A year ago, I was accepted to go on the World Race. I didn’t know a single thing about picking out a backpack or tent, my support letter was in rough draft form, and the number $16,500 towered above me.
Honestly, I had no clue how it was all going to come together. I had no choice but to throw myself into the process (in typical, energetic Ashley fashion), take a deep breath, and trust that somehow, God was going to come through for me. He had to.
After endless hours spent researching gear, multiple trips to REI, hundreds of support letters, a route/departure date change, dozens of conversations about why I am going, fervent prayers for God to provide, and an eye-opening 10 days of Training Camp, I somehow find myself only 24 days away from flying to Mozambique.
And boy oh boy, has my faithful God ever come through for me. I am ecstatic, humbled, and overwhelmed to announce that I am officially FULLY FUNDED!!!!!
I remember my mom praying over me at the beginning of this journey: “God, we call in every dollar.” And He has been faithful to answer that prayer, as well as meet my needs so abundantly! He is so very good, isn’t He?!
I knew from day 1 of this preparation journey that while God could plop $16,500 into my fundraising account at any second, He would probably opt for a different approach. I realized that God would use my support-raising journey to specifically grow me, and He has!
Here are a few things I have learned from fundraising:
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We need each other. “The body of Christ” is not just a cute metaphor. It is an image intentionally chosen to emphasize how God’s children are meant to support each other and work together. No child of God is meant to fly solo.
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I should never deprive anyone of the opportunity to give. It is not my place to predetermine how someone will respond to my invitation to be a part of this journey. My role is to ask; it is up to that person how they respond. In all honesty, there were several supporters who I did not actually expect to give towards my trip, and these often blessed me the most. (I think this also applies to sharing the gospel! We should never deprive someone of hearing this message. Our role is to share, theirs is to respond!)
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People can be incredibly generous. This past year has blessed me so deeply as I’ve seen people give sacrificially and with joyful hearts. I have been personally challenged to become a more generous person as I’ve watched donation after donation come in.
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God will provide. I didn’t know that He would use my feeble fundraising attempts, hearts ripe with generosity, and a dear friend to help bring in the support, but the reason I can say that I somehow raised $16, 500 is because of God. He called me, and He has equipped me.
Praise Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides!
P.S. If any of you would like to write me an encouraging or even just lighthearted letter to take with me on the Race and open throughout the 11 months, I would LOVE that!! You can send it to the address below. I would need it no later than January 5th!
1403 Keener Rd. Bainbridge, PA 17502
