"You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving."
—Amy Carmichael, missionary in India for 55 years
Fundraising for India has been an incredible journey for me. I started offering ads on this blog last Oct and I was set on doing that until the beginning of this year. However, once wedding plans happened, I wasn't too focused on going to India since, well, I was planning a wedding in 6 weeks. But by the beginning of this month, I started putting a lot more effort and by 2 weeks I had raised 85% of my goal. The people who were donating gave out of a generous heart and out of their need. It broke me beyond measure. I even got a scholarship from the amber fund for short term missions. It's incredible what people can give when they believe in someone.
I can honestly say that whatever God has in store for us in India, whatever experiences and lessons He will teach us, has already started here. He's been dealing with me now, preparing me for India, long before I set foot on that plane. I'm excited and, if I'm honest, a bit afraid but I'm choosing to step through my fear towards faith. There's a few things that will we birthed from the trip and I can't wait to be able to share that with you guys soon.We're going to India! And like all things with us, this is a faith declaration. I still have $262 left I need to raise, while Louis still needs $1200 $700 (update: we're both paid for!) by May 1st. At this point, we're not worried about finances, but we are giving our best efforts in raising the money. At the end of the day, it's all pocket change for God—nothing beyond His ability to provide.
If you would like to help us get to India, here's how:
Pray for our team. For us to be prepared, diligent & willing to serve.Pray for Calcutta Mercy Ministries. The hospital recently suffered from a fire and they need funds to be able to continue operations.Make a donation by going to this site & writing 'Destinations - India May 2013 - Louis Holstein' on the comment box. If you enter your address, we will send you a token of gratitude from India.Sponsor this blog. There's currently one spot open this month!
This will be my first mission trip and I'm excited to go with our team!
Thank you for being part of my journey.
this is wonderful! so exciting :)
ReplyDeleteI have been semi-stalking your blog recently after I found it because you commented on my blog (rejoicealwaysblog.blogspot.com) one time. I love it and you and your heart for Jesus. :)
That's so exciting! I would LOVE to go to India someday.
ReplyDeleteWill definitely be keeping you and your team in my prayers! I hope you plan on blogging about your adventures there too! =D
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! You all will be in my prayers. :)
ReplyDeleteStef
That is a dream of mine too. I wathed Born into Brothels recently and I want to help and teach and love on kids there. I will be praying for you guys!I am so excited for you both, God is going to be in whatever you do.=)
ReplyDeleteYeah!! We are sooo excited for you guys! We are in Nepal now and loving it!!!! Can't wait to hear more about your time there girl:)
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! I'll be praying. :)
ReplyDeleteoh, that's awesome! I will defiantly be praying for ya'll.
ReplyDeleteand that photo is just so adorbs.
<3 praying for you two!
ReplyDeleteI am proud of the journey, Ashley. It is amazing to see the way God has been working in your life!
ReplyDeleteit is pocket change for God! I can't wait til you two go!
Reading this makes my heart leap! (I'm a new follower.) God has called my husband and I to India, we're just waiting on the 'go ahead.' It makes me so excited that you are responding to his voice and going where he asks you to.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Katie