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The $1000 down payment is due for Camp LIFE January 15th! Because this is so close we wanted to remind people to really make a strong fund-raising push. You should have started already, but if you haven’t you need to start your fund-raising now.

Although fund-raising may seem like a daunting task, or something that you can put off until much later, we have found that fund-raising is easy when you meet it head on and with gusto! And often you can even put the “fun” back into fund-raising. So here are some helpful tips and practices we have seen work for Camp LIFERS in the past.

First and foremost pray. We believe in a living and active God who hears the prayers of his people. Hebrews 11 tells us that faith is the assurance of things not yet seen. We have a saying around the office that goes like this, “If you already can see it, then you don’t need faith.” In other words, fund-raising might be a place God is allowing you to use faith.

However, this doesn’t mean you pray and let it be. It should be followed by action. So here are some ways to pursue money for your trip:

Speak to your church, your missions’ pastor, or your Sunday school groups. Talk about your desire to go with us to Zambia and describe the sort of impact you will have. You will be surprised at how many people will be interested in what you are doing for orphan children! You will also be surprised at how many churches or organizations have money for people like you who want to minister to others.

Next, have dinner or dessert parties for friends and family. Do this before your trip to talk about what you are doing. And promise to keep them up to date and follow up with another event after your trip to tell them about your experience. People like to know that the money they invested made a difference. So make them feel like they played a part in what happened in Zambia, because in actuality their financial assistance is directly related to the impact you make in Zambia.

Consider doing various jobs like babysitting, mowing lawns or car washes, or events like garage sales or bake sales where all of the money comes back into your trip account. Advertise that these things are for the orphans of Zambia and again how much of a difference this money can make for a child in Africa.

Get creative. We have had many Camp LIFE alumni create shirts, jewelry, shoes, artwork, or music to sell to make money for their trip. Use your gifts and talents the Lord has blessed you with. He gave you those talents for a reason. Why not use them to send you to Zambia?

Look into businesses or organizations that do profit shares. We know that Chick-fil-a, Fuddruckers, and some ice cream shops that will allow you to do some sort of profit share where you can take a percentage of the sales on a particular day that would go towards your trip. Places like Sonic may allow you and your friends to be car-hops and keep tips. Be bold and seek out places that may allow you to do this.

Don’t forget to post on your various social media outlets like facebook, blogs, or twitter. Post your monetary goal and trip info somewhere where it can be seen by a large audience. You never know who might give. Contact Rebecca Evans about setting up your own webpage in which you can direct your friends to donate.

Finally, don’t be afraid to talk. Again focus conversations on what you will be doing, serving orphans. The worst thing someone can say is no. So remember Joshua 1:9. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified or dismayed, for the Lord Your God is with you.”