THE stories part 2

Story #2

Before I begin this next story I want to stress that although they involve the Lord providing a great amount of money to me for Africa; I am not saying that anytime you’re in need of some extra cash the Lord is going to give it to you. He is just not that type, and does not hold that characteristic–I just really wanted to make that clear because I don’t want the wrong idea about God going through this blog!

About a month ago, while still short of support, I decided to hold a fundraiser at Rita's Italian Ice. I called Rita's, the manager told me that I had to promote my fundraiser, bring in friends and 20% of their total of their purchases would go to my trip! I was super excited for this! The night of my fundraiser came around, and I walked into Rita's early to get all of the details about the night. Two friends came with me, Lindsie and Emily.( That is important because they witnessed everything I am about to share with you, and they were a great contribution to the night!) When we got to the store I had to speak to the manager via telephone that was constantly breaking up. She was getting frustrated with me because I kept telling her to repeat everything. She was trying to explain to me that I could hold a raffle. I denied the offer, because I didn't tell anyone who I invited about a raffle and I didn't think any of my friends would be interested. Later, when I got off the phone the employees explained further that I could walk around and ask people in the plaza if they wanted to buy a raffle. After I heard that I knew it would be a great way to get money but I had mixed feelings because I would not be hanging out at Rita’s with my friends like I had expected, and I had to walk around a plaza asking strangers for money. This was out of my comfort zone..let me tell ya..I was awkward..my words got mixed up..I walked up to people, noticed they were speaking another language and then walked away. This awkwardness was thankfully laughed off with two great friends by my side! Anyways, I had two hours to raffle off as many tickets as possible! I was able to bring in about $15 in an hour..which I think is good don’t get me wrong, but if my memory is correct..one girl donated $12.haha! With an hour left to raffle, more people speaking different languages, and just getting frustrated I decided I should head back towards Rita’s to spend some time with friends that came to support! On my way back, we walked past a guy..I stress the walk past part because he says “hey, what are those raffle tickets for?” as if he could see through my back and notice that im holding a roll of raffle tickets. I walked to him telling him that I was going on a mission trip to Kenya. He then proceeded to take the bucket of $15 out of my hand and walk up steps..naturally, I followed and said,”hey why are you taking my bucket…?” Mine Lindsies, and Emilys hard earned money was walking up steps with a stranger.. We followed him close behind making jokes about how we hope he isn’t stealing our money..but to our surprise he says, “I want to help you!”….THIS IS NOT A JOKE! A random stranger wanted to help another stranger raise money for their mission trip! Right at the top of the stairs was a restaurant, he walked inside and said, “ I’m going to ask a few people if they want to buy a raffle in here and I’ll come right back out”..5 minutes later he comes out with 45 dollars! Let’s compare real quick…Bri+Lindsie+Emily+1 hour=$15…Random stranger+5 minutes=$45!! When he came back out, I’m pretty sure all of our jaws dropped. We decided to get his name, and try to figure out why he wanted to help. His name was Junito, and he was just a very kind, humble person that was willing to help because he knew a great resource! He then said, “when do you need this money by?” I told him a half hour and he said, “okay come back in a half hour and ill keep asking people and Ill give you the rest then! So I was able to go back to Ritas, hang out with friends, while Junito raised money for MY mission trip! I went back 30 min. later and Junito raised 5 more dollars! I can’t even explain my emotions at this point..We said our thanks and he continued to say, “no problem, whenever you need my help just come up and see if I am here!”

I am still trying to answer some of the questions that you may be asking yourself after reading that story! Like Who the heck would do that? And Who was that guy? The only answer I have is he was God sent!--Job5:9-10--

**Thanks for reading! ** And a special thanks to everyone who came out to Rita’s that night! Your support means the world to me!!**