We have all seen impossible wishes come true. Most of the times, it’s in movies. But everyday around the world, impossible wishes are made and come true because they are possible with hard work and a little faith. God is faithful to complete things if we believe that they are possible with our entire being. During my time in Africa (and now in India), we worked with students. We would ask them what their dreams were and many times we’d be left with blank stares.
In America, we’re always told that our dreams and wishes can come true if we work hard enough at them. If we get our education, if we do this and do that. But for Christians, we know that hard work is nothing without our faith in God. The story of how I even made it to the Race is one for the books in my life. If I’m being honest, I doubted more than I should have that this was Gods will for me. Even with donation after donation coming through, the idea of $16,267 to raise all on my own with nothing but my faith to get me through scared the hell out of me. And yet, here I am sitting in India!
I have started thinking about the question “what is your impossible Christmas wish?” I definitely have one this year. It’s never been something I’ve thought much about in America, because of my fortune of always being blessed with a good family that’s been very giving toward one another. And God, always providing when I least expect it and at the very last minute. I have been in the same range between $12,000 and $13,000 since the beginning of the Race. I have tried to be as present as possible. I’ve been encouraged to finish this thing out strong, and I believe I can. It’s hard to fundraise with limited wifi and being worlds away from my support base, however. The Lord wants me here, though. That, I am 100% sure of. There is still so much more to grow deep in and God’s totally not finished with me yet, so I’m not giving up.
Impossible Christmas wish? God, you want me to dream? (It’s all He’s been telling me recently, along with keeping hope). But my Christmas wish is too much. Too big. Right? There is no way on Gods green earth. But the disciples prayed “help our unbelief.” And I’m reminded of the moment we received the three week email and I was nearly $4,000 short of the deadline. God provided more than enough. So my impossible Christmas Wish and prayer? To be fully funded. It’s impossible, right? That’s why I call it the Impossible Christmas Wish. Yet, God is showing me what it means to trust Him through it all. To trust Him even in my doubting.
It’s about time I got real about what I need, though.
I need to be fully funded by the end of the year or I face the possibility of going home.
I need roughly $3,400 dollars more to be at Fully Funded status.
I wish and place my hope in the Lord to provide that money through people who are willing to take action.
I have taken action by being out here, by sacrificing my time to do Gods work when I could be working my own job, furthering my education even more, and/or spending time with family for the holidays. Instead, I am miles away in Asia, and it is hard, but it is also the most rewarding experience I have had in my entire life so far and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I know I have a load of family and friends out there who believe in me and want to see me succeed. So I ask that you take a moment to really consider helping me out. Share this Christmas Wish. It’s simple and complex, but most things that are simple and complex end up being the most rewarding.
As I said earlier in this blog, it’s not easy to fundraise from miles away with limited wifi, so I have to and need to trust in, first and foremost, God… But also my family and friends who are back home with all the resources to share, shed light on what I am doing for the Lord, and to maybe even take action and donate. This does not negate the donations I have received this far to get me here, though! I appreciate each and every donation coming through from the bottom of my heart. All donations go a really long way, but, in order to be fully funded by Christmas I need 34 people to be willing to donate just $100.
I am here. I am seeing and taking part in stories I never would have if I were back at home and I am using to the best of my ability the resources I have to share them with you all. God is working and making an impact because He chose me to come and be His vessel out here. My Christmas Wish is to stay on the World Race. Will you join me to help me make it come true?
All my Love and Happy Holidays!
~Ash
