all things support raising

The concept of being fully support-based was pretty foreign to me up until just a few months ago. Now I am pretty sure I could write a novel on how support raising has grown my faith in so many ways and how I learned what it looks like to really trust and be fully dependent on Jesus despite my circumstances. 

I knew that when I asked to move to Lusaka to work with Arise, I would be fully support-based. I just didn’t know what that really meant or how that was even possible. My only experience with support raising was funding $4,400 for my internship with Arise last summer, and I barely met that goal. But this was something different. I just knew that if Jesus was calling me across the world, He was going to make a way and provide in abundance, but that doesn’t always mean it’s easy. 

Quickly after getting an official “yes” to moving, we started talking through all of the logistics and finances. Instead of going through a third party for funding, Arise has created a support page on their website where 100% of all donations go directly to me. Then we began planning out the cost of living which would include the cost of flights, work permit/visa, insurance, groceries, gas, and housing. My estimated annual budget came out to $19,350. Since that day, my prayer has been that through financial partners, God would provide for the total amount. 

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to share what God is doing in my life in some of the most unexpected ways. I was invited to come talk with a bible study where men from seven different churches have gathered at a McDonalds every Friday at 6:30am for the past 30+ years. A few weeks later, I was invited to share with two different Sunday school classes at FBC Bryan. Just recently, a family offered to host a yard sale, where 18 different families donated items, and all the proceeds went to support me. I have been really overwhelmed by the amount of support I have been shown from people inside and outside of my community. In the midst of so much uncertainty and doubt, God has continuously revealed His faithfulness and has answered so many prayers. 

Transparency has been a priority of mine since the very beginning, so I want to give you an update on where I am at with support raising. As of July 31, I have $4,339 left to raise. I will never be able to find the words to fully express how grateful I am to have your support. It means so much to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. For the people who are praying alongside me and continuing to share my story with others, thank you. This would not be possible without you. 

All of that to say, support raising has been really challenging, difficult, special, and growing. I am so confident that God is going to make a way since I’ve seen Him do it before, but please continue praying with me! I am in awe of the ways God has provided already and I’m eager to see how He will continue to do so. If you want to learn more or have any questions, please reach out to me! I would love to chat with you!!! Once again, this would not be possible without your support. I am so, so grateful. 

If you would like to partner with me, either monthly or with a one-time payment, here is the link:

https://give.ariseafrica.org/give/sierra

SO many financial sheets!