2 weeks until Round 2 of training camp and I have 2 thousand dollars left to raise.
…Okay, so it’s TECHNICALLY $2,009 but who’s counting amiright?
(me, I’m counting, I’m totally, 110% counting).
I can’t help it. I like numbers!
I am so grateful for your support so far. I can’t believe how close I am to being fully funded.
One of my favorite things about God is how he takes what I think I know and flips it on its head.
I thought that fundraising was going to be the most grueling aspect of this journey. Sleeping in a tent? Fine. Shower out of a bucket? Less than ideal, but I’ll deal indeed. Sweat my biscuits off? That’s nothing new. But I’m sorry, I don’t think I heard you quite right, I have to raise HOW MUCH? *nervous laughter* okay, sure, I can do that…
But I can’t do that alone. And therein lies the beauty.
For my fellow Racers out there, both present and future, I want to share the 2 most beautiful pieces of advice I received about fundraising. These 2 truths transformed my ways of thinking. They helped remove the limits I was placing on God. They cultivated in me fertile fields where trust could grow. They developed in me a love and appreciation for fundraising; as I was humbled by my dependence on the Lord.
1) “It is not your job to convince people to give. That’s the Holy Spirit’s job. Your job is to spread the word.”
My mobilizer said this to me during one of our first phone calls after I had been accepted to the World Race and it has stuck with me through the thick and thin of fundraising. I am not a salesperson. I’m simply sharing what cool things Jesus is doing in and through this journey and trusting Him to do the rest. I know He called me to this. And if that’s true, then I know He will make the way possible to get there. This gave me such peace. When I know what my responsibilities are, I can walk in them in peace instead of striving to fulfill roles that aren’t mine to fill.
2) “Pray for specifics. It’s one of the only times in life you get to see God answer prayers with a number attached.”
As much as the other piece of advice gave me piece, this one made me nervous. “But, what if I pray for a number and it doesn’t happen?” But this challenge to step out in faith has rewarded me with far more than just bringing me closer to my goal. I would pray what I considered “reasonable” prayers, i.e. “How about $100 by the end of the week? I’m sure a couple people will give me $20 and that will add up to $100.” The next day someone wrote me a check for $100 after hearing me talk about what the World Race is. “Okay God, that was pretty cool! I guess I’ll step it up a notch. How about $1,000 by the end of the week? Surely a few people will give $100, and I’ll meet that goal.” Two days later, someone donated $1,000 to my blog.
And so it continued. Sometimes, God would even more than double the amount that I prayed for. We have a big God, who is not afraid to move in big ways. I think he likes it when we pray big and bold, because he likes to wow us and leave us in wonder at his goodness and glory.
That brings me to my title (You might be thinking: “Hmm..I think that title is reaching a little too far.” But you wouldn’t believe how hard it is to think up a catchy and relevant title! There comes a time when you take the first silly thing to pop into your mind and run with it). Since there are so many two’s popping up, I want to invite you to fast with me 2 days before Training Camp on June 2.
I am going to pray on that day for the remaining amount of funds I have left to raise. God willing, I want to be fully funded before I leave! That way, I can fix my eyes on the work God has set out for me to do without the distraction of fundraising from afar.
To put it in perspective, I have 75 days until I leave on August 4. So that means, I have to raise about $27 per day to meet my goal.
I’m a firm believer in eating the elephant one small bite at a time ?? $27 per day? Psht, my God’s got this!!
So again, if you feel led, please devote yourself in fast and prayer on June 2 with me! Feel free to reach out to me that day. Let’s encourage each other as we seek God’s voice! I’ll be praying for my last amount of funds, for how to fundraise, and for strength as the day we Launch to Ukraine draws nearer!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
//ephesians 3:20//
Jesus, I thank you for the big ways you move, and the small details you care about. Please prepare my heart for this time of fasting. May this day help quiet the surrounding noises so I can hear your whisper. Bring us closer together as the Body of Christ as we seek you as one!
