I Hate Doing This...

I hate asking folks for money.  I understand (better than most!) that times are tough right now and lots of folks don't have a dime to spare.  However, I know there are those of you out there that want to, and will, help regardless.  So here goes...

I am writing to you because you are important to me.  As many of you will remember, in 2007 I was part of a wonderful team from Brentwood Baptist Church (BBC) that went to Thailand on a mission trip. Through much prayer, the Lord has asked me to travel to Cape Town, South Africa. I will be leaving September 24 and returning October 3. Our team will be working with Living Hope Ministries and the Life Skills Educators in conducting a Holiday Club, much like a Vacation Bible School, for the children in several different townships.

You may be asking the question “Why? Why now?” And the answer is “I don’t know”.  All I know is that this is what I feel like God is asking me to do and I have chosen to be obedient. This is a definitely step outside my comfort zone so I am asking for your support as I prepare and as I travel.

You can support me in a couple of ways: 

1. You can give financial support. The total cost of my trip is $2,600. I have stepped out in faith, not knowing how God will provide for me, but believing that He will. Giving is an important way that you can participate in mission work. I am asking 100 families to sponsor me for just $25 each. Although you may not ever go to South Africa, you can send others, as well as encourage and equip missionaries by committing to sponsor me. If you feel led, you can donate by writing a check to Brentwood Baptist Church. Please designate on your check “South Africa”. You may designate your money to support me by specifying my name in the memo line. If you so choose, you can request that your gift remain anonymous and send it directly to Brentwood Baptist Church Missions Office at 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027. If you are a Brentwood Baptist church member, you also have the option of giving your money during the regular Sunday morning offering; just remember to designate it for me if that is your desire. No matter what amount you are able to give, please know that every dollar is needed and is gratefully received.

2. You can give me your prayers. If you are unable to give financially, you can pray. Please pray for me as I prepare. There is so much to be done. I also need extra time for Bible study and prayer for myself. I will be seeing to the many details of family and work that must be taken care of in my absence. I need to go healthy, rested and ready to hit the ground running. Our team knows that because we are entering into real, spiritual warfare, Satan will discourage and distract us. Crises always arise. Team members get sick. Family members get sick. It is often hard for team members to sleep well. And sometimes we are downright afraid. I am afraid. When you pray for us, you are literally joining our team, standing along side us. I thank you in advance for all the ways you will support me.

I will admit, I have been plagued by doubts since I first wrote this letter/post/email.  I feel like I have asked and asked for money.  I really do NOT want to ask anymore.  And I have tried to talk God and myself out of even doing this trip.  It is really not good timing for our family.  But God has made it clear to me that He wants me to do this.

If you cannot afford or prefer not to give a monetary donation right now, I will be posting information about my Scentsy Party Fundraiser (look for my party) and a Yard Sale Fundraiser here soon, so stay tuned.