When I first applied to the WR, I had more than enough to pay for the entire trip, and help others to go. As months went on, I spent a lot of money on fixing up my house, and buying tools for the renovation (remodelling) business I was looking to start after the race. Not that I was going to pay for the entire $13,800 out of my pocket, but soon, it was more than clear that I needed to raise a lot of support.
I was asking for financial help from friends, family and strangers. Not something I had hoped to do. But through it, I was learning to ask for help. I was going to raise $10,000, and pay the rest on my own. But with more time passing, summer happening, gear purchasing, and other things coming up, I came to the haunting realization that I actually can’t pay for what I had planned to…
God’s teaching me right now, that I need to rely on Him. I always did. I felt I didn’t need to when I signed up. Then I relied on him partially. But my God is a jealous God–he wants ALL OF ME. So here I am, fully relying on God to be my provider.
Today, I had a garage sale (first one ever in my life!). It was planned less than a week in advance, and really thrown together the night before. God taught me more through this:
-I sold dozens of toys, collectibles, keepsakes, bobble-heads, and more toys that I’ve cherished. Lots of things I’ve been collecting for more than 10 years. As much as I’ve loved having these all these years, in the end, they’re just things. They are of no eternal value. I parted ways with things I wouldn’t have if it weren’t for WR…my teammates…God.
-I gave one lady a gardening book I got somewhere for free. She was so happy to receive it, saying that ‘you don’t get things for free much these days.’ I told her I didn’t want to charge someone for something I got for free. Small gestures can make big impacts.
-A lot of these things I’ve collected have never been opened. Never appreciated, used for it
s purpose. If I am given a gift, it is to be used, not saved or hidden. We have the gift of God’s salvation. Share it!
s purpose. If I am given a gift, it is to be used, not saved or hidden. We have the gift of God’s salvation. Share it!
-I pretty much had my life on sale and realized that I have waaay too much stuff, and a lot of it no one wanted.
-I printed out why I was selling all of my things, a bit of WR info, and my sharing from training camp and handed them out to my “customers.” You can turn everyday situations like a garage sale to share your testimony.
-People appreciate those who are willing to help others. On top of a lot of encouragement and even donations, one man that came was an associate pastor for a local church. His church (members) is involved with ministries in Vietnam, and gave me a contact number, just in case.
All in all, it was a great day. Friends dropped by, I met some of my neighbours for the first time, and raised $890 CAD! I’m still selling my other power tools online. I’m literally hoping to have nothing left but what I need for the race by the time I’m leaving in 10 days!
God provides. My God who feeds and clothes the birds of the air will surely provide for me, who am much more valuable than they.
