"No fundraising."
When God told me this back in March after I got accepted to the World Race, I felt some anxiety. No fundraising? What? How would I raise the necessary funds to go on the Race then? I questioned Him a bit about this command, and felt like He was telling me to simply ask people to donate to my account. No events, no T-shirt sales, no online events, etc. So I went ahead and sent out my support letter. Then, I waited. Idea after idea came to mind during this time. Anyone who knows me says I can be very creative, and I love coming up with and planning fun things like the ideas I thought of (like Chick-fil-A spirit nights, a festival, skeet shooting, a pool party, etc.) The fact that I felt this command from God to just sit there and wait seemed like torture at first. But when God calls, He truly does provide! Within a month, I had passed the first fundraising goal. Within a few more weeks, I was at the second. Now (once I send in some checks), I'm over the third. One last goal remains before I am fully funded.
As recently as last week, I've continued to have fundraising ideas come to mind. But when I pray about them, God says the same thing, "No fundraising." It's so hard to trust that the money will come in! Even though I've seen His incredible provision, I still struggle with swallowing my pride and allowing Him to work. All He wants me to do is ask people. That really stretches me. I have trouble accepting help a lot of times. But I realized early on that this is not my trip. It's God's trip that He's called me on to show His glory, and part of that is involving a team of supporters. I'm so thankful that He's called me, and provided, and set up a team of financial and prayer supporters, but it's still tough to daily trust in Him. Will you pray for me, that I would continue to lean on His strength and to trust in His provision? This is a hard lesson for me, but one that God has been adamant about me learning through this experience!
And, if you feel so called, would you consider joining my team of supporters? I still have a few thousand dollars left to raise in my official World Race account. If you feel led, you can click the "Support Me!" link on the left to make an online donation. Or you can email me about donating through cash or check; just click the Contact button on the left.
I also have to raise some personal money for the trip, to cover daily essentials (like toiletries, laundry supplies, extra food not covered on our $4/day food budget) and also spending money. A lot of my money here in Raleigh is going towards paying off bills before I leave, as well as things like doctors appointments and vaccinations. Things are tight. If you feel led to support me in this way, hit the Contact button to the left and I can tell you how to best donate.
I also have a few items left on my wish list to purchase, so if you would like to support me in that way, you can contact me through the Contact button as well.
Thank you so much, dear friends! I thank God daily for each of you on my team of supporters, and for those who are supporting me through prayer. You are all part of His plan! I cannot wait to share stories of God's provision on the field, as well as before the Race even starts!
