Saturday, October 12, 2013

Funds and "Cool" Missionaries

For someone who struggles with fundraising because I am simply living life as I would if I were in Lexington, just happen to be in Haiti (and especially since I have social issues and struggle allowing people to get to know me), it is difficult asking for your hard earned money to allow me to do what brings me joy. This blog post hit this dilemma on the spot.  

Fundraising and support is essential for missionaries, it is how they are able to do God's work He has called them to do.  But "missions" can become "cool", what is hot right now?  How can this mission work be sold to our church to make the members want to give?  And if you are not a "cool/hip" person, who prefers backstage work, your work may not be "cool enough" to increase funds.

Fundraising is the hardest, most awkward "job" as a missionary.  Teaching everyday is a gift; sitting on a taxi with one of the boys on the street talking about his family, school, and needs that day is a blessing; being home and someone unknowingly stops by because they are in need of prayer is a joy; having the weekly Bible study with high school girls and one of them says, "I feel like we are a family." melts the heart; teaching English to the community once a week and using that as an avenue to reach them with the gospel is a fun blessing; daily conversations with sweet Haitian friends about what God is teaching them, and encouraging them through everything they do for the their families is life giving.  This work is simple, it is daily life, and as Jamie put it, it's not "sexy".  (Cannot believe I just used that word.)

Jamie also said that if a missionary never feels struggles or defeated, there is a problem.  And that while, yes, monetary giving is essential for a missionary, emotional, prayerful, spiritual support is crucial.  Here in Haiti, I feel in a constant state of defeat, and for some reason I cannot stop working here.  It seems a bullet can appear from any direction, an upset student, your boss, your parents don't want you here, your parents are sick, the realization of the work and power of Voodoo in the lives of those you care about, or simply the feeling of loneliness or that your life is "on-hold" while in another country.  All of these, especially when combined (which is often), can become crippling  But the work, the interactions with Haitians, even if instant fruit is not shown, breathes life and purpose and Jesus in the day.  

So while, we missionaries need your financial support, we need your spiritual support more than anything.

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