If you have ever gone on a mission trip, you know how stressful fundraising can be. But it can also be an opportunity for God to show up in incredible ways. For the World Race we have had several financial deadlines to meet. Our deadline in August was $6500 and we had to reach that amount in order to leave with our group in September. Two weeks away from the deadline I was still short $2000.
Up until this point I had really not worried about fundraising. I shared with people about my trip, and the money just kept coming in. It was the last thing on my mind. But when I was home for six weeks preparing to leave in September, it seemed like I had nothing to do but worry.
Those two weeks were very long. I was so worried that I could not eat or sleep. I was not sure what to do besides praying and continuing to share with people about my trip. I came to a point where I realized that if I was going to meet the deadline it would not be because of anything I did. It would have to be a miracle.
I know God has called me to this trip. I finally gave control of it to God and prayed that if I was supposed to go the finances would come. As the deadline grew closer and closer, I was amazed to see the money come in. People who I would never expect to give, did. I began to feel my faith grow and peace fill my heart about the fact that God would provide.
The night before my deadline I was still $200 short. I checked my fundraising account and was shocked to see an anonymous donation for EXACTLY $200. How great is our God! All the stress and worry that filled my heart those two weeks did absolutely nothing for me. But God did everything for me.
Sometimes I wish fundraising was easier and I could meet deadlines way before they arrive. But God is teaching me to trust Him on a deeper level every day and every month as He continues to provide.
I am in Atlanta, Georgia this week with my World Race team for some final training before we leave for China on September 10. Some people in our group are fully funded. Some, like me, are still trusting God to provide as we leave the country to serve for 11 months. But the incredible thing to me is how I can see the hand of God in every person’s fundraising story.
God has used the story of provision in my life already to encourage more people then I could have imagined. He received all the glory for me reaching my deadline and being able to leave with my team this month. I know as time goes on that I will continually learn to trust Him more not only with fundraising but also in other areas of my life.
I do not know exactly what the next 11 months of my life are going to look like. But if the past year is any indication, then I know God is going to continually amaze me by how faithful He is to His children.
Another wonderful reminder, Amanda! Where God calls, He always provides, whether it’s financial, physical, emotional, spiritual, etc. He who calls and promises is faithful to complete the work. COMPLETE!!