When I was thinking about applying for the world race there were numerous challenges I thought through as part of my consideration. Things like leaving the people I know and love and country I love for 11 months, living for 11 months out of a backpack (those who know me know I am not exactly a light packer), being in community 24/7 (I am a huge extrovert but this idea can still be a little daunting) and dealing with new and strange foods (I like trying new things but I also like the familiarity and comfort of the foods I know and love) and countless other struggles one thinks about when leaving for significant lengths of time to do missions work. However, one struggle I didn’t really consider was support and fundraising.
I pride myself on being an independent person. I don’t like to rely on other people and like to be able to do things on my own. I have been this way since a young child when I insisted on picking out my own clothes and dressing myself (looking back I am amazed at my parents patience and boldness to allow me out of the house with some of the outfits I would wear) and my competitive nature to be able to do everything my older brother could do and there were major upsets when he got to do something I couldn’t (like go to Kindergarten). But unfortunately this has also caused me to lack faith and trust in God. When thinking about fundraising I am constantly brought back to Jesus and reminded to put my faith in him. He has made it SO clear that the race is where he wants me and has laid the path so perfectly that I cannot deny that this is his will so I need to trust him in the area of support. It is not easy for me to ask for help and rely on other people but the truth is I need the help and support of those around me. Here are some ways you can support me on this journey.
Prayer
I ask that you would be keeping my squad and I in your prayers. Pray for us as we prepare for this journey around the world. Pray that our hearts and the hearts of those we are leaving would be prepared for what God wants to do in us and through us. Pray that the financial support we need for this journey would come in and that God could be praised through our fundraising.
Keep in Contact
While I will be long distances away from my friends and family I ask you to read my blogs and stay in contact with me. Having the support and encouragement from the people I love and care about back home would mean a lot to me and I know that I will definitely need it as I face the incredible ups and downs that the race offers.
Financial Support
Finally I ask you would prayerfully consider partnering with me financially. The race costs $16, 254.35 for the 11 months. This covers travel, living, food and training costs. Put another way that is $1 477.67 a month. On top of this there are also medical insurance ($734), daily life ($1500- $3-5 a day), gear and supplies needed for the race and immunizations. There are numerous ways you can support me but only one way you can receive a tax receipt (since I am from Canada)
To receive a tax receipt please make cheques out to Innisfail Alliance church with Stefani Brewster World Race in the memo line(they have graciously agreed to partner with me to support my fundraising for the race). Cheques can be mailed to
Innisfail Alliance Church (Stefani Brewster Mission Trip)
4804 42 Avenue
Innisfail AB
T4G 1T4
There are also other ways you can donate to me but keep in mind you will not receive a tax receipt for these.
To donate directly online you can visit my blog (stefanibrewster.theworldrace.org and click on the Support me tab on the right or click on the link below
https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=worldrace&desc=For%20Stefani%20Brewster
(There is a small processing charge for donations made online)
You can also send cheques directly to Adventures in Missions with Stefani Brewster in the memo line. These can be mailed to
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
Monthly Donations
If you would like to set up a monthly donation you can do so online through an electronic transfer fund known as dynasty (there are no fees for this). You can set up the reoccurring donation by going to the following website https://www.adventures.org/dynapay and completing the required fields. Online donations can be started at any point but please keep in mind that my entire funds are due March 1 2015 so please ensure you use this as the end date to sending monthly donations.
Some notes
Donations through Dynapay typically take 1-2 weeks to be processed. Donations are withdrawn from the your account on either the 3rd or the 18th of the month.
You may set up an end date for their reoccurring donations when they set up their initial DynaPay account.
If you do not select an end date you MUST submit a written request (fax, letter, e-mail) to Donor Relations to stop their reoccurring donation. This will NOT happen automatically. A two weeks advance notice must be provided to stop any future reoccurring donations. You can reach Donor Relations by phone at 770-983-1060×251 or by email at [email protected].
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected]
Thanks again for your support on this journey!
Stefani Brewster
Give me neither poverty nor wealth but give me only my daily bread
Proverbs 30:8
