Processing – Raising Support

It’s strange that I find myself in this place.  I have always been one who has been happy to give of my time, energy and money to see others benefit.  However, when the roles are reversed, it is very hard to come to terms with.

This is my situation.  My wonderful husband and I left the UK and came to Canada 14 months ago.  It was a heart’s desire, and because we believed that we were supposed to take a risk, trust God, and go for it.  We didn’t exactly know what we were coming to, but we were to take that risk and just go.

We arrived and have, over the last year, sought what to do next.  Doors have opened and closed, but one remains open.  Living Waters Canada is a para-church organisation/charity running discipleship courses for the relationally and sexually broken.  We knew of Living Waters from taking courses ourselves in the UK so to make connection here in Canada was a natural thing to do.

We have been offered an internship with Living Waters but we need to raise our own support to fund ourselves while we take up this unpaid position.  We can provide for a several months ourselves, but our money/savings will run out before the end of our internship.  So we need to find support.  That’s where the battle lies.  I have given so often before, but now I need to ask for help and to receive it myself.  It’s not a comfortable place to be in.

And, if we are to continue with Living Waters afterwards, either back in the UK or elsewhere, we will need continued funding for the next few years.

So, we are at the beginning of raising funds and it is not easy.  It’s embarrassing asking friends and family here and in the UK for help/support.  It’s painful when there is rejection.  It’s difficult to answer questions from those you believe knew you and loved you personally who want to know more about the organisation, and not just give to YOU.  It’s scary to hear that the UK financial situation is getting worse and that this is the reason many people are not giving.  It’s unfortunate that no corporation wants to support a charity like Living Waters and the people who serve it.

I suppose I came at this with naivety.  I thought that family would not question but just give.  I thought those who had been through Living Waters themselves, would just give.  I see it’s much harder.

Am I being selfish?  Am I being judgemental?  Am I being naive?

“Missionary” work is hard!!!

Anyone out there with some pearls of wisdom who can help me work through this?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments box below.