Dear brothers and sisters,
When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. – James 1:2-4
This verse describes the current stage I have been walking through along this journey. This past week, I came to the realization that I had hit a slump in support raising. I felt like I had been at a steady incline, and before I knew it, I had come to an abrupt halt. Looking at this slump, I needed to understand how it came about.
The simple answer is I’ve been lazy. I’ve been relying more on myself then the Lord, to guide me. I knew I had developed a lazy mentality and this was discouraging my heart and the way I looked at support raising. Furthermore, I came to the realization, that no matter how hard I work, I can’t raise it. It’s entirely Jesus who will provide.
Now when I came to this realization, I knew I was going to have to drastically alter the way I’ve been asking people to give. I want my brothers and sisters to feel called to join me on this mission that is bigger than myself.
After a lot of prayer and talking with a close friend, I decided to completely reorganize the way I’ve been asking people to join my team. Before, I had been leaving it up to my friends and loved ones to decide on the amount to give. This wasn’t a bad idea necessarily, but I realized I was leaving it up to the individual because I was too scared to ask them to give a certain amount. I thought it was too forward, and this was a part of my lazy and discouraged mentality I developed.
Instead, I want my friends to feel called to give. I want to let them know I have specifically thought of them when I planned this out and I want to challenge them to give a certain amount and to join me on this mission.
I decided to split up the way I ask people into 3 categories.
I am looking for 45 students who are willing to donate $10 monthly for 11 months.
I am looking for 20 couples that are willing to donate $20 monthly for 11 months.
I am looking for 5 churches that are willing to donate $100 monthly for 11 months.
If each of these categories comes through, God willing, I could raise a total of $15,000.
This number is astounding and I have started putting this plan into practice. I feel much more guided in doing this and I’ve already seen countless friends tell me they had it on their heart to give and be part of my team even before I’ve asked. This has been encouraging and has shown me that I’m not alone in this process and the Lord is at work in so many others. God is using these people to teach me that this journey is not in vain.
My dear brothers and sisters, I would love if you would consider joining my team. My first deadline of $5,000 is due July 31st and I have 12 days to reach this goal. I am $3000 short and I’ll admit I’m very scared. Would you be willing to give up 3 cups of coffee a month to help support me?
My faith has been tested and I know this is just the beginning. I love you all.
-Meg 🙂
