In 41 days I…LEAVE…FOR…THE…WORLD…RACE!
I will no longer be living in the land of America for the next 11 months! Woah! I don’t think it’s hit me quite yet that at this time next year I will be in a different country! And although I’m SO excited to get this journey started, I’ll be quite honest – there are things that I’m anxious and worried about.
When I first felt called to the full-time ministry in junior high, I was told by a pastor that Satan would do everything in his power to stop that call from coming to fruition. Fast forward to the present day: I believe Satan is doing that even now as I prepare for the World Race.
Here’s one thing: It’s obvious I haven’t posted very many blogs since the time I signed up for the World Race. I guess I’ve been believing the lies that
A) I don’t have anything worthwhile to say,
B) I’m not near as good of writer as some of my racer companions, or
C) no one’s going to read these anyway
I know – sad day! I guess you could say I have a problem with comparing myself to others….so much so, that it’s keeping me from blogging period. And I’ll be honest, admitting this to the cyber world doesn’t thrill me, but I know it’s exactly what the adversary wouldn’t want me to do.
Here’s another thing: Asking for money has not been easy.
Side note: Generally speaking, asking for help hasn’t been my forte in life. The worry that I’m a burden to others makes me feel the need to be self-sufficient. My roommates from college can attest to this! When I broke my ankle and was on crutches for two months, I was the most stubborn gimp ever. Seriously. I tried to do things on my own, without assistance, and bless their hearts – I don’t know how they put up with me!
But now, asking people for money, especially while living in this THRIVING economy, I’m all the more hesitant to. I was a poor college student – I know what it’s like to live on a really really tight budget (or no budget at all for that matter-ha!) And given the fact that I still need around $1200 by December 18th, I’m starting to panic. I most certainly believe that since the Lord opened the door for me to do the World Race, He will provide. It’s just…I don’t feel like I’ve done my part. I haven’t been good at asking people directly for money, even those who initially said they would give, due to the fact that I’ll feel like I’m a burden to them. Thinking about this logically, though, it seems like a burden should be the last thing I should feel like. The financial support I’ve been receiving and will receive is going towards the advancement of the Kingdom of God! That’s a blessing! If I don’t go on the World Race, think of the lives that will not have been touched by the Lord through me.
All of this being said, I could use YOUR prayers! Pray for boldness and confidence in my blog writing. Pray for my fundraising – that I would ask more boldly and confidently, knowing that the Lord will provide. Pray for all the little things that need to get done before I leave on January 10th. Pray for my nerves, cause I will be honest – I do get nervous when I think about this crazy, awesome adventure that I’ve gotten myself into! Also, pray about supporting me financially. I cannot stress this enough – no donation is too small! I will gladly take anything…even if it’s just $1! It truly does add up! There are deadlines that I must meet in order to go on the race, too.
By December 18th, I will need $6,500.
By April 1st, I will need $11,000.
By July 1st, I will need to be FULLY funded – $15,000.
Right now I still need $1,200 to meet the December 18th deadline, and if you’d like to donate, click here for directions regarding electronic donations and donations by mail.
Before I finish this blog, I’d like to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has already partnered with me in the ministry. Thank you to those who have supported me by graciously giving their hard-earned money. Thank you for remembering me and keeping me in your prayers. Thank you for helping out my fundraisers – whether it was buying some sweet bracelets or coming to Chick-Fil-A on spirit night. Your love and support truly is overwhelming, and I would not be able to do this without you. THANK YOU!!! I love you!
I would like to leave you with a Bible verse that the Spirit keeps reminding of. I have known it since childhood, but its truth could never be overemphasized.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
