Thank You!

Hello WR family!

It’s been a while since I wrote a blog post to update you on all that has been transpiring over the last few months. To say that things have been simply ‘good’ would be a disservice to how God has been showing up so mightily in this preparation process for the World Race (WR) in August!

To those who are partnered with me in this journey with God- this letter is for you; whether you have felt led to give financially, pray for this journey, or follow along- THANK YOU. God has been working through YOU to bring me revelation about the greatness of His love for His creation (you and me). And, to make this post readable in length lol, I am going to bullet point the things that God has been teaching me through your love and support. Over the last few months, I have been on the receiving end of so many prayers, encouraging words, and tangible gifts of generosity. This whole process of building partners in both the financial and spiritual realms has been nothing short of overwhelming, tear-invoking, and altogether humbling to my fragile human heart. 

Lesson #1: YOU (my supporters) are spiritually accompanying me on the World Race and carrying out the Great Commission with me!

God, you have shown me the importance of the prayer warrior and the financial supporter in the Kingdom of God. So often, I look at others who have gone before me and have done missions, and I see the work they do for the Lord and stand amazed. God, Your design of allowing partakers to be a part of a missionary journey stresses Your intricate design and care for every part of the Body of Christ. Both the goer and the giver are vital to spreading the Gospel and one cannot thrive without the other. God, I am reminded of the Philippian church when Paul thanked them “because of [their] partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” (Phil 1:3-5). Paul then goes on to share with the people of the Philippian church that they “are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel,” which goes to show how his supporters truly were both apart of the highs and lows of ministry. Thank you, God, for sending me people to help labor with me to accomplish your plans on this Earth.

Lesson #2: In my discomfort in asking for support, God has reminded me that I am not the only one refined by the process, but I am also allowing others to answer the call that God has placed on their heart to sacrifice.

Before going through this process of financially support raising for this mission’s trip, I saw this position as uncomfortable, pressuring, and an unwanted burden on myself and one that I sure did not want to impose on other people. But God has been showing me through other supporter testimonies thus far, that asking others to partner with me could very well be the answer to the prayer of a giver’s heart as they seek to support God’s work around the world. Or, even, that God could use an opportunity to grow faith not only in me but in the giver as they are dependent on God’s provision for the funds. The Christian faith is founded on the grace of God and trusting in His faithfulness. This sure does not change when we enter the realm of giving and receiving.

Lesson #3: You all have given so generously without expecting repayment or any type of reimbursement. This selfless giving is just a reflection of the great nature of Jesus’ sacrifice and the Father’s love, grace, and forgiveness for a sinner like me.

As I was writing a specific thank you note to a generous donor, I started crying. Because I realized their humility and generosity without expectation of repayment was exactly like the love of my Father and Savior. Jesus gave Himself so completely and generously with no strings attached. We don’t have to do enough good deeds, be the best person, die an honorable death, or meet any standard in the eyes of this world to earn His forgiveness. All He asks of us is to humble ourselves enough to recognize we can’t do it alone and we are sinful people, in need of a Savior. Nothing I will ever do could ever be ‘good enough’ but, rather, Jesus paid the price so that I can trust in His sacrifice and be forever changed through a relationship with Him. His love for you and me is so unconditional and extravagant. And as I continue to be a recipient of prayers and financial support from each one of you, I continue to recognize how unworthy I am to receive this grace. I am overwhelmed because I am catching a glimpse of Jesus’ sacrifice that paved a way for my personal relationship with God- the greatest gift ever given and that I could ever receive.

And with that, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your support. I could never repay you for your generosity. But I think that’s the point- God, I could never repay you for the life of freedom that you’ve given to me, but I receive it with sobriety and gratitude. God, here is my heart and life. Do with it as you please.

I love you all! Shine God’s light to the world today!

Katherine