I wanted to write out my understanding of a support team, how I build a support team, and why I do it this way. I also wanted to share with you my previous experiences with raising support and how they have impacted me today.
Asking
Asking for help…That’s one of the major problems that we deal with. Asking means that you can’t provide for yourself. You in your own power do not have the ability, the resources, nor the means to achieve the full potential that God has for you. Wow! That actually sounds biblical. Paul talked in-depth about believers supporting those who have needs. Those needs range from poverty, health, encouragement, prayers, and many others. Support raising to me is so much more than just the financial aspect. It pertains to all kinds of godliness.
There is something so beautiful about asking for help. It allows the opportunity for the body of Christ to be the body and provide for all of its needs. It’s an expression of the love and grace that God has and still shows us. Do you know that You are one of the best ways God chooses to bless others?? We are the hands and feet of Christ. We are His blessing to the world. Together, let’s go and be a blessing!
How I Build a Team
Practically speaking, I try to reach out to people in person or over the phone. I want them to hear the joy and excitement behind this trip. I want them to see the passion and vision for why I am going. God is doing something, I want them to see that. A simple email or letter can only go so far. I am not opposed to these means, for I am sending one out myself, but it’s only part of the process.
I have been humbled on many occasions at how God works through people. I met with several people who have told me what an encouragement it was to them that I even asked. WHAT?? They consider it a blessing to be asked to be apart of this team. Yes, they were excited and encouraged by the opportunity to be apart of what God is doing around the world. And more, to be so close to the action. Thank the Lord for people who get and understand this!
I am blessed that I get the opportunity to pray over and for my team. This team is very dear to my heart and I desire to be a mutual encouragement to them as well. Without their help, I could not do any of this. That is not an overstatement in any way. I do not have the funds, ability, nor resources to accomplish this on my own. Praise God for his Body.
I am so encouraged by the amount of time I have before I leave. However, my heart desires to be there now. God has laid on my heart a love not only for the people we will be reaching out to and my fellow racers, but also for my support team. I keep referring to them as my team because they are so much more than just the typical means to raise funds. They will be going with me in spirit wherever the Lord leads. They will be with me in my heart as I reach out and minister to those we come in contact with. As I grow and become spiritually stretched on this trip, my hope is that my team gets the opportunity to do this as well. Together, let’s grow closer to the heart of God!
Past Experiences
This is not my first time to trying to do something that is bigger than my own abilities. I have been to Bolivia on mission several times while in middle/high school. I sent out letters asking for money. The goal was to get the funds to do this trip. Nothing inherently wrong with this. But I had a limited view of what asking for help meant.
From July 2012-May 2014 I was the Pastoral Assistant/Intern at a church plant in the beautiful mountains of NC. Because they were just a small plant, they did not have the financial independence to support another worker. So I asked for help. Again I had a limited understanding of support. I was focused on the money, not the ministry. I lost sight of trusting God and loving ministry.
Over this past summer I had another opportunity to do something that was bigger than my own abilities and went to Albania with my church doing VBS and English camps in partnership with CRU and Guri I Themelit church there in Tirana (yes, that was a very long sentence, sorry Mrs. Mac). However, this time was very different. I was focused on the ministry, not the money. It was a large number but I had this feeling that everything was going to be ok. God was going to provide…and He did!
So, here I am. I have before me the largest chunk of money that I have ever had to raise. But God has a way of showing that even through the toughest of situations, He is still in control. So I am using this time to lean on Him, trust Him, and be excited to see how it’s all going to unfold. Life and following His Spirit is one crazy adventure that we all get to be apart of. God desires to show the world His glory. What a huge enormous blessing it is to be apart of that!!
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” -Philippians 4:10-20
