I LEAVE IN 2 WEEKS! WHOOP WHOOP!

It has already been a JOURNEY. And through every step of it, the Lord has been so faithfully walking with me.

Even though I went to Africa last summer in 2025, preparing for a mission trip on this scale has been a whole different level. There have been a LOT of questions, a lot of emotions, and definitely a lot of moments where I’ve thought, “Lord… how is this actually going to happen?” But through this whole process, the Lord has revealed something to me that I honestly never expected: the love of fundraising. I know that might sound a little crazy!  But seriously, it has become something I genuinely take joy in, and I cannot wait to share with you the amazing truth of why.

The Process

When I first signed up for a mission trip that cost $17,900, I was doubtful. “How am I supposed to raise THAT much money in under three months?” Like many missionaries, I knew fundraising was going to be part of the process. But if I’m being honest, my view of fundraising was pretty simple: “Here is what I’m doing. Do you want to support me?”

And in a society that can often feel so transactional, that felt… uncomfortable. It felt like I was asking people for money because I needed it. Like I was burdening people with my needs. And honestly, I was crumbling under the weight of it myself. What are people going to think?” “What if they think I’m asking for too much?” “Maybe this isn’t even the right path for me.” No one really likes admitting that they don’t have the money for something, let alone asking other people to help provide it.

So when I had only raised a few hundred dollars, I remember asking the Lord to completely change my perspective. “Lord, I know I’m missing something. Show me what fundraising is actually supposed to be.”

And He did just that.

Through my missions organization, I was able to take a course called Partnership Development, where we learned about the biblical foundations of fundraising. And through that, the Lord opened my eyes to something that completely changed the way I saw this entire process:

Fundraising is about inviting others to be a part of what God is doing.

Fundraising isn't about convincing people to give me money. It isn't about making people feel bad or trying to reach some financial number. It is an invitation. An opportunity for someone else to join in the work and be a part of changing lives. And my responsibility is simply to extend the invitation. God is the One who moves in people's hearts. God is the One who provides. And the results ultimately belong to Him.

The question totally changed. Instead of “Here is what I am doing. Do you want to support me?” it became: “Here is what God is doing. Do you want to be part of it?” Wow. Mind Blown.

Because of this so much of the weight I had placed on fundraising just disappeared. I realized that I don't have to carry the responsibility of making people give. I don't have to figure out how God is going to provide. I don't even have to know what the final number is going to look like. I just get to say yes to what God has asked me to do and extend the invitation. And that has turned fundraising from something I was dreading into something I genuinely look forward to. 

The Joy of Giving 

There is a profound passage from Paul that speaks directly to the heart of the giver. After thanking the Philippian church for their generosity, Paul writes:

“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit... And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:17–20

What really stood out to me is that Paul's greatest joy wasn't simply receiving their financial support. He was excited about what their giving was producing in them. He wasn't just looking at the gift. He was looking at the fruit.

And that made me think about something a family friend told me after donating $1,000 toward my trip. They told me that “it is a blessing for them to donate towards the mission.”

That comment has stuck with me. Giving isn't simply helping someone else accomplish something. It can be an opportunity for God to work in you too. It can be an opportunity to trust Him, to practice generosity, to steward what He's given you, and to experience the joy of participating in something bigger than yourself.

And THAT is what makes fundraising so much more beautiful than I ever thought it could be! It's a two-way street where we all get to experience the Lord and in the end give him all the Glory He deserves.

You Don't Have to Get on a Plane

Now you also know the truth that fundraising for a mission trip goes miles deeper than simply raising support. It is so much more than getting a donation or reaching a financial goal.

It is about inviting people into a Kingdom movement where they can serve the Lord

That is why partnership is so powerful. God doesn't have everyone go. He doesn't ask everyone to give financially. But He does invite each of us to participate in what He is doing.

Your prayers matter. Your encouragement matters. Your generosity matters. However the Lord calls you matters. There is a place for you in this and if you take part in this mission in any of these ways YOU are a part of this kingdom movement. Come on!! How amazing is that! 

That is what this whole thing is about: an invitation.

Not pressure. Not guilt. Not “Please give because I need to reach my goal.”

But simply: “Come see what God is doing. Maybe He is inviting you into it, too.”

So my encouragement to you is simple: pray and seek the Lord.

Ask Him how He wants you to be involved in this mission. Ask Him where He wants you to step in. And if He leads you to give, give freely, not because you feel pressured by me, but because you joyfully believe God is leading you to be a part of His work. 

Because at the end of the day, this isn't my mission. It's His.

SO ALTOGETHER LET'S MAKE A JESUS-SIZED IMPACT ON THE WORLD!