I’d be lying if I told you the money wasn’t scary. But in Truth, raising $18,700 hasn’t freaked me out as much as I thought it would. Whenever someone asks me how much money the WR will cost, I always answer with a smile. Sometimes I think it’s a nervous smile, but for the most part I think it’s a faith smile. Faith is the confidence of things hoped for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). But the thing is, I have seen it! I have seen Him raise $1,500 in two weeks to send me to Nicaragua. I have seen Him provide $825 literally out of NOWHERE to meet my deadline for Tanzania, not to mention the other $2,825 it took to get there! So if He told me to do that and provided the money, won’t He provide for this next thing that He has so clearly told me to do?
So, now we come to fundraising. Because that’s what we all expect when the goal is $18,700, right? Would you believe that every time I have envisioned fundraising, God has steered me back to people? When I want to use ideas from previous mission trips: nope, people. Chick-fil-a spirit night: “people.” Color run 5k: “people.” So, believe it or not, I will not be fundraising for the World Race. Instead, I will find 187 people. 187 people to support me with $100. Okay God, do I even know 187 people? I mean, I’m sure I know that many people, but do I know that many people? If you’re reading this blog right now and thinking about how much $100 is, I am with you! Thankfully, the people at Adventures in Missions are graceful enough to give us deadlines (plural). My first deadline of $5,000 is due September 23rd. Now get this, are you ready, because I want you to get it! If 187 people gave $20 a month for 2 months, I would exceed my September deadline!
Ok, so why am I getting so excited about support raising?
1. Because God has told me exactly how to raise $18,700, and that is a peace that I just cannot describe in words.
2. Because I have been that person that can’t find an extra dollar, much less $20 or $100.
But GOD. He has always provided a way. And friends, I truly believe that if you are one of my 187 people, you will know it. I don’t think God will leave you alone about it until you click that orange button. Because that’s exactly how He got me to say yes to the World Race 🙂
187 people.
187 donations of $100.
187 donations of $25 a month for 4 months.
187 donations of $20 for 5 months.
187 decisions to be a part of something greater.
187 hearts that need to see Him move.
Now to HIM who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Eph.3:20-21
To give to my World Race fund, click the orange “Donate” button at the top of this blog. Or send your check made out to “Adventures in Missions” to:
Erin Stephens
36 Right Fork Lane
Oxford, AL 36203
Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
