I’m done selling missions. I’m done marketing myself. I’m done advertising God like He’s some product to be consumed by us.
Fundraising has been kinda scary for me from the get go. I had no idea how I was going to come up with $16,264. I’ve never seen that much money in my life. But God had a plan, like He always does. He is so good. He used fundraising to teach me trust and a deeper dependence on Him, and He used it to show me that other people care about me and do want to support me.
So I hit the pre-launch deadline in a crazy whirlwind. In about three days over $2,000 was raised for my world race. It was nuts and I couldn’t stop crying because I was so overwhelmed with how wild and good our God is. I was overwhelmed by His unfailing love. I met the next deadline of $11,000 about a month early which was really surprising for me, and as much as I learned from the crazy last minute fundraising, I was thankful to be able to rest and relax without worrying about meeting the deadline.
And well, here I am again. I need $3,296 in 17 days to stay on the race. I do not want to go home, I want to finish this and I believe that God has called me to the full eleven months of the race. God knows that I signed up for eleven months, not just six. He called me here and I am sure He will be faithful to provide for my needs. “He’s never failed and he won’t start now.”
This month as I’ve been fundraising I’ve found myself disappointed and frustrated at times. It often feels like since I’m out of sight, I’m out of mind. It seems as if my supporters have forgotten that I need them. My mom has been so supportive and worked so hard. Its saddening to hear things from her like, “I think people here are just done giving to you,” or “Our church has decided that they won’t be donating any more money.”
I have heard fundraising tips like, “It’s the season of giving, tap into that!” “People want tax deductions at the end of the year so remind them that they’ll get one by donating to you!” “Do a catchy campaign!” Those things are not bad but frankly, I’m done with all that. I’m done with the gimmicks.
Sometimes I wonder if Christians in America even read the Bible. We are called to GO. We are called to take the Gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation. God commanded that, so I do not have to market it to you, or prove to you that I am a worthy cause.
I am here, on the world race, sharing the love of God with the nations. I need financial support to keep doing that. I need you to help me. Its that simple. I trust that if you genuinely want the world to know Christ (and I believe that many of you do), and you are able to give financially that you will.
Thank you and merry Christmas!
LeAnn
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