Howdy Partner

As we begin preparing for our trip, there is a part of it that, while not unexpected, does have us a bit on edge. What is that you ask? Fundraising! For us this is an important part of our trip for a few reasons...

• We don't have the capability of paying the entire cost ourselves.

• Because we are discerning a long term call, fundraising is a BIG part of that, and this helps us see the reality of missionary life in a bigger sense than just going on a trip. We are going to get a fuller experience from the beginning to the end.

• Its important to involve others in mission, because it isn't just about our family going. It's about the church being salt and light in the world. We are able to go and physically be present, but there are others who can't go, and God may be calling them to support missions and love people in other ways. We aren't financially wealthy, but we're wealthy and gifted in a lot of other ways. By involving others and not making this "our" trip, but "God's trip", it brings the church together and gives a visible example of the body of Christ and His church in this world. Its actually pretty amazing.

But fundraising is really hard. REALLY hard. Also for a couple different reasons...

• It feels odd. Really. I think society teaches us to be so independent, that being dependent on the body of Christ to partner with you can be really humbling! I mean, who likes asking others for money REALLY?

• I worry! How are we going to make this happen? And then I realize, oh yeah, we're not, God is. He's got this.

• Its work. And its extra work on top of our normal stuff. Which I think in most anyone's world causes us to initially say, no thanks! But the more we start to work, the more joy we find in it, and in answering God's call in our hearts.

So, as we prepare to begin our fundraising efforts, here is a video from Abby sharing a little bit about our plans.

If you feel like God is calling you to help us financially and be our partner in mission, its actually pretty easy. Here are a few ways you can help us out:

• Host a garage sale and declutter your house, and contribute what you make to our mission.

• We are going to be hosting a bake sale or two in the near future. You can host one of your own to raise money for us, or you can donate supplies or treats and we can sell them at ours. Just let me know if you are wanting to send some treats our way, and I can keep you posted.

• If you want to make a financial contribution yourself or need to get those garage sale or bake sale monies to us, you can do that through our Go Fund Me account. (There is also a box that will take you straight there in the upper right hand corner of our blog). 

• If you are making a larger donation, you can do so in our name through FMC, and its tax deductible. Its goes straight to our mission costs, as long as you mention our name! If you are interested in doing that, just let me know and I can give you the complete instructions.