I’m still in awe. It’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I’m FULLY FUNDED.
Praise the Lord!
I started fundraising two January’s ago–it seems like a lifetime really.
When I first found out that I needed to fundraise, and fundraise $16,255 at that, I was quite daunted. It was such a huge amount.
But then again, we serve a BIG God.
It’s been a humbling experience and it’s incredible seeing so many people invest in me and the Kingdom.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of fundraising, because I personally don’t like asking for help. I love helping others and supporting them in their dreams and endeavors, but when it comes to asking for help, I cringe inside. It’s a pride thing that God had to break down.
I’ve learned quite a few things during this fundraising process, and I’d love to share 5 lessons I’ve learned.
- Our God is a good God, and He loves to provide for His children. If it’s in His will, He WILL provide us with whatever we need, whether it’s financially, physically, emotionally, etc.–no matter how crazy or ridiculous it may seem to the rest of the world.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help and share your story. You’d be surprised at how many people love helping others. When you keep your story to yourself, people can’t help you. I’ve shared my story with family, friends, and even strangers, and you wouldn’t believe the support that came flooding in.
- Fundraising gave me the opportunity to get in touch with people I lost contact with over the years. I now had a reason to talk with them. Granted, I should have taken the initiative and talked to them beforehand, but this experience gave me the opportunity to see how they were doing. I was beyond happy to be able to rekindle old relationships!
- When I truly decided to let go and trust God that I would indeed raise the full amount I needed (I know, it took over a year to do so), that’s when I became funded. It took me jumping off that ledge and trusting He did have my back. He provided for me in ways I couldn’t believe! Luke 16:10-13 talks about us having a choice. We cannot serve both God and money. I chose to serve God, and the provision followed.
- This experience humbled me and gave me a glimpse of how I want my future business to look like. I don’t want to be ruled by money. That’s not what I’ll be about. My dream is to be able to create a for profit social, and this will be my form of fundraising so that I can chase after the other passions He’s put on my heart: building schools and libraries in third world countries, creating a scholarship foundation, investing in micro-financing, and empowering women.
There are many other lessons I’ve learned in this crazy, beautiful, humbling process, but those five were definitely the big ones.
Thanks again to everyone who has supported me on this journey. This season of my life wouldn’t have been possible without you all! Words can’t truly express my gratitude.
Thank you, gracias, merci, zikomo, tak, mahalo, khob khun ka!
