Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 1 Chronicles 29:12-16
About two months ago, an old friend from Zambia wrote to me with news about her new born baby. With a six-year diagnosis of baby fever, I was so happy for her and wished I could see her first child. After a bit of conversation, she proceeded to ask me for $30 so she could buy her baby a few clothes and sweaters. I thought to myself, “I have a lot fundraising to do to reach my first deadline. Can I afford to give away $30?” I proceeded to let her know of my fundraising and that I was working a 40hr job making $4, which didn’t leave me with much to give. I then proceeded to encourage her and told her that if she continues to pray and ask God, she’ll receive.
Two weeks later I found myself in the babies section of a department store. The first thing that came to mind was my friend’s baby. I looked at the cute pink and blue baby clothes and knew in my heart that if I had the money, I would send baskets full of clothes and toys. As I continued to think about her, it dawned on me I had the money! I was reminded of a devotional I had read that explained that every bit of money I had belonged to God. Even if I had bills to pay and $5000 to raise, it was up to God how I spent it.
“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” Psalm 24:1
Many times, in life, you’re either the giver or the receiver. Everything we have comes from God and He entrusts us to properly manage it all, including money. How we handle money and possessions demonstrates who we really believe is our owner—God or ourselves. The question I should have asked is not “Can I afford to give away $30”, but rather “God, what do you what me to do with your money?” In the act of donation, both the giver and receiver must acknowledge that their life and resources are not their own—the giver in releasing their sense of ownership, and the receiver in accepting its source.
With the reminder that what I had belonged to God, my perspective shifted. I proceeded to pray about it and asked God how much to give. I cannot count how many times I have asked God for something, and He gave me more. The joy that comes to my heart when that happens is indescribable, and I wanted my dear friend to feel that joy and know that God was listening. I proceeded to give what was on my heart.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35
I am participating in the World Race because I want to give of what God has given me, which includes time, money, and most importantly love. Loves comes from God and it has changed my life for the better. I want people in other nations to know and experience that love, love that brings hope and builds faith. I do not want what I do to only be a moment, but also everlasting. It’s my calling to go and do, but when it comes to building the kingdom, that is not the only part to be played. Everyone in the church has a critical role. When you’re called to be the giver, you are bringing hope and restoration to the world. The salvation of one soul is priceless. Now think of the number of people my squad and I will encounter as we serve in 11 countries. You can be part of that miracle if you say “I’m all in!” Simply pray and ask, “God, how do you want me to use the resources you’ve given me?”
The past few weeks have been hard on me as I had to said bye to my August squad and joined my January squad. Looking at how much has been raised so far things may seem hopeless, and my mind began to wander, doubting if this really my calling, and putting on a “Miss Independent” attitude. But God reminded me that this is part of the process, and it can be found all over the Bible. Fundraising is not meant to be easy, and part of it includes learning to be dependent on the people God has put in our lives. It’s evidence that we are not on our own. As givers and receivers, God invites us to interdependent with each other, as it brings us closer to Him. I’m learning to stop being shy about asking for donations, afraid of judgment and being turned down, and remember that it’s for the kingdom.
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthias 8:12
To everyone who has partnered with me on this ministry, I just want to say thank you for saying yes. Thank you for your generosity. I want you to know that I am not giving up, but I am getting back on my feet and will continue to be steadfast. As a sign on my gratitude to each of you, here’s a thank you board, little gifts from me to remind you that you are part of the works.
Samaritan: Shoutout in online blog
Friend of World Race Missions: Blog Shoutout + Printed in-field photograph of country selected
WR Big Brother/Sister: Blog Shoutout + Postcard + Photograph
WR Angel: Blog Shoutout + Postcard signed by people from selected country + Photograph
WR Guardian: Blog shoutout + Signed Postcard + Digital image of your name/picture in selected country
$500 or More: All of the above + Video shoutout in in-field video from local community in selected country (including end credits)
