Fundraising.
Support raising.
Bugging people.
Whatever you want to call it, it’s not super easy. In fact I don’t think anyone can really do it without God’s help.
Let me tell you a little story.
I know I’ve blogged about this before but for real guys I have to tell you how God came through this week, and how this journey affected me.
So as I am sure you saw/ heard about how I just passed my first fundraising deadline date. Starting last week I needed more than $1,000. I was not nervous but after my first small attempts to remind people to get their support in I did not see much of a response. I still was very optimistic, God was in this and He knew what He was doing.
A few days passed with very little change in my status of getting to my goal. At this point a few others on my squad had to push back their launch dates and join a new squad and route, I was beginning to feel nervous. The devil had found a foothold.
I began wanting to DO more. I knew in my heart I would make the goal but I had to sit still and wait for the seeds that were already planted to become evident, and that was tough. I asked for prayer from my small group because I knew the anxiety I was feeling was not of God. I needed to focus my attention on the now and trust God to do the rest.
That night the women from my group reached out to me with some ideas of how to reach out to more people. I was so touched at their willingness to help me.
The next morning I was very close to making it to my $5,000 goal!!
At this very moment my account reads just over $5,000! I almost had to fill out a Fundraising Action Plan because I missed the deadline.
God reminded me to sit still and let Him work. He also showed me I need to rely on others in this process. I am a very independent person so this can be tough for me. I know when I am on the World Race my team will be my family. I see it already in my squad becoming family as well.
Last night at Real Life the sermon was in Acts 2. The verses that really stuck out to me were 44-47:
“And all who believed were together and had ALL THINGS IN COMMON. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as they had need. And day by day, attending the temple TOGETHER and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food in glad and generous hearts, PRAISING GOD and having favor with all the people. And the Lord ADDED TO THEIR NUMBERS day by day those who were BEING SAVED.”
Nick preached on this passage in how he views the future of Real Life but I felt the impression for me that this was for my team next year.
It’s funny, sometimes God is teaching me to work hard and get things done like in my previous blog “All Because of a Pen…” but this time I think He was really showing me the importance of relying on Him and others through Him.
I am in awe at how fast those funds added up and how fast God came through.
My “host dad” Nate recently asked me if raising support like this made me view tithing differently and I told him that about a year ago I felt the conviction to always give when asked for support even if it was a small amount. Since that time I often find myself praying maybe once and choosing a “safe” amount when it comes to my finances. I know that is not what God wants.
I know He doesn’t call us to safe.
The question really made me think. Right now I am saving to be able to pay on my student loans while I am gone and I will need spending money for 11 months, I also just drained pretty much all of my money in order to get LASIK. I was slightly concerned for a short amount of time if I would even be able to save back up the amount I need. I also still need quite a few things before training camp. But I know God is in control, He will come through in more ways than just finances. He takes care of His children in ways they aren’t even praying for.
I want to end this blog by saying thank you!
Thank you for your continued prayers of support! It is a constant reminder of how big God is and how big His family is. The team of people I have praying for me is beyond what I know and it’s brought me to tears just thinking about it.
Also thank you also to those of you who gave financially, I am now able to move forward in going to training camp and begin raising towards my next goal!
Lastly, thank you to my host parents Nate and Sarah Peffers! You guys took me in under your roof and have fed me and mentored me through our times together. I love you guys and your hearts for Jesus! These last weeks have been awesome!!!
