FundWAITING
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10
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Anyone who has ever had to fundraise for anything, knows that it can be very challenging. It’s not easy to put yourself out there and ask people for their support, especially monetary donations. The process as a whole can also be emotionally and spiritually taxing. To use an analogy, I’d say it’s a ‘roller coaster’. Throw in the fact that you need to raise close to $20,000 total, and that’s enough to overwhelm you!
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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
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When I accepted a missionary position on the World Race, I knew that raising the funds wasn’t going to be easy. In fact, I originally put off applying to this mission trip for that reason. Coming off of fundraising for three mission trips over two summers, I didn’t think it would be possible to raise the funds. I had absolutely no idea how I could do it. Despite my own doubts, I strongly felt God calling me back out into the mission field, and the World Race came up again (click here to learn more).
To be honest, I still have no idea how I am going to raise the amount needed, but what I have been constantly reminded of through this process is that I can’t do it on my own, and I need to trust God to provide.
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“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
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Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s NOT! I have trust issues, and control issues. I’m going to be real with you, my whole life I have struggled with needing to maintain control over situations in my life. I’m also somewhat of a perfectionist, and I do not trust easily. I strive to work hard and be successful in everything I do. I have anxiety, occasional bouts of depression, and I am a huge worrier.
Since I began my fundraising journey six months ago, all of my weaknesses have been heightened and exposed. I have learned that I can do my best and work hard on fundraising, but I really have no control over whether people decide to actually support me. I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster feeling everything from discouragement, heartbreak, low self-esteem, and deep sadness, to joy, happiness, encouraged, and deeply thankful.
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“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13
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For example, I was really excited about my t-shirt design, homemade crochet headbands, BBQ fundraiser, and spa raffle….but they all ‘flopped’, leaving me with the feeling of failure and heartbreak. I put SO many hours of work into them, but I’ve learned that even if you try hard and think you have a good idea, it doesn’t always work out the way you envisioned. I’ve learned to be thankful for the people that have gone out of their way and taken the time to encourage me and/or donate. When I sent 200+ letters to family and friends, I expected a good response rate. I learned not everyone is going to be as passionate and excited as you are about something….and people get busy and forget to send in the money, even if they had good intentions.
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“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
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It’s really easy to get discouraged if you focus on the things that haven’t turned out well. However, if you focus on the positives, it’s much more encouraging. Let me be very clear, I’ve had many encouraging things happen over the last six months too! I have a very supportive family who has been an encouragement through the entire process. I have many friends and family who are praying for me, encouraging me, and have taken their time to donate to my mission fund because they believe in me and the work I am going to do.
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“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-
think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
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I have seen God show up several times through this process. He always shows up right when I’m needing encouragement and direction. When preparing for my yard sale in August, I called a local paper to put an add in, and the gentleman I was working with was immediately supportive of my mission and wanted to help in any way he could….so on his own he contacted a larger paper and not only got them to put my yard sale add in, they asked if they could write a story on my mission! I strongly felt that this was a ‘God Thing’. It wasn’t anything of my doing, but an opportunity that came in the most beautiful way. Through this man’s kindness and generosity, I saw God show up in a HUGE way through the newspaper article. I received a total of 5 responses from the article. One from an older woman who wanted to send me a book for my mission trip, two from men who treated the article as a singles add (ignored that), one from a girl who just left on her own race, and one from a very sincere man who the article really touched. That man donated $3,500! I don’t know him, or anything about him, but I do know it was clearly of God’s doing. I know the article was read by many…and in person people would tell me how good and encouraging it was…so it had a purpose.
Time and time again, I see God’s hand in the mission and over my fundraising. He has shown me what it means to be still, and wait on Him. I think God has a pretty good sense of humor…I like to think he’s watching me try so hard and thinking to himself “let me show her what I can do”. What seems to me like a huge task, is a simple work for God. I know my trust needs to be in Him, and in His perfect timing it will all come together. If this mission trip is in God’s will for me, I know the He will open the doors and soften people’s hearts towards me. HE WILL PROVIDE, He always does!
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“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the
desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4
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In closing, I’d like to take time to say THANK YOU for reading this. I also am thankful for each and every person who is praying for me, encouraging me, and to everyone who has donated so far! If you could please keep me in your prayers, I’d appreciate it. When I started writing this blog post I was very heartbroken over a fundraiser that didn’t go so well today. As I wrote and reflected on the last six months and these scriptures, my mood has changed to gratitude and thankfulness. If you feel led to donate to my mission trip, you can do so by clicking on the ‘support me’ tab at the top of your screen OR you can mail a check to AIM on my behalf (click here to see donation details). Also, if you have questions for me, please feel free to contact me!
God Bless
