I’ve been sitting staring at my computer for the last hour unable to think of the right words to write. Don’t get me wrong, I jump at the chance to tell people about the incredible opportunity I have sitting in front of me. I get giddy thinking about the excitement of traveling to 11 countries while following Jesus into the places that need Him the most. It feels like an honor to be given the chance to travel the world with the intention of serving “the least of these”, because that’s exactly what it is- an honor. The truth is, I love telling people about it! The other side of the truth is that, I’m scared. In order to serve on possibly the greatest adventure of my life, I must raise $17,617. And its overwhelming!!!
Through this process, I am learning that God is pushing me to be vulnerable. To send letters to friends and family, to obnoxiously post Facebook updates and requests (Hey, at least I’m not posting about politics!) and to stay faithful to the process. He is pushing me outside of my comfort zone, and I am trying to face the uncomfortableness joyfully- but its hard. The next step for me is to be honest about the struggle, I owe that much to myself and to the generous people supporting me.
The reality is that asking for money is awkward. I am struggling with the task ahead of me because my pride is getting in the way and too often doubt sets in. What if I can’t raise all of the necessary funds? What if I don’t get to leave in August? Am I doing enough? Only seven more months until my launch date, and I have a lot of money to raise.
But there is a constant in the struggle; even though it’s easy to let the doubt consume me, I am reminded that this process is much bigger than I am. This money isn’t for me! I serve a faithful God that promises to provide for His children. I sit here reminded that this mission is much larger than I am. It is so much bigger than a trip around the world. God is continually placing the desire in my heart to go and serve. This money is for the human trafficking victims in India, Nepal and Cambodia. Its for girls facing prostitution in the Red Light Districts of Thailand and the people suffering from human rights violations in Vietnam. God will provide this money for Rwanda who still suffers from the genocide of 1994, and the people of Ethiopia who lack access to clean water. In Peru and Bolivia, God will use the money to combat extreme poverty and class inequality. This money is for Ecuador, where half of the population lives below the poverty line. Jesus needs these funds for Colombia where the large student population is rapidly rejecting the Gospel. So when I am stuck in my doubts, I am reminded that this is greater than I am. I have been called to this mission because God needs people to serve, He needs me to serve. He has called me to be His hands and feet, and that is why I know he will provide.
My God will supply all of my needs. -Philippians 4:19
I am currently 14% of the way there with $2,500 donated!!
My Fundraising Goals:
March 1st: $5,000
May 1st: $10,000
July 1st: $15,000
August 1st: $17,000
If you wish to support me, financially online donations can be made on this page. Just click the orange donate button on the top right corner of the screen!
Mail Checks to:
Taylor Hendren
10084 S. Meadowbriar Lane
Highlands Ranch, CO
OR
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
***MEMO LINE: The World Race, Taylor Hendren
I am also selling T-Shirts! $20 each, 100% of proceeds go directly to my fundraising efforts.
http://taylorhendren.bigcartel.com/
If you can not financially support me at this time, I am constantly in need of prayer. I ask you to pray for this process of fundraising, and for the wonderful things God will do with this money.
Adventures In Missions, Inc. (Adventures) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Adventures is also a member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) which means that Adventures meets or exceeds all of the ECFA’s standards for the management of donated funds.
