Now, I know some of you are thinking this very thought and I might also if I was approached with such a request! I want to partially explain why this may be a good investment and further, breakdown this request into somewhat more comprehensible sections.
In the book Radical by David Platt, he speaks of a time when he was raising funds to go on a mission trip to Sudan. During his fundraising an elderly lady comes up to him and says, “Wouldn’t the money be better spent if it were just sent to the people in Sudan?” As Platt wrestled with this question, even after he arrived in Sudan, he met a guy named Andrew. Andrew grew up and lived in Sudan. One day he was mentioning how many government agencies and other associations give graciously to his people, providing for their physical needs. He then said, “But even after all those things, you want to know who a real brother is? …A real brother comes to be with you in your time of need. David, you are a real brother.” Let’s assume Platt didn’t wrestle with that question anymore. This is much like us, we would much rather have someone walking with us through lives’ challenges than have a card and a bouquet of flowers sent with condolences…not to say these things aren’t great too. But there’s something about the presence of another human soul who cares deeply for us.
So this is where MY HEART is.
Breaking down the financial request into comprehensible sections, the most important is PRAYER…no dent will be made in this financial need without prayer…your prayers, my prayers, everyone’s prayers.
I am filled will awe-inspiring joy every time a donation is made. To know that God is faithful and that there are people out there who selflessly give from their hard earned money. Every donation becomes that much closer to meeting my financial needs and that much closer to making this mission possible.
The total cost of the July 2011 trip is $15,500. Yes you read right…we’ll get to the $17,000 later.
Support Goals:
$3,500 by May 21, 2011 (Training Camp)
$6,500 by July 1, 2011 (Launch date)
$11,000 by September 31, 2011
$15,500 by December 31, 2011
$250 of the $3,500 actually goes towards training camp, which is 10 days long (May 21-29). I will be trained in mission’s ministry, doing a mock living situation and living out of my pack with a sleeping bag and tent. This is where we will meet the people we will be traveling with for the first time and see who works best together. Here is where we will learn many of the details of our trip. Details such as what all to pack and some specifics as to what we will be doing in each country. Squads of about 8 people are formed from a total of nearly 80 people leaving on the July trip.
The rest of the $3,500 goes towards our first 2-3 international flights. This includes our flight out of the country to our first destination, Romania. All flights are booked 3 months in advance.
The remaining $12,000 that is to be raised will cover the remainder of international flights, including the flight back into the Unites States from the Philippines. It will also pay for any flights needed for staff to fly out and meet us either to bring medication or more training and encouragement. Within this $12,000 I will be allotted $10 a day. The breakdown: $5 for lodging (if desired, but most of the time we will be in our tents), $4 for food, and $1 for local transport. Each squad (8 of us) decides how to spend the money allotted to us. For example, if we decide that our tents are sufficient for rest one month then we may take the five extra dollars a day and donate it to local ministries. Ministries that we will be helping in teaching English and bringing inspiration, starting a baseball league with children in orphanages, starting a Bible study, tutoring kids after school, providing for and teaching sanitation techniques, and helping young women through child birth.
As you may have noticed, I mentioned $17,000. So, why the extra $1,500? Good question! The $15,500 set amount for the trip covers a lot but not everything. The things it does not cover include: 1 flight to training camp, 1 flight to launch point, international insurance, vaccinations (Hep A/B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio, and Malaria pills), passport, 1 flight home after landing point in the United States, and emergency travel home due to illness. Therefore, Adventures In Missions allows us to raise an extra $1,500 on top of the $15,500 to cover these expenses. *The backpack, tent, sleeping bag and other needed gear are the responsibility of the world racer. So $17,000 by June 1, 2012 .
I hope this helps explain where money is being placed and how it will be used! This program is designed for us to use faith in how our money is spent and where we choose to minister. Therefore it takes trust from my supporters that such materials will be used to the best of our abilities to create the greatest blessing to the local people.
Supporters, I am so grateful for those whom have already chosen to join me, and for those that may choose to in the future, in this trek across the world! … in meeting people where they are, in gaining an understanding of others upbringings related to culture and faith, in experiencing the slavery that children, women, and men undergo because of lack of food, shelter, and opportunity, in spreading hope of how Jesus can rescue a person daily, in my ministry training and further, gaining insight into how I fit in God’s global purpose. I cannot express how thankful I am to partner with those who have a heart to reach people of all nations with God’s hope.
For more detailed info on how AIM uses its funds please visit http://adventures.org/give. Click on the ECFA symbol at the bottom left of the page.
