Another side of my selfishness is pride. Sometimes, I don’t give others the chance to serve me because of my pride and desire to be self-sufficient.
I hate the word dependence. I like to be able to take care of myself and ultimately feel superior to those around me. If I’m better off than you, I feel okay (embarrassing to admit, but true). For the past year, most areas of my life that helped me feel superior to others have pretty much vanished. To add to that, I’m currently in a place where I am fully dependent on God and the financial support of others in order to be able to go on the World Race.
I can usually manage asking for prayer, and most of the time’ don’t even mind asking for prayer about financial support. But, actually asking someone to contribute financially is not something I’m really interested in doing. If you were going on this mission’s trip, I would love for you to ask me for financial support, because in that way I would feel superior.
Someone recently explained to me that most of my thinking about striving for self-sufficiency and superiority came from the enlightenment era. I don’t know a whole lot about this piece of history, but what I am realizing is that the paradigm of needing to be self-sufficient, requiring zero dependence from those around me is not a biblical one. Even the trinity even indicates a reciprocal need for one another. Additionally, the pride involved in not wanting to ask for help prevents others from the opportunity to serve.
In an effort to relinquish my pride in this area and to give others the opportunity to serve, I’d like to share some of my current financial and material needs in preparing for the World Race. I truly need your support in order for this missions trip to be possible.
Current Needs
Financial:
$610 by October 1 to meet my first deadline of $3500
$300 ASAP to cover the cost of travelers insurance (this is separate from donations made to my World Race account; please contact me if you are interested in supporting me in this way)
I need the following items by October 12 (prior to training camp):
Two-Person free-standing tent (with footprint)
sleeping pad
day pack/backpack
chacos (size 8)
rain jacket
fleece
If you live in the Atlanta area, and want to donate any of the items above that you already own, please contact me! If you are interested in supporting me by purchasing any of the items above, you can use my REI wish list:
https://www.rei.com/WishlistView?id=2e26f28e-abbb-4906-93fa-fe09b5e0dc98
