A little Zambian boy received a present on Christmas. The gift was given to him from Operation Christmas Child. Each year the organization donates toys to poor/orphan kids around the world. The boy that opened his gift has 12 siblings and his parents had passed away from Aids years before. He watched his siblings open their gifts. Each of them received toys. He opens his gift last and is surprised to find that it contains 12 tooth brushes. He makes a face. "Are you disappointed you got tooth brushes for Christmas?" Says a missionary. "I'm sorry I should have opened the gifts ahead of time to make sure they all had toys". The boy responded, "I have been praying for 2 years that God would send me tooth brushes for me and my family". "Most of my siblings have AIDS so those of us that don't have AIDS gave them our tooth brushes". "God answered my prayer, now we have enough for everyone!".
It's amazing how donating something so small can make a life saving/changing impact. Here at Destiny School in Zambia, Africa. I glance around the field while playing soccer and see hundreds of kids playing with different world race team mates. The joy on their faces as the hot son beats down. In the distance I watch 3 of my teammates teaching the kids dance skills. To the the right others are standing in a circle making animal noises with the kids. Me, I'm on a dirt field playing soccer with the 9th and 7th graders. Life is complete our hearts are full doing ministry with these kids. I am deep in thought as I stand on the field looking around of going home early from the race. The pressure is on to make my last deadline of $2,000 in 3 weeks to be fully funded.
The majority of my teammates are fully funded or close to it. Was I not working hard enough? The idea of asking for more money from family and friends worried me. They have already given so much to get me here I can't ask for more. God reminds me that their money is his and my money is his. That he provides sometimes in crunch of timelines. Yet, have I been doing enough to fundraise? Posting enough pictures and videos or blogs? With God anything is possible yet, I worried. The thought of going home in view. Before the race, the idea of asking people to help fund me made me cry at night. I hated the idea of asking for a handout. Yet, I knew the only way to raise $16,254 was to ask for help. Doing the math made it easier. If 50 people donate 50 a month for 11 months I will be funded for my race.
What else could I do to stay on the race? The World Race has become more than just an 11 month missionary journey, but the start of a lifetime of ministry projects for me. What else could I do? Pray, yes! Get creative, definitely! So here's my attempt at being creativity with finish line fundraising!
Introducing my FUN(D) board!
Pick a box with amount you would like to donate and you just might get a postcard, gift or date with me! <3
IF EACH BOX AMOUNT IS DONATED I WILL BE FULLY FUNDED FOR MY RACE!
Thank you!
-Wendy
