Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak with a group of strangers about my upcoming mission with the World Race and it left me feeling more loved and encouraged than any other fundraising experience I’ve had so far.
When I was in school, I was blessed to be able to get a job working in my university’s development and alumni offices. It was a blessing, not only because it filled a financial need, but the men and women I worked for were, in my opinion, some of the most encouraging and best people to work for. They didn’t ignore me because I was a student worker, they took the time to get to know me and became a supportive group for me throughout my collegiate career.
One of these women in particular has been a great source of encouragement and love. When I told her about the race, she was excited and came to me and offered to see if her church would be willing to let me come and speak.
A few months later and we’re now up to yesterday, where I had traveled to a small church to speak to a congregation of people I had never met before. I don’t know how long I spoke, or if any of what I said resonated with anyone, but I walked out of that church feeling so blessed to have been there. Even though these people didn’t know me, they allowed me to tell them about my journey and were willing to support my race. It’s not even about the money, for which I feel absolutely humbled to have received. But just the genuine love I felt from that congregation gave me so much hope that I’m really not in this alone and that there are people willing to listen and love and support me through this. I feel like that little church has my back, and I am so excited to be able to go back and share my adventures with them.
Jesus provides, in the craziest of ways! I am so thankful for His provision and the relationship He has given me that led to this opportunity. The song, “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” was playing in my car as I was driving home yesterday and I felt the Lord reminding me that that’s why yesterday happened, because of His deep love for me. Be encouraged today that He loves you so much, let that sink in and fill you up.
