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Six Months Into the Unknown

I haven’t decided if it’s the frozen fjord outside this weekend that led me to listen to the Frozen II soundtrack as I’ve been working on things, including how to describe the past six months since I began this journey to Bread Coffeehouse at Emory!

My favorite modern Disney movie is Frozen.

Frozen was revolutionary for Disney, specifically with regards to the story and music. But I’ve only watched Frozen II twice. Frozen II didn’t have the same quality of songs or the strength of story…

That is a different blog
for a different blog.

If you’ve interacted with my in the past few months and asked about how my new job is going, I’ve probably responded with something like this…

“Well, I’m not going to Emory just yet, and I’m still doing what I’ve been doing, but I’m not spending my free time feeling guilty that I’m not applying for jobs I’m not going to get. I can actually have a life; I have a direction and goal to work towards.”

And it’s such an interesting place to be.

Absolutely nothing has changed in my life in terms of money, bills, what I’m doing for work day-to-day… In fact, I have added a lot of additional work.

But I have peace.

I am finding myself again.

In December, I started sending out letters. These letters were the first step in fundraising. They’re supposed to be a quick “Hey! I’m doing this; this is why, and this is what I need. When can we meet?” The letters are supposed to be a steppingstone to a meeting to get me funded.

If you’ve known me for a while, you’ve probably guessed that’s not what I did.

I’m not like others.

So my letters were different.

I poured my heart into writing my typed letter, sharing my story, and giving financial specifics. It was important for me to share specifics because I believe in praying specifically. Through all this, my letter became less of a mass-produced support letter, and more of a series of unique, encouraging encouragement… Because as I was populating a list and collecting addresses… I was not prepared to be met with such encouragement. In asking for them to join me in my journey now, I was faced with the real fact that they had been with me this whole time, and each family/person had played their own unique role in supporting me and helping me get to where I am now.   

I don’t think “encouraging encouragement” is the right phrase.

So, with each letter, I included a prayer card, story letter, and a handwritten letter sharing a sincere thanks, a story, or whatever I felt led to write. And then I, much to the chagrin of the USPS, wax sealed each letter.

Why did I deviate from the norm?

Because while I do have financial needs and need others to meet those before I can begin being paid, driving to Emory, and making a difference in the lives of students, the process of fundraising has really become something else entirely… and I don’t know how to fully describe it.

In July, only six months ago, almost to the day, I applied to a weird job listing at a coffee shop but somehow a campus ministry?

In October, three months ago, almost to the day, I accepted a job where I would have to raise my own funds so I could do what I believe God wants me to do—how he wants me to do it…

In November, while recovering from nerve surgery, I got my first donation. It was from a couple who I had never spoken to, haven’t met, and didn’t even know they existed. But a friend told them my story, and they wanted to partner with me in a way that made me pretty sure I was hallucinating on painkillers.

I wasn’t.

In December, friends I’ve known for decades and who have journeyed with me through some serious highs and lows became my first monthly partners, and another couple I haven’t known half that length of time became my first annual partners. Both generously giving in ways I am beyond thankful for. I also saw extended family members dig deep to join me!

So far in January, I’ve had more individuals commit to support me financially with one-time gifts and monthly commitments. Many of the people who had promised support in December had their first monthly contribution go through.

And I’m proud to announce that as of today… I’m at 10.5% of my monthly goal.  

I’m just over 10% closer to what I need to be on campus, and I’m so excited to be able to get down there.

I started off this, talking about Frozen II, and that’s because, like Elsa, I am in a position of hopeful curiosity. I have heard a voice calling me out of my comfort zone, and I’m pursuing it—charging towards it even.

I don’t know the timing.

what it will look like.

or the end result.

But I do know I’m supported

I have a direction.

I have a purpose.

I’m hoping to reach 50% sooner than later, so I can begin to be paid and focus full time on fundraising, get some time in at Emory, and have some great stories to tell.

How you can be praying for me:

  1. That I can have consistent work freelance AI training, so I don’t have to go back to delivery work until I reach funding. AI work pays better, and I can do it at home with no overhead.
  2. That I can reach full funding soon.
  3. That I continue to have direction.
  4. That God will continue to bless and encourage me through people, and I can adequately convey my appreciation.

And if you don’t have the ability to partner with me financially, let me know you’re praying for me, tell others about me, and tell your church that you know an urban missionary that is on the cusp of helping to change the lives of tomorrow’s leaders in an unconventional way.

And finally? How can I pray for you?

Christiaan, Campus Minister, Bread-Emory.

In case you were curious, here’s an official cover of Into the Unknown that has clips from the movie showing Elsa’s journey!

Published inPersonal Musings

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