When I first looked into the World Race, seeing that $15,500 cost made me instantly close out of the window. I was like, yeah that'd be cool and everything, but really? There's no way.
In fact, I'm pretty certain he laughs at it. $15,500 to God is nothing. But to a 22-year-old-about-to-graduate-from-college-oh-crap-I-really-need-a-job girl, it is kind of an overwhelming amount.
God kind of had to treat my life a little bit after that initial freakout.
Hellooooo?? Anybody listening down there?? I AM GOD! My yoke is easy and my burden is light! Don't freak out over stupid crap like money. This is what I have in store for you, I will provide, I always do. You are not in this alone!
Okay, God…whatever You say.
Fast-forward a few months later and here I am, five weeks away from launch. It's almost funny to me to look back at how scared I was about the money situation. In a few short months God has provided a little over $10,000 for me and has people who have pledged to give me more. Wow. Seriously, can it get any more humbling than that? I should've never even questioned God in the first place, but I'm human so what can you do. I am so grateful to everyone who has felt led to bless me financially and I thank God everyday.
To cut to the chase, I have about $4,000 left to raise thanks to many many many generous donations and pledges. I am now more confident than ever that God will provide the money that I need. Here are some ways that you can help me become fully funded.
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Pray! I cannot stress enough how important being a prayer partner is. Prayer is our way to communicate with our Father so it holds great and precious power. Pray for not only myself but for my teammates and squad who are still raising funds. Prayer can help build us up as a group of mighty warriors for God. Pray for us to be able to go out and change the world in His name.
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This Friday (August 3) at 7pm I am having a Silent Auction/ Concert at my home church (Catlin Church of Christ). If you live in the area I just want to encourage you to come. It is going to be a fun night and there are awesome items to bid on and there will be great live music as well. If you cannot come, please pray that this event will be successful!
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See that nifty little link on the left hand side that says "Support Your World Racer by Sponsoring a Child"? If you click on it, you have the option of sponsoring a child through Food for the Hungry. This monthly commitment to helping a child in need will grant me a $50 scholarship that goes towards my fundraising needs for the World Race. I really want to encourage you to check out this organization. Not only will you be helping me but you will be changing a child's life forever!!!
- You also have the option of sending a check made out to Adventures in Missions with World Race-Lauren Smith in the memo line. You can send checks to
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
As big as $15,500 seems, God is so much bigger than that. I cannot say THANK YOU enough to everyone who has prayed for me or has blessed me financially. My prayer is that this year I will be able to use what you all have blessed me with to go out to the nations and become a blessing to others.
