When I first started fundraising with Adventures, for the World Race, I had a mini-melt down in the middle of my parents’ church parking lot. I was ready to empty my savings, stepping out in faith to prime the pump that was my fundraising account (rather than ask for help again), in order to meet my first deadline. While I was on the verge of tears and discouraged that my funding wasn’t coming in, one of my pastors came walking through the parking lot. We talked about raising support, how difficult it can be to ask for money, and how ultimately God is the source of it all. I was beginning to feel better–encouraged–and then he asked if he could pray for me. I was humbled and overjoyed that this man of God who has known my family for years upon years would offer to cover me in prayer in the middle of a parking lot. He prayed for peace, for confidence in God’s provision. He challenged me to wait on investing my own money and follow up on every possibility before relying on my own means.
Believe it or not, that was over two years ago. In that time, through the grace of God and the help of many of you, I have raised over $20,000 in support of my work through Adventures in Missions. I have traveled the globe, spread the love of Jesus stateside and abroad, and discovered more and more of the woman God created me to be.
It hasn’t been easy. Living on a missionary budget is just hard. But I never find myself completely without. I frequently have to say no to things I’d like to do, or work extra hours at the office to get a free meal. My budget app and I are best friends with how often we see each other.
This week I was reminded of just how much I do have when some coworkers and I took a short trip to Tampa to do some outreach. (Our trip did not go as planned and our time of out reach was cut down tremendously, but that’s another story. Ask me about it sometime.) We hung out at a park where it seemed many of the local homeless gather during the day. While my stomach grumbled, I wondered when the last time was they felt comfortable. We were able to provide them some music to lift the spirits as we played worship in the park, but not much else as we came with nothing more than our instruments. I had intended to go on this trip and rely on the generosity of others to provide for me, trusting that the Lord would bring people across our path. And while we did have the opportunity to be blessed by many people, I realized that I live everyday out of the provision and love of God through the people in my life. What a joy to realize I can’t do this life on my own.
With all that being said, I still can’t do this on my own. By March 1st, I need to be fully funded in order to finish this semester at CGA. I am $2,180 away from reaching this deadline. Donating to support me means giving to provide for my daily needs. I live off these donations as I work to spread the love of Christ in my own backyard while supporting an office that sends people out to every corner of the globe bringing with them the Light and Truth of Jesus.
Because my deadline is quickly approaching, I am not asking for monthly donations at this time. One time gifts of as much or as little as you can go a long, long way. If just 40 people give $50, that will keep me doing the work God has for me here through the end of May. Please prayerfully consider donating (all gifts are tax deductible and Adventures is also a member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)). If you have any further questions about the work I am doing here, or how you can help me stay, please comment or contact me directly via email [email protected]
I can easily say I would not be where I am without the love and support of people like you. Thank you from the depths of my heart. I am incredibly excited about the new things the Lord is teaching me this year and cannot wait to share how He continues to grow me.
All my love,
kirsten dísa
