Fully funded. It’s still surreal to me that I get to say that phrase, but that’s my reality right now. God has provided every single thing I need. I am so incredibly grateful of everyone who poured into this trip.
It hit me one day, why support-raising is so important to God. The system could work differently. Missionary expenses could be covered by a sending agency or the organization they are partnering with. The church could designate a portion of monthly giving to missionaries that attend that church. Sometimes it works that way. Oftentimes, it doesn’t. Getting involved in missions almost always involves coming before the body of Christ and saying “I need support to make this work.”
Support-raising almost stopped me from pursuing the World Race. I didn’t want to beg for money. I didn’t want family and friends to feel an obligation to financially support me. Thankfully, none of those things were required. God simply asked me to show faith in His provision and a willingness to humble myself by asking for support. I learned a few things along the way, and now see it as a valuable process.
1.) We aren’t created to be independent.
As much as I would like to pay for this trip through savings, it just wasn’t possible. If you think about people who have made a career out of international missions, the only way they are able to continue their work is through the support of others. We need each other not only in our spiritual walks, but often in tangible support too.
2.) A gift we don’t deserve and can never pay back.
Everyone’s donations blessed me greatly, but there were a few that caused me to take a step back and think, “Whoa, this is too much.” Not only because of the numerical value of the donation, but because I realized how much sacrifice that person was willing to make to support me. I got to witness people saving money so they can invest in the kingdom of God. People who believe in what God wants to do through this trip. A common thought was, “You’re too generous. I haven’t done anything to deserve this.” And that thought is accurate. Then I started realizing that support raising is an analogy of God’s love for us. We didn’t do anything to deserve it, but He gives it to us freely. We will never be able to pay Him back, but He’s not counting the cost.
To all my supporters: thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love you all and I’m praying God’s blessing over your life! There are several more people that mentioned they would like to donate. I encourage you to check out the blog of my 4 squadmates that need more support to launch with us next week. (Links below). They all add so much value to our team. They are all Kingdom minded and worth supporting!
brookerichardson.theworldrace.org
malorysanvidge.theworldrace.org
tiffanyjohnston.theworldrace.org
lindseymiller.theworldrace.org
