It’s officially 3 months and 8 days until I leave for the 10 day world race training camp in Gainesville, Georgia.. 5 months and 4 days until my team and I fly out to Columbia for the first month of our world race journey. I enjoy when people ask about this upcoming trip as it slowly nears, talking with them about the road ahead and the things that it may hold. I’m often asked if I’m nervous for it at all. It’s easy to say no when its months away yet, but for now I can say I’m much more excited than nervous.
However, there is one part of this preparation process that can seem a bit overwhelming. Even though while on the race we may spend nights in tents and give up all kinds of creature comforts that have become our norm, the world race is not a cheap trip. Its actually quite expensive.. like more than $19,000 expensive. Thinking of taking on this number and looking at fundraising options to help offset the cost can be pretty intimidated. But when God opens a door and calls you through it, you can sure bet that He will provide and make a way for His glory. Since signing up for the race, I have been amazed by a few faithful servants who have stepped up in big ways to support me both financially (without even asking) and with such appreciated words of encouragement. It fires me up, inspires me in many ways and reassures me that God is with me on this.
Yesterday I received a big donation and I cannot help but share this story of God at work! I teach 4th grade Sunday school at our church. I like to think there are valuable lessons learned and knowledge retained in our class times, but i know one thing is for sure, there is never a shortage of energy in the room! We have some fun. At the end of class one day, I told them about the race and that i was going to be leaving. There was some surprise, some excitement, some sadness (that will make you feel a little special inside), but within about 30 seconds they were set on the idea that they need to do a fundraiser for me. Pretty cool right? The following week I was quite impressed as they came back with a plan of action for a fundraiser. They had a plan to hold a “money war ” between their k-5th grade classes at school. They would have jars for each class to put money into and at the end of the war, the winning class would be treated to a pizza party (which they also organized a donor for). They had me come into school one morning to talk a little bit about the race at their chapel, and we announced the fundraiser together. They had a decorated poster made up to keep tally of where each class was at. The war was on. I was amazed by these kiddos and the way God was shining right through them. The way their hearts wanted to help send me.
In the following weeks, I heard stories of kids scrounging up what change they could, doing extra chores for extra money to dump into the jars, and some persuasive children who got their parents on board to help out too! It took a few short days to reach their goal of $250. The money war continued until the last day of April. I was at work when I received a video from my 4th grade class with the news that they had won the war! And get this, the k-5th grade classes at CWC raised a whopping $1,470 to go directly towards my trip cost!!! I was totally blown away. It’s so incredible to feel so much support from all of these kids. God is GOOOOD! Thanks so much to these amazing 4th graders, and to everyone who has supported me thus far, whether financially, with encouraging words, or with the power of prayer.. We are all together the body of Christ and I could not do this on my own. Thank you.
I currently have about 20% of my trip expense funded so there is still a bit of work to do. If I had to make a list of 100 things I like to do, asking for money would definitely not make that list. But if you feel the Lord laying it on your heart to support this mission after reading this, you are able to donate anytime to my account online at davidsmits.theworldrace.org and clicking the orange donate button. Adventures in missions is a tax deductible organization and checks may also be made and sent in. Just let me know if you’re interested in helping. Yes, your money will go towards sending me, but I pray that those dollars go so much further beyond me, and help people around the world come to know the love of Jesus, and come to have a real relationship with Him. Thanks so much! 5 months and 4 days 🙂
God Bless
