It's finally time for a fundraising update. I've been seeing all of my squad-mates posting their fundraising updates, and decided that I wanted to share a few stories from my fundraising so far. And to also share how incredibly shocked I've been throughout the process. One of my biggest worries or fears going into the application of the Race was the fundraising process. I mean… $15,500 is a nice chunk of change. Not only that but I've found that talking to people about money is awkward for me. I even dread it slightly when I ask a boss for my paycheck, and I earned that money! So after much procrastinating and a LOT of hard work on my mom's and my part (shout out to Mary Ellen. She's earned it), I finally sent out my support letters. Let me just say, God has been showing off through all of this.
I've received gifts from all kinds of people. Close family, not so close family, friends, high-school coaches, coaches I never had, and even people I don't even know. Seriously. My mom was talking about the World Race to someone at church when a guy came up and gave her a 100-dollar bill. Said "This is for your son's mission trip," and he walked off. Mom doesn't know the guy! Hasn't seen him since! WHO WAS THAT GUY?!? I get goose bumps every time I think about it!!
I mentioned the crazy tornado that came through Hattiesburg in my last post. I was helping clean up the house of one of the couples in our church this weekend. Their house was destroyed. Trees through the roof, whole walls gone, their stuff scattered everywhere. When the woman saw me she came and gave me a hug and said "Oh! Don't think I forgot about your mission trip. I have your check around here somewhere. I'll get it to you when I can!" Whaaaaaaaat!? HER HOUSE IS DESTROYED AND SHE MENTIONS GIVING ME A DONATION?! In my shock the most intelligent thing I could say was "What? N-no!" I mean, I was standing in the now drenched and ruined remains of her house and she wants to give me money? I'm sorry, but that is not at all how I would've been thinking in that moment.
I received a donation from my favorite football coach in high school and when I went and thanked him for it he said "Don't mention it. God put me in a position to give and it's something I really wanted to do." People have been tracking me down to write checks. Contacting my parents to figure out how to give… It's amazing to me the support I've received so far. God has definitely been guiding this process all the way through.
Basically God has been keeping me in a perpetual state of shock through the kindness of those around me. I have no other way to say it. It isn't that I'm surprised that God can move in people. I'm just humbled and shocked by their willingness to give overall. Not just with me, either. There are people in my squad who have raised sooo much so far. So much, in fact, that if this wasn't for a mission trip I would be convinced that they were robbing banks or something. It's incredible!
So far I have raised $3,436.41. I still have $12,063.59 to be fully funded. If you feel led to help support me financially you can either click on the "Support Me" tab on the left hand side of this page. Or you can cut out the 3% processing fee by writing a check to "Adventures in Missions" with POWELLSETH in the memo line and send it to:
Adventures in Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
If you do not feel that you should support me financially, then please consider praying for my squad and I. If you're unsure about financial support feel free to contact me via the "Contact" tab on the left and we can talk directly!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I hope it finds everyone in great spirits and even greater times!
