Fundraising, the word everyone who has every had to raise money dreads. I have always hated asking for money, really asking for help in general. Before I began this process I thought, Fundraising is just a necessary evil of mission work. But wait…a necessary evil? Why did I think of it like that?! Is it because I have grown up in America, and asking for help makes me seem weak? Like I can’t take care of my self? Like I need a hand-out? In preparation for fundraising we are asked to go through a fundraising Bible Study, and let me tell you it completely changed my view on the matter.To sum it up: God asks us to give up a spirit of pride, of anxiety, and of fear. “Pride will keep you from doing things God’s way. Anxiety robs us of joy and peace. Fear holds us back from all God has to offer.” So how can you help? The following is my fundraising letter:
During my last year before I graduated from Glen Oaks Community College, I began working at Mishler Packing in Lagrange, Indiana, as a meat cutter and packager. I really love my job, and have actually become quite passionate about the meat industry, but I have always felt something missing. I’ve always had the desire and passion for mission work and service. I have been so blessed to be able to spend a few weeks on short term mission trips over the last few years. After my trip to Nicaragua two years ago, I sensed the Lord was asking for me to trust Him for a longer period of time. I just didn’t know how or where to get started. I went on a mission trip to Wisconsin about four years ago through Adventures in Missions, so I decided to look into their programs. After learning more about the organization and the mission’s program, I felt God was calling me to serve with Adventure in Missions on The World Race.
The World Race is an 11 month Christian mission trip to 11 countries around the world to serve “the least of these”. One of the unique things about the World Race is that it’s not only a mission trip but also an intensive discipleship program designed to launch my generation into our specific kingdom calling. Through the World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restorative hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations. It is a unique mission to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about me; it’s about the Kingdom. I will be serving in India, Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.
I will face many challenges all throughout the World Race, but as I prepare for my departure, one of my greatest challenges is my financial support. Like most other missions organizations, World Race participants are required to fundraise financial support. In order to leave fully funded in October of 2016, I need to raise $16,900. This money will cover all of my field and travel expenses for the 11 months of the trip. As I take this large step of faith in trusting the Lord, would you prayerfully consider financially supporting me on a monthly or one-time basis?
If you have any questions regarding my trip please don’t hesitate to call me at 269-689-7684 or e-mail me at [email protected]. If you would like to give online please hit the “support me” tab on the left side of the screen. If you would prefer to donate through the mail please make checks payable to Adventures in Missions and mail to P.O. Box 742570, Atlanta, Georgia 30374-2570. Please make sure that my full name is in the memo.
Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
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