Faith Building and Fundraising

Last night, my roommate reminded me why fundraising is such a humbling and faith building process. As I lay in bed last night, trying to avoid thinking about the fact that I need $1800 to go to Honduras, my roommate walked into the room, having just been out for a late night stroll, as is his usual habit. I was quiet, wrapped up in my worry, and he asked me what I had been up to that day. "Work, and sending out all of my support letters for Honduras," I replied. "They are going out later than I wanted them too, like a month later, but it's just so hard to find the time."

"How much are you trying to fundraise for your trip?"

"$1800."

"How would you like a tenth of that covered right now?"

I was blown away. First, because I had not thought to send him a support letter. Second, because his question was so unconditional, and so unexpected. I have friends who are full-time missionaries, working all over the world, and they tell me that any time someone sends them a letter telling them they are praying for them, or financial support, they are overwhelmed. God works through fundraising; it not only shapes the person giving of their time or of their finances, it hugely humbles and shapes the person on the receiving end. It gives a sense of perspective, and reminds the receiver, once again, that this is not about you. I am not going to Honduras to be a white knight with a hammer and a bucket of cement. I am going to Honduras to stay within God's will, and to be a servant, and fundraising  is one of the things that constantly reminds me of this.