Raising Support, or Begging for Money?

Last summer, when I first realized that we had to raise support for my trip to Bolivia, I was sheepish. How do I ask people to send me on my own trip? God made a few things clear to me.

1. It wasn't "my own trip." I was going for the purpose of serving those people in Bolivia and helping to build a washroom facility.
2. There are people out there who want a chance to be involved in humanitarian ministry, and I was one opportunity for them to do that.
3. My friends and family love me and know my heart, and they want to see that God-given desire fulfilled.

So, last night I felt the old feelings of sheepishness rise up again as Justin and I drafted our first support letter, but God has reminded me of these lessons I learned last summer. This is a MUCH bigger trip. We have to give others the opportunity to be part of this ministry.

It's been a pleasure supporting a couple of missionary friends in prayer and support these past two years because they have been so great at communicating what's happening "over there." Justin and I will strive to follow their example and stay so connected with our supporters too, so they can see what their money and prayers are doing in Peru, and so we can stay involved in their lives in the States despite the distance.

Here are the numbers we're looking at:

$37,000 for outbound expenses like airfair, bumper salary, one-time set up costs etc.

$3100 for our monthly expenses like rent, utilities, transporation, food, clothing, schooling for the boys, etc.

Our first goal is $6100 by March 1 (part of the $37,000 outbound budget) to cover the cost of training in April. Yes, that's right, we're aiming to go to Guatemala in April for 3 weeks training as a whole family. Please pray for us as we seek to reach this first goal.

These are big numbers, but God has given us SO MUCH peace about it, it's amazing. My logical mind says that I should be floored, but I'm not. We actually were expecting a higher budget, so this is good! I must go and tend to da boyz. Much love to you, and thank you for keeping us in your prayers...you are certainly in ours!

Love in <><,
Gillian
PS. Please pray for other missionaries in this process of support raising as well. We know of one family in particular that is struggling with a sick child and many questions. Please pray for discernment each and every day through this process.