The Truth About Fundraising
I’m approaching my fundraising deadline with $2,635 left to raise. This ground looks familiar, I’ve been here before. I’ve been scraping funds together at the last second and I’ve seen God do some crazy stuff to provide for me financially. I’m writing this blog for 3 reasons:
- To ask for your financial support – I could lose my job at the end of next month if I don’t meet my deadline.
- To share some honest thoughts about fundraising.
- To provide you with some ways that you can support me if you are unable to give money at this time.
Fundraising is tricky business. It sometimes feels like I have to sell myself, or sell God’s work in my life like a product up for consumption. Most of my ministry is to people who already know the Lord, so I don’t typically have dramatic conversion stories to share. I live in Georgia (the state, not the country). So sometimes I worry that you won’t understand that I am a missionary. And by “missionary” I mean that I have been sent here by God for a purpose.
Its purpose that keeps me going (remember that, we’ll come back to it).
Fundraising indeed is tricky business, and the trickiest part of all is not putting my worth in whether or not you decide to donate to my support account. In the last 3 ish years since I first started fundraising, I’ve had to come to terms with some hard facts. Support raising is difficult for me. Its often hard to help people grasp the concept of my ministry. I don’t have much of a support base in my hometown like most other missionaries. These are facts, but they are not at all a reflection of my worth.
I haven’t always known that though.
More often than I’d like to admit, I question God. Usually something like this, “God, what the heck are you doing? WHY WHY WHY?” Always with the whys. Fundraising is a topic that has provoked me to ask “WHY” numerous times. But its obvious to me now that God has allowed fundraising to be hard for me because it has exposed lies from the enemy and helped me press into the truth.
Sometimes its still difficult, and I have brief pity parties with thoughts like, “No one cares. Not about me, not about my ministry, not about what God is doing. No one even cares. No one even loves the Lord.” Sometimes I’m dramatic haha. I know that those things are untrue. I also know that I am in Gainesville, Georgia, at Adventures in Missions, on purpose. I am here to shepherd and care for our staff, foster unity within our organization, and help people achieve a greater understanding of worship and its purpose in our lives.
When I remember my purpose, I feel determination spread through my veins, strengthening my resolve to press on and keep asking for financial support. And when I remember my purpose, I have peace.
I am here by the hand of God. He is trustworthy, and more than able to provide for my needs. People definitely care about me. People care about what God is doing in and through my life. But even if they didn’t, it wouldn’t matter. Because I know that my life is orchestrated with purpose by God. And I know I am radically loved by him.
I would be so honored if you would partner with me financially as I seek to live on purpose for the Kingdom, however I know that many of you are unable to do that right now. So if that’s the boat you’re in, I’d like to provide you with some ways that you can support me without giving money.
- Respond to me when I ask you to consider making a donation – even if its to say no. I understand that you might not be able to give financially, its really okay. Getting a “no” is way better than no response at all, even if you feel a little awkward about it. I promise we’ll both feel less awkward next time we see each other (at the next family function, or the next wedding we both attend mayhaps) if you at least respond.
- Advocate for me. You might be broke as a joke, but maybe you have friends, family, or past supporters that are rollin’ in the dough! Think about who in your life is passionate about missions and/or worship. Reach out to them on my behalf, or give me their info so I can contact them (even if they aren’t necessarily rollin’ in the dough).
- Take it easy on the advice giving. I’ve heard a lot of ideas, advice, opinions. I’ve read books and received training in fundraising. I appreciate your desire to be helpful but sometimes it can come across a little condescending. Before you start spitting out ideas, maybe just ask me if I’d like to hear your thoughts.
- Pray for me. Always, always, always prayer matters. Specifically, I need prayer now for provision as I support raise. If I don’t meet my deadline by the end of the fiscal year (September 30th) I could lose my job. Please pray that God sends people around me who want to commit to supporting me on a long-term basis.
- Encourage me. If my blogs and ministry updates encourage or inspire you, let a sista know! I trust that as I follow Christ my life is having an impact, but sometimes its nice to hear how.
Yep, there ya go. Know that support without finances is still support and still makes a difference to me. Please reach out if you’d like to hear more or have questions about anything I brought up here. Thanks so much for taking time to read.
PEACE AN’ BLESSINS.
LeAnn
