God is faithful. God provides for His children. These are two things I am constantly telling myself. My first fundraiser was a babysitting night. It was alot of fun! We made friendship bracelets, made super cute spider (cracker, peanut butter, pretzel and chocolate chip) snacks, played games and watch a movie! I had four friends sacrifice their Saturday night to help me! And we only had four children. Yup, I was disappointed.
These are my amazing friends and children with their awesome snacks!
When I envisioned fundraising, I envisioned people lining up to give me donations and having an abundant of people come to my dessert night to hear about YWAM and too many children to count at my babysitting fundraiser. Did you catch what was wrong with that sentence? All of it was about me. I wanted a big miracle where God provided instantaneously so I could say, "God sure is good isn't He." Giving all the glory back to Him while people would stand amazed at my testimony of fundraising. Needless to say, God does not work according to my pride or my agenda.
Two great stories I would like to share that have warmed my spirit.
I, being a very scheduled, goal oriented, controlling person, was going over money with God one morning as I was walking to work. The numbers were not matching up. If my fundraising continued to be as small as it was, I would not be able to afford YWAM. It was around 5:50 am. The sunrise was beginning to wake up the world; the air was fresh, yet to be too disturbed. I was so concentrated only worrying, that I was missing the serene beauty of God. My eyes were fixed on the crack sidewalk, and I saw a $50 bill. Instantly I stopped. "See, I do provide," God told me. I stood there in shock and embarrassment; I was angry at myself. Yes that is a very neat story of God proving Himself. But why did God have to prove Himself? Why did I not simply trust Him from the beginning? Oh boy was I humbled. From then on God is constantly reminding me of this moment when doubt begins to creep in.
Second story: A boy going into 7th grade gave me a donation. He wanted to make sure I knew it was his own money. I have had the amazing opportunity to get to know him and his older brother through youth group. But think about it: a 7th grade boy gave his money to a missionary. The stereotypes do not match up. When I was his age I was spending money of Jaarsma doughnuts and books. This young boy listened to the Lord. He selflessly gave. I did not expect God to work through my friends or people younger than me because..well... I do not really know. I minimized and placed God in a book.
The further I travel on this journey, the more apparent the need for the Body of Christ has become. I was taught to be a strong, bold, confident and independent young woman. Being all of that, I have become self-sufficient. That, however, is not the idea God had in mind for His children. My family and friends have been immense help. Going to church and having the congregation supporting me through prayer and financial donations. Others encouraging me; saying things God has been trying to tell me, yet I am too bullheaded to listen. They are humbling me, showing me that being self-sufficient is not always that great of a quality to have. I have a friend from camp who takes the time to call on his day off and asks about how things are going. The Body of Christ has came up on all sides around me. I praise God for all they have taught me!
