As I prepare for the World Race, I am constantly overjoyed and excited. I have written fun blogs, sold a good portion of my possessions at my yard sale, bought a super cool backpack, and sold cute shirts with a bold quote and my blog on them. But along with these things, there’s something I forgot to tell you…
Things are about to get awkward.
What could possibly be awkward about preparing for the World Race?
– I’m going to be traveling to 11 countries I’ve never been to, for 11 months of my life, with people I’ve never met, and a plan for ministry that will constantly be changing and unknown.
– I’m going to be trading my comfortable lifestyle to sleep in a tent, live out of a backpack, and probably end up eating some bugs and other unknown foods.
– I’m going to be on a team with people I don’t know, and we will be together 24/7. No vacations, no time apart; just constant community.
But, all of these things aren’t that awkward, right? You may be reading this and thinking that it isn’t so bad. And you’re right, after all. I mean, in my last blog I did write in bold letters: LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
But, there’s one awkward part about going on the World Race that I am just beginning to embrace. One part that God is currently teaching me to rejoice in instead of fearing. One part that I talk about more apprehensively when I talk to people about this journey I’m on.
I’m fully trusting in God to raise the full $16, 242 that I need to be fully funded on the World Race. Not only this, but I am trusting that He will provide the necessary spending money, and the gear I need to travel.
Let me say that again:
I am FULLY TRUSTING that God will raise the FULL AMOUNT that I need to be fully funded.
I am not limiting God to my first deadline of $3,500 coming up in September.
I am not limiting God to my second deadline of $7,000 that I need to launch.
I am trusting God for the FULL AMOUNT. I’m all in. All my cards are on the table.
This is the part where people read quicker, skip over the financial talk. In today’s world, raising funds as a missionary is AWKWARD.
But guess what? I truly believe that God wants to and is able to break down these unnecessary barriers. I believe that God wants to do some serious work through me and in my life when I go on the World Race. And with this I believe He will fund this work. I also believe that a little awkwardness is good, because once again, the end of our comfort zone is a good place to be. With that said, in the next few weeks I’m going to be sending out letters, making phone calls, planning fundraisers, and praying that I will continually seek God’s guidance and take the necessary steps that he has planned so that He can provide the funds I need.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
Outline of my financial deadlines for the World Race:
- $150 Deposit – Due 7/8/2014 (2 weeks after your acceptance date.)
- $3,500 – Due 2 weeks before Training Camp (September 26th)
- $7,500 – Due 12/18/2014 (2 weeks prior to your trip)
- $11,000 – Due 4/1/2015 (End of 3 months on the field)
- $15,500.00 + $742.60 (*Insurance) = $16,242.60 – Total Due 7/1/2015 (End of 6 months on the field)
To help me reach these deadlines, go to the “Support Me” tab here on my blog.
Thank-you!
