Raising Money

Okay, I bet you could hardly stop yourself from diving into this post.  If you are like me, you consistently receive solicitations for donations in the mail, on social media, and in person.  And most are really good causes.  It can feel overwhelming.

Well, guess what I worked on today?  Yep, communicating to a group of people who are interested in what I do with IAFR….and asking them to consider financially supporting the work.  I admit it’s not the easiest thing for me to do….especially asking for personal ministry support.  I have a friend who wakes up every day, excited to go ask people for money for good causes.  Yikes…that’s not me.

But we are doing good work.  Impactful work.  And not everyone can show up in refugee contexts, to try to make a difference, to bring God’s kingdom to bear in some very difficult circumstances.  And that takes resources.  And God typically uses people, churches, other organizations to make it happen.

So today, I gave people a chance to jump in…with their resources, prayer, and influence.  So we can continue to help people survive and recover from forced displacement.  

Kingdom

So I was in a group today where the question was asked, “Why do you do what you?  What is your motivation?”  You know…raise support, work in challenging and difficult situations, etc.   I think my answer has become more clear in my mind. 

Over the past year, I have spent more time looking at, thinking about, and praying the Lord’s Prayer found in the Gospels.  The part of the prayer about the Kingdom, “…your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10), has really grabbed me.  It is the idea of longing for and being part of seeing God’s kingly rule….his passion, his priorities, his love, his justice…show up on earth.

I actually think it is a prayer and goal for all of us.  I just happen to be doing it along the Refugee Highway.