I recently found this blog that I had written three years ago, one month before I left for the Race. I never posted it, and I’m not quite sure why, but three years later, here goes 🙂
~Written July 30, 2013~
To Future Racers: Fundraising
It’s worth it.
It is absolutely 100% worth it.
Fundraising might seem like a daunting task.
You might be looking at that huge total of $16,285 and questioning how you’re going to do it and it might even cross your mind that it’s actually impossible.
You might see people write “FUNdraising” and be silently annoyed because how and where in the world is the fun in something that has the potential to be incredibly challenging, and might not let you get to where you want to go.
But let me tell you something – it’s worth it.
It’s not just worth it because each time you get a donation, big or small, you are so appreciative.
It’s not just worth it because each time you get a surprising donation, you cry.
It’s not just worth it because all of a sudden, you’ve hit every single one of your deadlines.
But rather,
It’s worth it because of the relationship you develop with the Father along the way.
And that is an indescribable feeling.
Ask – and it will be given to you
What is the worst that someone could say? The dreaded “No.” I recently heard that if someone says No, that means ask again. I haven’t necessarily tested this theory out on humans, but I’ve definitely tried it out on the Father and He has yet to disappoint.
Seek – and you will find
Seek. Seek people, seek opportunities, seek God. As you shamelessly put yourself out there more and more, you will probably be more and more surprised. People from years ago might pop up and want to help in some way. People you’ve never met before might pop up and want to offer help. You don’t know who is waiting around ready and willing to help once they are sought out.
Knock – and the door will be opened to you
Opportunities will arise that surprise you. Things will happen that can only be God. But the thing is, you need to put yourself out there. You need to be public, open, and honest. People will surprise you.
But honestly, it’s God that is the one surprising you. It is only through Him that I recently raised $3,000 in eight days. It is only through Him that I have only $2,000 left to go.
I don’t regret a single thing with fundraising. Because God has used it all to glorify Him. I did things I felt uncomfortable doing, and He honored my process and glorified it. He walked with me every step of the way, no matter how slow I was walking, He was there smiling down at me. Always watching out for me, and always creating better opportunities than I could’ve ever imagined.
[James 1:6]
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
