Support Raising...

So I've been struggling with how to write letters to organizations that I would like to work for. I've also been struggling with raising support, and the idea of asking people to sponsor me. I guess my problem right now is that I am so far out from when I would actually be leaving, that to even approach the idea scares me.

I've come up with some decent fundraising ideas. For example, I feel like doing things like a spaghetti dinner or a pop can drive would raise a good amount of money. I would also like to approach a local band to see about doing a benefit concert. I feel like they would back me on something like this. For me, asking people for money and giving them something in return is a more tangible way of raising the money.

I saw Kumar again this week. He and I had a long conversation about raising money. He had some amazing insight! The thing that I got the most out of in our conversation was the ways in which individuals serve God's kingdom.

His insight was this. Some people are able to give their time, others are able to give financial contributions. He said that if I feel this is what God is leading me to do, to serve his kingdom, I shouldn't "feel bad" about asking people to support me in that.

I found that to be so refreshing! I've been so stressed about where to start when it comes to raising support, that I've been procrastinating. I keep finding excuses to do other things. I guess I can't sit by and expect God to just hand me everything I need to go to India. I have to be willing to work for it as well!

I have a meeting at church on Sunday. It is aimed at teaching you how to raise support for Leadership Training. God has already provided me with the funds to go to LT this summer, but I feel like the meeting would be useful to me anyway. I am going to go and see what I can learn about raising support, and how I can apply that to India.

It's amazing to me because God keeps giving me exactly what I need, when I need it. I just found out about this meeting, for example, when I was really starting to stress about raising money for India. Isn't God amazing?!? You can chalk it up to coincidence, or whatever you want. I however, truly feel like it is God moving in my life. Funny how when I seek him, TRULY seek him, he does amazing things in my life. Still, and constantly in awe of this....