Fundraising and Trip Updates

Rail Transport Station in San Pedro

That’s mostly all of what I know about it at this time, but seems like a very cool and unique opportunity. I must admit that I’m also stoked to find out our first month will be in a city! The first month will likely be one of the more difficult months for me emotionally as I transition from my home and relationships in the U.S. to adapting to life overseas. So, knowing that I won’t have as many of the physical challenges and communication barriers added to that initially is a huge relief.

As of this week, I have now met my second fundraising goal of $10,000!!! This is a huge deal for me and guarantees my departure in September with my X squad. Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed up to this point as you are making this happen! Your generosity and willingness to help continues to humble me and encourage me. As it states in Proverbs 19:17, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”

I remember when I started this process months ago and felt so overwhelmed at the thought of trying to raise over $16,000. I knew then that I would never be able to raise that kind of money, and I was right. I don’t have enough resources or connections to raise that kind of money in a few months, but God most definitely does. I remember the moment when I fully turned over my concerns and anxiety about the fundraising process over to God and truly experienced a new sense of peace and trust…..one that I have seldom allowed for in my life previously.

Ever since that day, it has been amazing to watch how God has orchestrated it all, bringing together so many different people in various ways to equip and send me on this journey He has called me to. He knew that if all the money raised came from my own personal connections or pocket alone, that it would not even remotely have the same impact as seeing it unfold in the most unexpected of ways, as it has.

He has challenged me to reach out in new ways, often to those I did not even know before. Through this, I have seen Him bring about a shared vision and passion for Jesus’ final command while on this earth and inspire action. I have been encouraged while being an encouragement and it has given me a small glimpse into how the body of Christ is supposed to look and function, and that has been beautiful to witness.

I don’t believe any of this has been a coincidence. I believe God called has set up every single meeting, small group presentation and discussion about this trip from the start, and for specific reasons. Some of those reasons involve me and my mission trip, but many more involve the individuals that God has brought into my life over the past few months and what He is speaking into you/them. I doubt I will ever fully know the impact and purpose behind each conversation and interaction, but God does. I pray that each of you involved will continue to reflect and pray on what that may be as I believe you have important roles to play in expanding His kingdom.

From the anonymous donation (thank you whoever you are!) to the new friends I have made….each one of you felt called to be a part of this and responded. For that, I deeply and sincerely thank you! You may never fully see the fruit of it all here, but know that God rewards obedience and faith, and seeds will be planted.

Update: As of July 30th, I’m currently 65% of the way towards hitting my final goal of being fully funded ($16,267). I still need $5,615 in order to be fully funded. Though my final deadline is not until December 31st, my goal is to raise this remaining amount before my departure in September. This will allow me to be more fully focused and present on the ministry work I’ll be doing overseas. If you have not already done so, please consider partnering with me on this so that we can bring the hope and love of Christ to the nations.