Since the beginning of this fundraising process, I have seen God work in so many ways and He continues to show His faithfulness. I received my approval in October 2016 and for the first few months, I really struggled. I was working two jobs at the time and living with a few roommates in Springfield, MO. I had little to no time outside of work and no one to really keep me accountable or help me. In December, I started working with my mom to get the ball rolling and things have been going really well since January! I decided to move home in January and have been living with my parents in Waynesville, MO since then. Even though I didn't want to move, I knew it's where God was leading me and it has made a huge difference. I have had more time to invest into my fundraising, family, health, and my relationship with God. Since I'm living with my parents, I have been able to pay off my credit card and start saving money. Neither of these things were possible when I was living on my own. It's amazing how much better life is when you choose to simply go where God is leading you!
As far as my fundraising goes, I have had two great services: one in January and one in March. Both churches were incredibly generous I met some amazing people. There have been many other friends and family that have given over the past few months as well that have all blown me away with their willingness to give. At this point, I'm about a fourth of the way on both my cash budget and my monthly budget. Just to explain how those work: My cash budget is one lump sum comprised of one-time donations that goes toward various expenses. My monthly budget covers my living expenses each month and consists of monthly partnership, similar to a child-sponsorship. My original target date was July, but based on recommendations from the South Africa area director and current funds raised I am pushing that back. My goal is to have all of my funds raised by the end of July. I am praying and believing that God will continue to work in peoples' hearts and that all of my funds will be raised on time. I have faith that God already knows each person that He wants to partner with me and how much he wants them to give.
Would you join in prayer with me that all of my funds will continue to come in on time? Will you also take time to pray for all of the other members of my team that they will raise their funds on time? Let's also keep our team leaders, Randy and Dezra Freeman, who are currently working and leading a weekly Bible study in Durban, in our prayers!