For the past few years I have been blessed to be able to meet all of my financial needs without assistance. It is something that I now realize I have become accustomed to. I enjoy being able to donate to missions, ministries, and causes I support, and being able to provide for myself. Even when going on other missions trips in the past, I would participate in fundraisers and send my support letters and while I was always very appreciative of the support I received, I had the comfort of knowing that if I did not meet my goal by these means that I could cover the rest of the cost on my own. However, with a need of $20,000 this is not the case. I am reliant on the support and generosity of many others to meet this target, and thats not an easy thing for me to accept. It is a lesson God is teaching me now. Learning to be fully reliant on Him and His faithfulness. Realizing that following His call will push me out of my comfort zone and is making me reassess my priorities. Matthew 6: 19-20 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Accepting the shift in my financial status and freeing up that space for more room for Him. Admitting that I have placed too much emphasis on money, status and comfort, and not enough emphasis on Him. I am glad to see God already working in my life and preparing me for the road ahead. Please be praying for me in these growing pains.
While asking for money had been a very humbling experience for me, the generosity so far has been completely overwhelming. Seeing support come in from old friends, new friends, coworkers, my church, and even strangers is such a huge blessing. I find myself at times feeling guilty because someone gave more than I ever expected and I want to say, “thats too much.” Then I am reminded that people giving is an act of worship for them and it is not my place. 2Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Not all people are called to go, some are called to support those who do. My place is to accept, and rejoice, and show my gratitude. So thank you for being a part of this trip with me, for making it possible. Thank you to my coworkers for arranging two fundraisers to help me raise money. Thank you to those who give without expecting anything in return. Thank you to those who chose to give monthly. And thank you to those who have provided needed supplies for this trip. This is truly a team effort and I couldn’t do it without you!!
