The first week of my summer campaign has been quite an experience! I am learning the ups and downs of navigating this new journey, and I am slowly finding my footing in the wonderful world of support raising.
I feel like a newborn sheep trying to takes its first steps. A few times this week, I felt really discouraged. Since I am very new to this whole experience, I have to tell myself I am going to makes mistakes every now and again. I am definitely figuring out how to learn from experience and keep moving forward.
Some may ask: Why chose a job where support raising is neccesary? Why not just find a ministry that will support you without having to do any extra work? The cross seen in the picture above is a perfect example of why I have chosen to raise support. I had a wonderful support meeting this week where I was able to engage in some very good conversations with the lady I was sharing with. It blessed my soul to see her eyes light up with the same passion I felt in my heart about the ministry I was sharing with her. I kept thinking in my head "She gets it. I have shared my passions with her, and she gets it"
At the end of our meeting she decided to become a donor, but she gave me something extra that I haven't received from anyone else. She gave me a handmade wooden cross, small enough to carry with me. As soon as she handed it to me, I knew it was a gift sent from God, through an act of friendship. This cross symbolizes so many things to me.
It is a symbol of a partnership that is developing through this journey.
It is a symbol of how God can send us messages in the smallest, most unexpected of gifts.
It is a symbol of new friendships to come throughout the summer and my time in the middle east.
Finally, it is a symbol of my savior, the ultimate example of what it looks like to build relationships with people who will join you in sharing the gospel with the world.
This small token of friendship is something I will treasure through the rest of my summer campaign, through my service in the middle east, and the rest of my life.