“You are a good good Father…it’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are.
And I’m loved by you…it’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am.
YOU ARE A GOOD GOOD FATHER”
These are the words that have been playing over and over in my mind the past few days. They are part of a new song, “Good Good Father,” that’s playing on repeat as I type this post. For me, sometimes the lyrics of a song portray my thoughts more accurately than my own words do. This is one of those times.
I have always wanted to go on a mission trip, but 1) I never felt God really calling me to go and 2) I never thought I could raise enough money.
That was until I came across the World Race back in February. I researched and prayed for a few days before I told my parents that I felt God was calling me to go on the Race. I was living in Knoxville at the time, so I remember calling my mom to tell her about it.
I said something along the lines of “Mom I think God is calling me to go on this 11 month mission trip.”
Her response: “Kelsey, we can’t afford that.”
She was right – we couldn’t afford it.
I hung up.
Later I text her: “If God is truly calling me to go, He will provide.”
I guess my mindset changed as I grew older – I really don’t know – but suddenly God popped out of this little, tiny box I had placed Him in. All this time I had been pushing away short-term missions because I didn’t think He would provide the $4,000 needed to go. Yet here I was believing that if God was calling me to the Race He would provide $17,000 to send me around the world.
Was I being naïve?
No
Was I being doubtful and distrustful of our Savior?
Yes
That was February. Now, fast-forward to October.
In the past week, between the garage sales and donations from family/friends, I have received over $2,000 toward my Race.
That means WE (together, you and me) have raised $15,467 in less than 8 months.
With that being said, WE are now only $1,495 from being FULLY FUNDED!
WOW!!
First off, THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me either in prayer or financially so far in this journey. I truly cannot say “thank you” enough. Without your gracious and loving hearts none of this would be possible.
Secondly, THANK YOU to our almighty God who has blessed me with this amazing support system that I call family and friends. To a God who sees an imperfect person and still chooses to send me on this incredible journey, not only to help others, but also to mold me into the woman that He has created me to be.
Today I am reminded that while many times I put God in a small, small box; He is worthy of SO MUCH MORE.
Today I am thankful for all the love and support I have received since I started this journey back in February.
Today I am grateful that nothing is too big for our God.
And today I am especially prayerful for my squadmates.
In 5 short days, my squad and I will pack our backpack and head to Georgia for a 10 day training. This is where we will meet each other for the first time. We will talk, we will pray, we will eat, we will sleep, we will worship – together. We will be pushed physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually – together. We will become family – together.
However, in order to go to training camp we each have to meet a financial goal. I, with your help, have exceeded that goal, yet some of my squadmates have not. If these young ladies do not meet this goal, they will not be able to go to camp and will consequently not leave with the rest of our squad in January.
I know you don’t know these girls, I barely do myself, but they have worked hard to get this far and they are both so close to meeting the financial goal. It is their prayer, and mine along with them, that God will provide the rest of the money needed so that they may join us at camp.
So I ask you as my supporters, if you feel God leading you to donate to me over the next few days, please donate to Tiffany Whisnant or Holley Roberson instead.
After all, it is not me that you are funding, but the kingdom of God.
And truly, He is a good good Father.
