The God Who Provides: My RevivEE Fundraising Journey

Money. That taboo topic—how much we make, how much we give. We’re taught not to talk about it. Yet here I am, writing about it—not to stir controversy, but to share how God has used it to stretch my faith and bring Him glory.

This summer, in order to participate in the RevivEE program, I needed to raise $14,700 to cover ten months of living expenses in Eastern Europe. That number included everything—flights, visas, insurance, food, housing, local travel, even a Bible tour in Ephesus. At first glance, it felt impossible. How could I raise so much in only three months? I felt insecure, hesitant, and yes—even a little embarrassed as a 28-year-old asking for financial support.

But fundraising, I quickly learned, isn’t only about money. It’s about faith, relationships, and ultimately, God’s provision.

I wrestled with so many questions: How do I ask in a way that’s clear and kind? How do I explain this missionary trip to both Christians and non-Christians? How do I invite people into this journey without making it about me?

In the end, I chose to keep it simple and personal. Many of you received a text, a phone call, or even a letter in the mail. I spent more than thirty hours at Better Buzz (my favorite local coffee shop), praying and writing 185 personalized messages. Each one was sent with nerves and humility, but also with deep love and gratitude for the relationship I share with each of you.

And here’s what God taught me: it’s never about the amount—it’s about the heart. Some people gave, some didn’t, and both are completely okay. A few years ago, when someone asked me to support their RevivEE trip, I didn’t give. Not necessarily because I didn’t care, but because my heart and circumstances were in a different place. That memory freed me from fear and judgment this time around. God moves people’s hearts as He chooses.

This season of fundraising also became a sweet opportunity to reconnect with people I love but hadn’t spoken to in years. Family members I hadn’t seen in forever, old college friends, friends who had moved away. It wasn’t just about asking for support—it was about catching up, hearing how they were doing, and being reminded of the people who have poured into my life. Some who couldn’t give financially invited me to dinner or spent time with me, creating memories I’ll treasure while on this trip.

It also challenged me personally. I realized there were people I hadn’t loved or pursued well in recent years. That’s not how I want to live. Going forward, I want to be more intentional—to pray over my supporters, to check in periodically, to send not just updates about me but encouragement for them. Fundraising wasn’t just about me receiving support—it was about becoming a better friend and sister in Christ.

And what amazed me most about this whole process? How God provided. It wasn’t the wealthiest people I knew who gave the most. In fact, some I expected to give didn’t. Instead, God moved through single moms, young adults, and middle-class families. And in that, I see His glory. He made it clear: this is His work, not mine.

As James 1:17 says:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

By the time I left, 48.6% of the people I reached out to had donated. Almost half! Some gave without me even asking, and donations continued to come in until the very morning of my flight. I even had extra, which I was able to contribute toward funding local Eastern Europeans on the RevivEE team—people who couldn’t possibly raise this amount in their own context. What an honor to give forward what had been given to me.

So yes—fundraising was daunting. It was humbling. It was awkward at times. But above all, it was faith-building. I’ve come to see that behind every single dollar was not just generosity, but God’s hand-reminding me again and again that He is the ultimate provider.

As Nehemiah wrote:
“And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.” (Nehemiah 2:8)

Friends, you are part of that story. Whether you gave financially, prayed, encouraged, or simply responded with kindness—you became the evidence of God’s hand and provision in my life. For that, I am deeply grateful.

And may this encourage you: the same God who calls us is the same God who provides for us.