each raise over $16,000 last January? In my anxiety about the financial commitments to student loan debt and car payments while I searched for a temporary job – came email, after text, after Facebook message of people needing a babysitter, dog sitter or photographer.
His words to me have very clearly been spoken: Trust me. I have provided. I am providing. And I will provide. The Lord declares that He fulfills His promises in Jeremiah 29:10 and then He promises me a hope and a future in v.11.
I have made the decision, with peace and clarity from the Lord, to go again. This time my ‘go’ will take me to Gainesville, Georgia. Here are the details to what the $9,950 I need to raise will support:
-$800 each month for living expenses
-Housing Costs
-Programming Costs: Curriculum, Fellowship Retreat, Leadership Activities,
and Program Event
If you feel led to support or continue your support with me on this journey, it would be an incredible blessing. Also, all donations are tax deductible. To donate:
-Give online – click the ‘Support Me’ tab at the top
-Give check by mail – Make check payable to Adventures in Missions, with
Shelby Sawyers in the memo
Send check to: Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374
Please email [email protected] with questions or further details.
