For those of you who don’t know, I am interning with an amazing organization called Embassy of Hope here in San Antonio. Embassy of Hope is a Christian-based nonprofit that provides care and services to victims of human sex trafficking.
This evening, as part of my internship duties, I was able to attend an event put on by the Ayer’s House and Magik Theater. This event brought together several organizations in our community that deal with human trafficking. The Magik Theater guild wrote and performed an original script about human trafficking in our community and the Ayer’s House, a halfway home for at-risk youth males in the juvenile justice system, ushered the event. Along with ushering, the young men came around to all of the different organization’s tables. The goal was to see the different organizations and then vote on one that would receive all the donations collected during the event.
Our organization was so fortunate to be awarded the collected donations! While I was excited about winning the donation, I was even more excited about something else…
Upon winning, one of the men in charge came up to our table. He mentioned that we had a pretty good turn-out and that the donors really came through. “One donor wrote up a check for $100 and other people were throwing in $20s and such,” he explained.
While that was good news, a smaller statement he made caught my attention: “One of the boys from Ayer’s House, after walking around and talking to ya’ll, came to the box, opened his wallet, and dumped all the change he had into the donation chest.”
Even though the young man’s contribution was “just change” and was definitely not a $100 check, his small contribution meant so much more. He gave from what little he did have—he gave till it hurt.
I’m not saying that we should all give away our hard earned money and live on nothing. What I am saying is that he gave significantly. Here is a young man, who like the rest of us, has fallen. He is attempting to turn his life around. He probably does not have a lot financially (as I’m sure a good amount of us college students can relate to—Ramen anyone?), yet he gave a significant amount. Even though it was change, it was literally all he had in his wallet. That’s it.
What a beautiful picture of how a little can mean a lot! As I have begun this process of fundraising, I never really understood how life-changing it can be.
If you listen to Christian radio and if you’re like me, those pledge drives are not your favorite time of the year. I always used to hear them say, “give your best gift, even if it’s only $10 a month.” I always thought that was a little cliché.
I think I get it now. When you are trying to make a difference, be that through a radio station, a theatre night fundraiser for human trafficking, or through spreading God’s love to people around the world, literally every penny makes a difference.
As I look upon my next fundraising goal, I am so encouraged by this man’s small act this evening.
I had been hesitating to ask my friends, especially social network friends to donate. I know we are mostly college students on a limited budget, but this young man’s example gave me courage.
I know many racers have an “$11 on the 11th” idea. Like I said, at first I didn’t really think it could make much of a difference. If you are feeling like me, and have been feeling called to donate, but thought you wouldn’t make a difference, please step out in faith with me!
As it’s approaching May, I want to ask my Facebook friends and other social media friends to join me in donating $11 on the 11th of May! If $11 is too much or you feel called to give more than $11, please don’t hesitate to give what you can.
If you are interested in this opportunity, you can give either through a check made out to Adventures in Missions with my name in the memo line or online by clicking the “Support Me” button on my blog!
I thank you so much for even just reading this blog and being open to the idea of stepping out in faith!
