There are many ways to support a missionary, whether they are short-term, mid-term or long-term, other than just giving money.
We World Racer’s fundraise like it’s our job (because it somewhat is before we leave) and our Facebook posts are filled with photos and statuses asking for support…which can get old. There is more to preparing for the race than just fundraising and there are more ways to help us than just giving money (Although we do very much appreciate it). We need supporters to also help us prepare spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
1. Ask us how you can be praying for us.
Preparing for the race can often times make our lives chaotic. Many of us are working at least one job, going to school, participating in church activities and all the while trying to prepare for the race. At some point this preparation process becomes extremely stressful and oftentimes discouraging. We will face problems along the way such as car problems, not finding your own replacement at your job, friends who aren’t supportive, etc. All of these things are ones we may ask for prayer on as well as fundraising because that can be and often is a huge stress for us. Right now, YOU—our supporters—are our biggest encouragement.
2. Ask us questions.
One thing we love is sharing what we are going to be doing and answering peoples questions. Everyone has questions and we do not mind answering them over and over again. This is what we are going to be doing for a whole year of our lives and is something we are excited about. We know that questions arise and we do not want people to feel like they cannot ask them.
3. Ask how God is working in our lives currently.
So much of our preparation involves being spiritually ready for what is ahead. Oftentimes this means that we are always learning something new and God is always working in our hearts to prepare us. We all are changing so much right now as God works in our lives and we love sharing that with others.
4. Be our training companion.
Just like we have to prepare spiritually, we also have to prepare physically. We are going to go through some grueling days overseas while traveling. We are asked to be able to hike 3 miles in 45-50 minutes with all of our gear and so we have to train. This is much more fun when we have someone to do it with so if you know any great hiking trails and have some free time please ask us if you can be our training buddy.
5. Ask what we will need to take with us.
This 11 month mission trip is one that requires us to live out of a internal frame backpack. It is to hold everything from our clothes to eating utensils to sleeping gear and more. Many of us still have gear we need to acquire (even before training camp) and one way to support us is by giving us tips on what gear to buy (because it has worked for you or you love it) or even in getting something we need for us.
Most of us will also have to buy plane tickets to and from training camp as well as to launch. If we aren’t flying then we have the cost of gas and keeping our cars maintained to get us there.
We also have to get vaccinations such as malaria preventives (at least 7 months worth), typhoid, yellow fever, polio, hep A & B among others. If you know a great travel clinic in our area and can help that is greatly appreciated.
***(I am thankful to say that I have all my necessary gear, travel arrangements and vaccinations taken care of!)***
6. Care Packages and Snail Mail Letters!
Who doesn’t like getting letters and care packages in the mail? We certainly don’t!! Unfortunately, there is no way we can give you a direct address to where we will be because our route can change at any moment for any reason and we do not know what city or location in the country we will be until we get there. There are going to be some pretty hard days for us over these 11 months not only with what we will be seeing but as we are gone from loved ones during holidays. If you would like to write us letters, be it for a specific day, holiday, or a day that is special to you, we would love to take them with us and will certainly find room in our tightly packed backpack.
7. Share our stories, blogs, youtube videos and ultimately what we are doing with your friends!
We cannot tell you enough how much this means to us. For us to be able to share what God is doing in us and around the world with so many people is an extraordinary privilege. We don’t want our stories to just stay with our close friends and family, we want them to impact people from everywhere. This cannot be done without your help so please share!
8. Support through monthly donations.
And always there is the monetary donations we are always asking people for. This is such a huge aspect for us as we need to raise certain amounts by certain dates in order to stay on track and be able to go. We must have $10,000 in our accounts two weeks prior to launch in order to be able to get on the plane. If you feel that God is leading you to support us in that way, we want to go ahead and THANK YOU!
All of these areas of support are so huge for us. Seeing and hearing your support and encouragement goes such a long ways in our mentality.
I want to personally thank all of you who have walked this journey with me so far. Who have been praying for me, encouraging me, supporting me and giving towards my goal of $16,561. Everything you all have been doing is such a blessing and words cannot describe to you how much it means.
Till Next Time,
Kara Faber
– Training Camp is in T – 16 days!
– October 1st will be here in a little less than 10 weeks!
