“I hope no one sees that.”
After writing a post soliciting donations for my mission’s trip to Guatemala, I realized that immediately adjacent to it was a post of our recent family trip to Italy. The juxtaposition of a garbage dump and our ten-day trip to Europe, felt wrong.
Over the years, when I’ve been invited to support people going on missions’ trips, I’ve wondered why they had to raise money. Surely, they could cover the amount themselves, right? So, when I was asked to join this trip, I assumed I would cover the costs myself, too.
Although I’m in ministry and work part-time, my husband has worked hard and we’ve sacrificed much over the years to be in a position, by God’s grace, to not have to solicit support for my trip. But when I brought this up to the friend who invited me on the trip, she gave me wise counsel.
She told me most people can’t go to Guatemala for a week, but they might love to pray for those who can. Not everyone can afford a plane ticket, but they might love to give twenty dollars to help the pastor’s wives we’ll be serving. My friend encouraged me to ask for help, not because I needed the money,
but because the trip isn’t about me.
The first person who reached out to donate after my post was someone I’d met only once. She’d been to Guatemala and was so excited to give. Another friend donated and offered to make over fifty gift baskets for those we’re serving. Someone else volunteered to pray and asked to join on future trip.
I was told this trip would teach me more than anything I will give or bring to it. I haven’t even left and I’ve learned that being in need can feel embarrassing. I’ve realized that being helped without being to repay, is humbling.
These lessons are fostering compassion and a greater understanding as to how the women we’ll serve may feel. And they are teaching me how freeing and life-giving it is when things aren’t about me, but about Christ and the generosity of those He loves.
P.S. If you would like to donate your prayers or finances to my trip, please respond to this email and I can send more details. Thank you!