August 20, 2014
Hi everyone!
“Fundraising” is such a scary word, a squirmy process! I haven’t yet addressed fundraising in the blog, for the big reason that it makes me very uncomfortable. 
But really, who is entirely happy about the idea of fundraising? Does anyone want to do it? However, the fact is that most people doing missions and ministry need to raise funds and have support. And even though this whole part of the process makes my stomach churn, and has me wanting to avert my eyes in embarrassment, I am also coming to realize that God works through fundraising in awesome ways!
The World Race has us do fundraising training and even a devotion that helps us understand why we are raising money. Some key reasons why it is hard to raise funds were tackled:
Pride will keep you from doing things God’s way. Your way might get you through, but God’s way is firm and built for this season, and the seasons to come. It will withstand the rainy season. Luke 6:46-49
Anxiety robs us of joy and peace. God intends for this process to be a joy and a blessing –believe it or not! Don’t let your worries take this away from the process. Philippians 4:6-7
Fear holds us back from all that God has to offer. Fear provides limitations and constraints, where God wants to show us the miraculous and impossible. Don’t let your own fear – or the fear of others to hold you back from what God wants to show you. Mark 5:21-24 and 35-43
The devotion also talks about how there are people who WANT to be asked, who want to participate in this journey and ministry! That even though they may not come with you, they are the ones that help get you there, and support you in encouragement and prayer. They are also the seed planters, the tools that God uses to change lives and reach people! So when I ask for people to join my support team, I shouldn’t do it in discomfort, but look at it as an opportunity! This really helped me gain courage to go an ask people.
I also did not fully understand that the idea of supporting one another was so Biblically rooted! Here are a few verses in the Bible that the World Race supplied that are about giving, supporting, etc.
1 Chronicles 29:6-9
1 Kings 17:1-16
Numbers 18:8-32
Luke 8:1-3
Luke 10:1-7
Philippians – and the nature of their relationship with Paul
Matthew 6:19-21
1 Timothy 6:17-19
One of the ones that stood out to me was Luke 8:1-3 (NIV).
“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
I just didn’t realize that Jesus and His disciples were supported! That sometimes He would feed the thousands with miracles, and other times He would let others give to Him and His ministry!
It is my goal to be completely funded before leaving on my trip in January. However, if this does not happen, I can continue to receive donations until half way through the mission’s race. Sadly, if I do not receive the complete amount of money by that time, I will be sent home from the trip. Even though this situation is not common to the majority of racers, it has happened.
As of right now, I have $2,860 for the trip. My first deadline is on Friday, September 26th, in which I need to raise $3,500. It is only a month away! Remember that checks can take up to two weeks to process so don’t wait to get them in the mail! Online donations take 2-5 days to process.
Thank you all for your financial and prayer support! For those of you who are just being introduced to this race, will you prayerfully consider joining my team as supporters and encouragers, while we help feed the poor, rescue the slaves, and introduce people to Jesus, their savior who loves them so much? To help those who are Jesus in disguise?
Matthew 25:374-40
34 “Then I, the King, shall say to those at my right, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, into the Kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes;36 naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Sir, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you anything to drink? 38 Or a stranger, and help you? Or naked, and clothe you? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’
40 “And I, the King, will tell them, ‘When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!’
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me! My e-mail is [email protected]. Thank you everyone! God bless!
Tori
