307 days ago I began to fundraise. Each time I looked at the total amount that I had to raise and laughed…looking back I think I laughed to cover up my lack of trust in God. People saw the price tag on my trip and didn’t worry about me actually leaving because they never thought I would reach all my fundraising goals. I am going to be honest; that was hard to hear and I struggled with fears of falling short myself. I love having control over situations and this is something I wanted to pan out the way that I had planned it out in my head. I was determined to make this happen on my own. When I tried my hardest to make things work there was no fruit to bear, but as I gave it over to God the vines began to bloom.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15: 5-8
307 days later I can stand firm and tell you that God taught me a huge lesson. Trust in the Lord. Life isn’t about making do with what you can on your own. The Lord wants us to partner with him. The Lord calls us into community and to lay down the idea of being self-sufficient at his feet. God showed up in ways I never would have thought he could. My biggest donations were from people I barely knew, people I ran into at basketball games or who randomly stumbled upon my blog. God puts people in your life to bless you, reach across the table and accept that help, it’s a beautiful gift.
So after countless fundraisers, nights spent rolling coins, dozens of social media posts and blogs written, and the help from over 80 different supporters; I reached my last goal. With a thankful heart I can say I am FULLY FUNDED.
This has nothing to do with anything I did, but what each of you has given me. Thank you for listening to God’s call and being the empty vessel that he is using to help share His good news. Thank you for loving me so well.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please note that any donations given through my blog from here on out will go to the Adventures General Fund to support the ministries of Adventures in Missions and will NOT go to support me personally. If you are set up for automatic monthly giving, please stop your auto-withdrawals. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the AIM office and ask to speak with someone from Donor Relations: 770-983-1060
I am looking to raise about $1,000 to cover my emergencies/living expenses for the next year. If you still feel led to support me, feel free to send me an email or message. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Next stop: Ivory Coast!!
