Since I made the decision to go on the World Race, the question rattling in my head has been, “How am I going to raise over sixteen thousand dollars by January?”
Ask yourself that same question, “How would YOU attempt to raise over sixteen thousand dollars in just 6 months?” It is not an easy question to answer! I can remember days praying with parents about this very obstacle. On a random drive, I was struck with an amazing “Aha” moment. Instead of being bogged down by the idea of fundraising, my optimistic self decided to view fundraising as a joy rather than a burden.
By changing my perspective and mentality towards fundraising, God has blessed me with amazing encouragement, ideas, and opportunities to share my heart and my drive. It blows my mind what trusting God can really accomplish.
So without further ado, let me share with you some of the joys I have had fundraising.
One of the opportunities that presented itself, was through my Mom’s friend, Alisha. Alisha sells jewelry. She told my Mom that if she hosted a jewelry party then all the proceeds would go towards my trip. My Mom, emphatically, said, “Yes!” On June 29th, seventeen women came to my house and I was able to share why I felt called to go on the World Race. Because of their interest and support, I received a large donation towards the Race. I couldn’t believe it!
The second fundraising opportunity was my own personal favorite. On July 11-12, my family and I hosted a Garage and Bake Sale at the Belkot household. We put advertisements in the paper and over 20 signs in the area around our house. My mother was baking up a storm. We even went to some auctions to find gems that could be turned around for a quick sale. Let’s just say that we prepared for weeks 🙂 While selling baked goods and serving free coffee was fun, the greatest joy was telling people about my trip. At the base of our driveway I posted a whiteboard that said, “All proceeds go to my trip” with a list of all the countries I am going to. The amazing conversations and interest by these random people is what truly blessed my heart. I had several people ask for my support letter. Also, every person delivered a warm, “Best of luck on your travels!” before they departed. I could not have asked for a better opportunity to share my heart and passion for the World Race!
So why do I tell you this?
In my attempts to fundraise for the World Race, I have been reminded of an important lesson. God is going to put obstacles in our way. We can either view them as opportunities to grow or ditches that we can’t get out of. By trusting in God’s deliverance and call for my life, I have been blow away by his provisions and blessings. Just how you can’t have a testimony without being tested, you can’t grow in your faith with God without a little push. Choose to view the joys in your life and not the burdens life may present. Life is about perspective.
With much love,
Spencer James Belkot
