FUNDRAISING (the most dreaded word in ministry)
This grand adventure ain’t cheap folks. In fact it’s a total of $19,800. That is a lot of cash for someone who works multiple jobs at an hourly rate. But can I just say, “Thank you and AMEN!”
Thank you. Thank you for the numerous donations thus far. Thank you for the countless prayers and encouragement. Thank you for all the likes and shares on my social media posts. Thank you for promoting me and what God’s doing. Thank you for being brave and bold. Thank you for your time. Thank you for believing in me.
And for my shouts of endless praise and biggest AMEN…let me preface with a story.
I had a phone call a few months ago with my advisor. She asked me how my fundraising was going. I said, “It’s going well! I just finished selling a round of T-shirts I designed and overall the results were great.” She congratulated me and continued on giving me some tips and some advise on how to expand my “partnerships”. Then, she ended with a phrase I will cherish forever. Because surely this won’t be my last missions trip I’ll need funding for. She said, “Fundraising shouldn’t be stressful or cause you anxiety. It should be joyful!” A little dumbfounded, I chuckled and just said, “You’re right.” After getting off the phone, I’ll be honest with you, I was pretty sure she was crazy.
BUT AFREAKINGMEN. Right?!?
Fundraising should not cause stress or anxiety or worry or make you doubt the faithfulness of our God. He has called me and equipped me! There is no doubt in my mind that I will be fully funded! In fact, together, we’re up to $2,000 or 10% toward the goal! That’s INSANE! I am not asking for a hand out or your money in fact. I am asking you to partner with me and the Lord. I am counting it ALL as JOY!
I’ve been praying into the financial aspect of this trip a lot and prayer promotes JOY. Thanking and praising God for what He’s already done is the greatest! There has been an abundance of unexpected blessings from the most random people. It’s been a joy hearing stories about what the Lord has put on people’s hearts. It is truly a joy to see that when God spoke to me about going on this trip He was also speaking to my future squad mates. It’s been a joy getting to know them and pray with them as they fundraise. It has been so fun coloring numbers for my “Adopt a Box” campaign. And it brings me joy seeing people rep my ‘amada’ merchandise.
As sucky, hard, and extremely uncomfortable as it is to ask people for help especially financial help it is so rewarding. The reward isn’t because of the actual money, that’s great too and it will help me tremendously… the greatest reward is that I am honoring God by being obedient in following what I know He’s called me to do. The reward is finding joy in the partnership. The reward is humbling myself to ask for help and seeing how big my tribe actually is. The reward is being able to go into these 11 counties and see lives be radically changed for eternity. AMEN.
I encourage you to pray about a partnership with me! No amount is too small or insignificant. Every prayer, every dime invested, every letter sent is a move towards a greater revival.
I am thankful for you, your time, your prayers and your generosity.
~written in love by your local gypsy.
