Friday, January 22, 2010

The Funds


Often one of the top reasons people do not adopt is the funds. Just thinking of the dollar signs involved in an adoption can make many stop dead in our tracks before they even try to raise them. But what I have found is that if you just take that first little step and say "Yes God"- He will work along side of you in the most amazing ways.

I have shared some of the stories along the way as we have journeyed through raising the money for the Pass It Forward Fund. Each time a donation comes in I can feel God there reminding me He is working, He cares and He is in control. Each dollar is a dollar closer to giving a child a chance. Each dollar shows there is a person who cares.

I have often heard people say "When it's God's will- it's God's bill- He will pay it." I believe that is so true. Not sure if it's God's will? Just pick your bible and read.... He will show you.



Today though I wanted to share a couple of idea's for fundraising. Whether you are raising money for a missions trip, for adoption expenses or something like the Pass It Forward fund- it can be fun when you grab a friend and get creative. :0) I especially love it when the work you put into it serves more than one purpose. I especially love it when it's a win/win situation for all. Kind of like the oldie but goodie fundraiser- a garage sale. Not only are you cleaning out and making some cash- but it also benefits others who are making a purchase at a bargain price. One mans trash is another mans treasure. :0)


One thing we are doing is with Valentines Day right around the corner it is the perfect time to do a Babysitting Night. We are hosting a baby sitting night at our church- a time for the parents to get a night out together and the kids will be provided excellent care, a meal (we are doing hot dogs, chips, etc) games and fun! We are doing this on Feb. 13th (Saturday) from 5-9 for children ages 3- 6th grade. We are charging $15 a child, $20 for 2 children and $25 for 3. I love this idea because it provides a way for couples to have a night out alone (because a good marriage is the best gift you can give your children) and because there is not a lot of cost put into the fundraiser. What a FUN way to bring in the funds you need for your cause.


Another thing we are doing is getting creative with what we have. At our house we had tons of beanie babies laying around still from the beanie baby crazy a few years back. They were still in really good shape and so cute-and I kept wondering what I could do with them. Then God gave me an idea. So, this Saturday we are setting up a table at the youth league basketball tournament at our school and not only raising awareness for orphan care, but we are going to spread a little love. We are doing a "Love for the Least" funding drive. For $5.00 you can send a beanie baby and a hug to an orphan in Africa. This allows those who cannot 'go' to Africa (or wherever it is that God is calling you to) but have a heard for orphans to play a part. We made up little cards that say "Love for the Least" have the shape of the earth on them and at the bottom we put Matthew 25:40 "Whatever you do unto the least of these you do unto me." And oh can you image what a gift it will be to personally hand a child who has never owned a toy in their life a beanie baby and give them a big hug at the same time! If you don't have beanie babies laying around you could use McDonalds toys, make up little goodies bags or whatever you can think of that would be a blessing to orphans.
I know often times all it takes it that first step and getting the word out. Try it- you might just be surprised at what God can do with what He has already given you.

If any of you have any great ideas on raising fund please share them here. (By the way,your crockpot recipes have been such a huge blessing already-thank you so much!)
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15 comments:

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

great ideas we are funraising rightnow as well. I like the beanie baby idea, I just found a bunchof them packed away and I just send them then a friend who takes them to Guatemala on her mission trip, but nice idea of having someone sponcer them.

Adeye said...

Thank you for the fabulous ideas, my friend. Since we're adding an EXTRA blessing to our family, I'm going to need all the help I can get coming up with fresh ideas.

Thank you for rejoicing with me today :)
Love you!

Andrea said...

Great ideas Amy! As we are coming to the last stretch in our mission trip fundraising,these come at a good time.
This weekend we are having a chili cook off at our church. And plan one more garage sale in March.
God has been paying this bill! ;o) Praise His name!!

"Are These Kids All Yours?" said...

Love those ideas!! Thanks!

darci said...

great ideas! i love the idea of sending stuffies (toy animals in our house :) to kids. I was thinking of doin gthe garage sale idea...
love darci

angie said...

GREAT ideas!!

Christi said...

Amy - I think we are going to try the 'Penny Jar Project' -pennyjarproject.com where you get mason like jars, put the shape of Africa on them and ask families to take them home, fill them up, take a picture of their family with the filled jar, cash it in and use the proceeds for our adoption expenses.

Then, take a huge poster of africa and have all of the pics of families on it to hang in their rooms when they are finally home.

Really though.. not my idea, just borrowing it from a friend at the Church of Battlecreek... I LOVE the idea though.

Generally, jars would have about $10 in them, but could be more...

JG said...

Fabulous ideas! Thanks for sharing!

Cari said...

great ideas, thanks! i am going to remember that quote: When it's God's will- it's God's bill...that's a good one. :)

StressedBlessed Mom in GA said...

Great ideas! Is there an online tally going somewhere that tells what the current amount is in the fund? It would be fun to follow!

Unknown said...

Amy I applaud the Jesus I see in you. What an awesome work he is doing through you. I love you.

Kendra said...

Good thoughts! I, myself, am often worried what people will think when we tell them we are fund-raising--my hubby (man thing?) brought it to my attention that he wasn't comfortable and it made me question it too. Although I do feel that God will provide I think we need to do our part as well, but it's a touchy thing, except for with the bloggers of course! :0)
I have thought about having a "celebrate adoption" party with a cool African-decorated cake, t-shirts, necklaces, Ethiopian coffee, and the like to sell. I also thought of having my husbands friends get a big poker tournament together for the cause--haven't thought of a title yet, though. Always needing ideas, and I like when it's relative! :0)
Kendra

Tami and Bobby Sisemore Family said...

GREAT IDEAS girl! :) Thanks so much for sharing them! I am going to ask if we can do a night on Valentine's Night at the Chuch! :) We have Bobby's bday on the 13th and have already invited folks so that wont work but Valentine's Night just might work. Bobby and I may need a couple helpers willing to come help that wont be out with someone :) Prayin they say yes :) I love the send a bear to an orphan! that is wonderful :)

thanks girl :)
hugs
Tami
Praying Jeremiah home Quickly and prayin the Church says yes!
www.tillGodbringsthemhome.blogspot.com

Jewels of My Heart said...

Thank you for all you are doing and for your encouragement. Jesus put my Isabella on my heart 3 years ago and I have prayed and prayed to bring her home. ( She waits for us somewhere in China on the SN list)We do not have the funds yet to pay for the adoption but we are going to once again take a leap of faith in our most faithful God and begin the paperwork next month.... To God be the glory for it will be Him only who provides the means for us to find our daughter and bring her home.
God's speed my little one...

StressedBlessed Mom in GA said...

Can I send you small stuffed animals that my daughters donate for the orphans? We aren't raising money for an adoption, but I'd love to contribute to your cause!