Paul Timmerman and John Leger, two individuals supported by Christian Horizons raised just under three thousand dollars each for their trip to Ecuador in the summer of 2006. Raising your own support is a vital component of volunteering on a global project and both John and Paul have a few helpful hints that they want to pass on.

John and Paul in Ecuador July 2006 Paul and John say “You Can Do It!”

1. What were your thoughts about having to raise your own money?
   John: I enjoyed the experience.
   Paul: It was a nice experience.

2. What are some of the ideas you came up with to raise the funds?
   John: Garage sales. Fundraising event put on with the help of staff and CH residents.
   Paul: I asked my family for help. I asked my church for help. I asked my co-workers at my job for help.

3. Where did you find you received the most help?
   John: From CH staff.
   Paul: About one third came from my family and the balance came from church, friends and co-workers.

4. What advice would you give to people needing to raise support for a mission trip?
   John: To start early and not give up. Put their trust in God even when it seems impossible.
   Paul: Ask for help from others.

5. How long did it take you to raise the full amount for the trip to Ecuador?
   John: Approximately six months.
   Paul: About three months.

Raising your own support does not have to be a daunting task. There are several helpful web sites that give advice on how to effectively fundraise – just do an online search with the key words: ‘volunteer fundraising’ or ‘raising your own support for Christians.’

Christian Horizons is working in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Russia, Ecuador and with people from the First Nations community in Canada. Please pray for Christian Horizons Global Projects