We are just a few weeks away!  Continue to pray and prepare for God to move and speak through us.
 
Fundraising for mission trips is something that we know can feel awkward or overwhelming. We find it helpful to view it as an opportunity for God to move through others to serve His Kingdom that aren’t going on the trip with you. Put your faith in Him and give Him room to move. Keep working, praying, and asking! You will be shocked at how God can provide for you. Think through these fundraising questions below to make sure that you are on schedule! 
  
1. HOW IS MY FUNDRAISING GOING? 
Take time to check to see how your fundraising goals are progressing. Consider making a game plan for next steps to meet your goals! Our team is here to help give you updates and strategies. 

2. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE I ASKED TO PRAY FOR ME AND TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT ME?

 

You should have half of your trip fees in by now! If not, keep working hard to meet this goal!

January 22 | Full payment of the trip cost is due

  

This will be your last reminder to submit a copy of your passport to our office.

 

Travel insurance is optional. However, we definitely recommend it! In the GroupMe, we will send you some options that you can look into!

 

Since our trip is mostly with missionaries, we will mostly be using English. However, there may be a few times during the trip that you will need to use a translator. Here are some helpful tips in case you need it!

 

1. Speak loudly (but not yelling) and slowly so you can be heard.

2. Think your ideas through ahead of time so you can say them in short, simple sentences. 

3. Stop after every couple of sentences to allow your translator time to translate.

4. If your translator gets stuck and doesn’t know the word for something that you are trying to say, it’s often best to try and reword your sentence. If he/she still doesn’t understand, it’s good to move on in the conversation to not embarrass your translator.

5. Avoid using slang, idioms, or illustrations which are not found in the local culture.

 

You also may get an opportunity to share your testimony! Here are some tips!

 

 - Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and guidance as you write (James 1:5-6). 

 - One area of your life that Christ has changed. (i.e. peace, freedom, victory over sin, etc.)  

 - Remember, you are telling a story, so you want to be captivating. 

- Life before knowing Christ (What was missing?)- What you came to know about Christ (Be specific.)

- Who God is and how he has changed you  

 

Try and wing it  

- Such as “saved,” “righteous,” “walk with God,” without explaining. 

- Your audience may feel uncomfortable if they don’t know what these words mean.  

 - We are testifying about the truth of Jesus Christ! 

- Consult with your team leaders before sharing specific details about your past sin struggles.We are so excited to hear how God uses you on your trip! We know that sharing your testimony in front of a group like this can be intimating. We want to encourage you to start practicing it now. It really will help you feel more comfortable. If you have questions about your testimony, please don't hesitate to let us know. 

 

If you have questions about fundraising, your Giving Fuel account, or anything in general about the trip, please call or send an email and let us know! We would love to help you out. We are praying for you and can’t wait to meet you!