Before I begin, I must say that support raising has been and will continue to be one of the most challenging parts of preparing for The World Race so far. It takes a lot of trust in God’s provision and sometimes it leaves me mentally and spiritually worn out. Thank you to all of you who have prayed about this and have given me encouragement so far – it has done more than you can imagine!
I really like support raising.
“What?! I thought you said this has been one of the most challenging parts?!”
Yes, it is challenging, but it is also worth it.
When I returned from Africa in 2012 I had the honor of speaking in a variety of places about my experience. I spoke to a group of participants at the day center where I am employed. I taught children at church about the children in Tanzania and how we are all children of God. My grandma introduced me to her friends at her apartment and I shared my story with them (and enjoyed cookies afterward!). Several of my presentations my final semester of college were centered on things I learned from my trip. I shared about my trip with a church with a full sanctuary and a church with a nearly empty sanctuary. I have had conversations with family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and strangers. Some were long conversations. Some lasted less than a minute. If you were part of one of these conversations or if you have seen me speak somewhere, thank you!
My life was changed in many ways during just a few weeks in Tanzania. One of the ways He changed me was by giving me a new passion for international missions.
I hope this passion has become evident to you if you have heard me talk about my experience. Talking about my time in Tanzania and international missions brings me great joy. I love telling you about the ways that God is moving overseas. I met so many awesome people in Sumbawanga, Tanzania and their stories have inspired you just as their lives inspired me. I get so excited and interrupt my family and friends when I remember a random story (sorry, guys! can’t help it.).
This passion has brought me to know Jesus in a whole new way. Because of my experiences, I see the world differently now. I see people differently now. I see my own life differently now.
The support raising process has brought me from a season of telling you why I am passionate about international missions into a season of showing you what I am going to do with this passion.
- Rather than only telling you about how God is moving overseas, I can now tell you how He is allowing me to be a part of what he is doing.
- Remember my Tanzanian friends that you have grown to know so well through my stories? Others will soon join them when I live life and do ministry with people that I don’t even know yet.
- My memories from Tanzania will be joined by new stories of how God will use me to share Christ’s love in a variety of ways around the world.
Thank you to all of you who have financially supported this ministry so far. As of today I am 11% funded with a total of $1,712.36 given so far. If you would like to give a gift please click here to learn more about how you can get involved!
Soon I will be posting a blog about specific things you can be praying about as my squad and I prepare to leave in July!
