Well, this past weekend was pretty productive. I stamped and labeled all the envelopes and return envelopes, wrote out personal notes to many of my dear friends, and put the finishing touches on my fundraising letter, printed out 200 copies,and folded each sheet with joy…until I looked at the assembly line before me. "So this is what it's like to do wedding invitations," I thought. Only, there'd be someone there to do them with me, sharing in the fun that is stuffing envelopes! In this case, it was just me. Sitting there. Getting ready to make my "sales pitch" to many of my loved ones. Praying that God would be faithful and that each person would stand beside me in this journey and support and encourage me along the way. I just had to keep reminding myself that God provides for what He calls us to do and He has surrounded me with such loving people who truly do care about me and where I'm going. The easy part is sharing my BIG NEWS! The not so easy part? Asking for money. It's so uncomfortable!! I know many people are struggling to make ends meet, or have other huge financial responsibilities, or are already supporting other ministries. How do I not offend? How do I ensure that people do not think I am only talking to them in hopes of getting their money? And technically, what's appropriate to write? Should I use "partner" or "support?" How do I transition from the "I'm doing such and such" to the "please give me $$$ to make this a reality" part? What is the BEST "sales pitch" for God's kingdom work?
For those who receive my letter, you will find that it is a bit informal, but 100% sincere. It is me giving you a little piece of my heart and inviting you to join me (whether it be prayerfully and/or financially) in changing the world one starving child, one victim of sexual trafficking, one community in need of clean water, and one orphan at a time… sharing Jesus and His love all along the way and all across a broken world.
I love each of you. God loves each of you. And there are a whole lot of people out there who need to hear it, KNOW IT, too.
Hugs.
