It's our team's day off and we're at the Cascada Mall soaking up as much wifi as we possibly can. People are calling home, updating facebook, blogging, checking their World Race accounts, etc. Although I came here today fully intending on writing a blog describing this month (the ministry, the people, the growth), I feel compelled to write another story.
A story about my sister, Jessie Schwartz, and my brother, Gabe Bedford.
First off, let me tell you a little bit about my dear friend, Jessie. Her spunky, fun-loving spirit constantly has our squad entertained and laughing.
We wouldn't be the same if she wasn't on our squad, and I haven't had to imagine the race without her.
Until now.
Jessie is still $4,000 short from reaching the next deadline on April 1st. That's just barely over 2 weeks. If she doesn't reach this goal, when we board a plane to head to Thailand, she will be boarding a plane home.
You have all been such a blessing to me in so many ways, and I'm beyond grateful to be fully funded. However, for those of you who maybe never had the chance to donate for my trip (maybe you forgot, or didn't have the money then, or it was too late and I was already fully funded before you could donate), I would ask that you consider supporting Jessie.
The World Race changes people and in a little over 2 months, I have seen Jessie work through and process so many different aspects of her life:
I see a lovely woman beginning to believe her worth and beauty.
I see a daughter of the King beginning to trust her Father in heaven.
I see someone who used to cling to earthly things, but is now giving them up to depend more on the Lord.
And the Lord isn't finished with her and he isn't ready for his daughter to go home before these lessons are solidified in her heart.
Now, for my brother Gabe. He is still $3,100 away from reaching the deadline on April 1st. He is on my individual team of 6 people. So basically, he's family to us. We always talk about how our loyalty for one another runs deep. There really isn't anything that compares to doing life with your team…and it is almost impossible to image spending the next 9 months without each of them by your side.
Well, that's how I feel about Gabe. I couldn't imagine finishing the race without him.
In just 2 months, I've seen Gabe transforming into a compassionate man, full of jokes, but possessing a tender heart and diving into the Word. Gabe has run full force towards the Father, desiring nothing more than to grow and develop into the man he's destined to be.
He is a big brother to us all…protective when we walk through crowded streets, eager to make us laugh, and persevering through whatever challenges we throw at him.
But he will be heading home in 2 weeks, if the money doesn't come in. We trust that the Lord provides, but it takes generous and willing people to make that happen.
If you feel led to donate, please consider supporting him. I know it seems overwhelming, but every little bit counts.
They will both be fully funded If:
71 people donate $100
14 people donate $500ish
7 people donate $1,000
If you need to donate less, donate less. If you can donate more, donate more. Just please don't allow the amount needed to pursuade you to do nothing.
The easiest way to donate would be going to their blog pages, and clicking the support tab in the left hand column. It's easy. Only a few clicks and their life-changing journey continues, as does the number of people they will impact this year.
Here are their blogs!
