What I learned

Friends, it is with overwhelming gratitude and extreme joy that I announce that I am FULLY FUNDED!! It has been a long journey getting to this point, and it is such a sweet gift from God that I was able to be completely funded a week before I left! I learned to not make decisions without first seeking the Lord’s guidance, and to trust Him when I couldn’t make sense of His timing. People’s generosity surprised me and humbled me. Large anonymous donations were made. Followers of other religions were passionate and supportive about loving and serving others. The most unlikely people gave the most. People who hung up on me or told me they wanted nothing to do with my missions trip when I first asked them, in the last weeks of my funding had a change of heart and donated. This journey was a privilege to explore. Thank you so very much for all the ways you have been supportive!  

The Journey

My first fundraiser in April was partnering with our local pizza shop, Jhett’s, to earn 10% of the finances earned that night and discuss the missions trip with family, friends, and my community. Next I did an Adopt a Box in May. Then a generous family suggested I do a Match Challenge, and that ended up being my first big jump in fundraising. In June I sold t-shirts. During that time, I talked to an older missionary couple, and they urged me to emphasize monthly donations rather than lump sums… which ended up being my second big jump in fundraising. For July I had a worship evening planned, but it fell through, so within a week I organized a Bake Sale and literally drove IT to Sterling, KS. Toward the end of July I planned a fundraiser that entailed dropping off a couch & cardboard TV at a nominated address then inviting them to donate to have it removed, however, I was unable to get anyone’s interest in it. During August I advertised and gathered Garage Sale items. In September we had the Garage Sale (my biggest fundraiser raising $2,000). In October I sold two more rounds of shirt orders. In November, my friend Krista and I organized a meal and concert. All the while sending out support letters, doing random side jobs (walking dogs, cleaning houses, janitor work at the HS, babysat, etc.), meeting with people, and visiting churches. Anywhere I went, I shared about this opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus around the world.

Stories

At the Jhett’s pizza night, the little restaurant was filled with family, friends, and interested community members. We pushed tables together, and I went from table to table greeting people, answering questions, and getting to know them. I was so amazed hearing the ministry that each individual and family was called to do in Holton. One couple was in the process of building a large house to hold Christian Conferences and retreats in the country. They also wanted to hold summer camps for youth there. Another woman was called to ministry of the poor and ill, so within her church she led a ministry to gather items for them and would visit them in the hospital or their home. Another young woman was passionate about women and children in low-income situations, so she assists at the local Crisis Pregnancy Center. Multiple large families serve whenever there is a need in the community.

At the garage sale, I had people come in and donate without buying anything—I didn’t even know them! There was a man who upon coming realized that the donations went to my missions trip, so he filled his car with items, left, and came back to fill his car again!

Again, every single one of you helped make this happen in an unreplaceable way, and I encourage you to keep the generosity and love going! Because THIS is what happens when we unite around a common goal! Its beauty and impact will last far longer than our lifetimes. Thank you so very much, I’m forever thankful to be a part of furthering God’s kingdom and inviting others to be a part of this mission that will change the world!