I’m just going to be really honest here: Since I was accepted to go on the World race, my heart has strayed from my mission… a lot.
I haven’t known what to write about in the past couple of months. During the first few days of being accepted for the World Race, there were so many things going through my mind; so many things I could have written about. But now that the reality of my trip is settling in, I’m finding myself paralyzed by all that I have to do. I find myself constantly worrying that I won’t raise enough money or that I won’t have what it takes. It has taken me a little too long to realize that I’m not paralyzed by these outside factors, I’m paralyzed by my own sinful fear.
While working at Kanakuk Kamps one of the directors, Chad Hampsch, once said “every one of our sins can be traced back to a lie that we believe about who God is,” and I’ve found this to be startlingly true. I’ve compiled a list of fears in my brain that are keeping me from really doing the work God has led me to do, and realizing that I’m forgetting that my God is a God who loves me, cares for me, and has written all of my adventures before I could even dream of them. So why am I afraid that everything will fall apart? How could I be afraid if God is who He says He is? Because I’m sinful and forgetful, and I constantly decide to believe the lies that our enemy tells me.
So, here are my prayers: that the Lord will equip me and give me the motivation and energy to live out His mission, that He will provide the funds and resources I need to live out that mission, and that he will surround me with a community of people who will help and pray for me.
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How can you help?
First and foremost, prayer. This whole thing will be one of the most challenging and scary things I’ve ever done. Just pray that the Lord keeps my squad and me safe, and that He prepared our hearts, minds, and bodies during these months leading to our launch.
I also have the daunting task of raising $17,017 to cover my living and travel costs while I’m away, and there are several ways to help me in this. You can donate to my trip as a one-time gift or as monthly donations, allowing you to choose the amount and beginning and end date. If you would like to do this, please make checks payable to Adventures in Missions P.O. Box 742570, Atlanta, GA 30374-2570. Make sure to specify that you would like the donation to go to AnnaGrace Mercer or your donation will not be sent to my account. If you would prefer to make a donation online, you may do so by clicking the “Support Me” link on the left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed. Keep in mind, though, that a 5% credit card fee will be taken out of the donation for credit card processing. Also know that these donations are not refundable.
I am selling bracelets for Threads of Hope, and you can get one (or a bunch!) by contacting me on Facebook, through email, or calling or texting me. They’re absolutely gorgeous handmade bracelets, and half of the proceeds go towards helping at risk families in the Philippines.
There will be a few other ways to help me as well. I am selling most of my stuff, including furniture, clothes, and a whole lot of other stuff. I will also be selling calendars and will be taking names for those before I order them.
Another way to help me is, if you’re in need of calligraphy work (hello SNU brides!) I would love to do that for you, as well as any design or photography work you may need.
Lastly, share this! You can never have too much prayer and support!
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If you have any questions, or just want to talk about my trip with me over coffee, I would love to hear from you! You can call or text me at 832-622-3174, or you can email me at [email protected], or message me on Facebook.
