I wish this post were cooler.

Well, friends, it seems you need some encouragement.

Allow me to tell you the real-life story of a girl with no Christian past, no church and no contacts.

(Ahem... me.)

I leave in a month for Sudan. My money is due in a week.

Here's my support-o-meter:
Outgoing: $11,849/$9482 (125%)
Monthly: $1340/$1305 (103%)
Overall: 108%

And I still have two big church appointments to go and a few more people who've promised to pledge.

I did not have a home church.
I knew no Christians in the area.
No one in the area knew me as an adult, let alone a Christian.
My parents forbid me ask family members and were rooting against me the whole time.

I started to write about all the wonderful, crazy things God has done to get me to where I am, but they're far too numerous (and the post would be far too long.)

Just know that, yes, support raising can suck. And you will be tired. And stressed. And cry. And you won't be able to imagine how God will bring in the money.

But if he wills it, he will bring it in.

But be faithful and persistent and pray for self-discipline in your phone calls and stuff. Because, really, that's all you can do.

And, since I'm kind of on the other end of the support mountain, let me know if you need anything. I'd love to help you with ideas or prayer or even like communication stuff. (I'm a journalism major; it's a gift God has given me and I enjoy using for his glory.)

Take heart. You're working for eternity. :)