Money is one of the most uncomfortable topics of conversation. Does this statement hit home for you? That’s ok. It sure did for me. And now I talk about money several times a week. Wondering how this happened? First, here’s a little backstory.
I grew up in a household where money was a private conversation. My parents did not disclose how much money they had or how they chose to spend their money. My parents struggled financially growing up, then got married and created their own business from the ground up. It was hard, but it grew their character. They developed a strong work ethic and responsible attitude, becoming very self-sufficient. These values were passed down to me, and I couldn’t be more grateful. However, as I grew up developing these values for myself, I turned them into something they were never meant to be. I developed a strong work ethic, but constantly overworked myself and burnt out. I became more and more independent and responsible for myself, but at the same time became more and more hesitant to ask others for any kind of help when needed. I took good values that were taught to me, then taught myself to overdo it. This has nothing to do with anything my parents did wrong raising me. Rather, it was because I did not bring God into the center of those values.
I’ll be completely honest here… When my GoCorps mentor met me and asked if I had any concerns about the idea of serving overseas, it was not culture shock, missing family, fear of being in danger, or plane flights. It was support raising. I hated the idea of asking people for money. I thought that was surely not the right thing to do. But I didn’t bring God into this conclusion.
As I started GoCorps training, I decided to bring God into the center of support raising, and it was so worth it. It wasn’t easy to say the least. I had to break down many false beliefs and work through a lot of awkwardness as I began learning how to fundraise. But now I’m overwhelmed by how much He has blessed me. I’ve been challenged to trust God like never before, and it is so much sweeter than trusting in myself. He truly provides for our every need. And He provides for your every need too, whether you are raising support or giving it. The prayer I have for each of my partners in ministry stems from 2 Corinthians 9:7-8: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will about in every good work.” I’m not the only one being blessed by giving partners. Those who give are also blessed by God abundantly.
So now that you’ve heard my little backstory, I hope it now hits home for you that talking about money and fundraising does not have to be uncomfortable. It most definitely isn’t wrong. It can actually be an opportunity for ministry in itself—to bless and be blessed. I pray this is an encouragement to any current support raiser who may be reading this, but also to anyone who may be a supporter of any kind of ministry. You both play vital parts in different ways for the Kingdom, and I know He will bless you greatly and provide for each of you.