Fundraising Update: WE DID IT!

It's been a crazy few weeks with a last minute fundraising rally, but we did it! Together we have raised over $4,000 for Young Adults in Global Mission, which will go towards my year of service in Jerusalem/West Bank. I can't thank you all enough for your support, not only monetarily but in prayer and vocal affirmation; it is a very humbling experience.

So,
       Thank you
                  Thank you
                                    Thank YOU!


I couldn't be doing this without you, and for that I am grateful. To God be the Glory!

Fundraising Update: We're not done yet!

Thank you to all who have helped me in my fundraising for my mission work this upcoming year! I am deeply humbled at the love and support (some by people I have never met), and your faith in the Holy Spirit to work through me and my fellow YAGMS. Together, you and I have currently raised just under $3000, which goes towards my transportation, housing, food, small weekly stipend, health insurance, and orientations. It has been such an adventure seeing how people have come together to help me, through fundraising events like our Improv Comedy Night and Musical Benefit Concert this past Spring, and just by hearing a little bit about the journey on which I am about to embark.

But I'm still $1000 away from my goal!!!

A few people have asked, "Courtney, what will you do if you don't reach your $4,000 fundraising goal?" My response has been to answer that I'm not too concerned about raising the money, since people have already been so supportive. Yet, there is still a little ways to go, and so I've thought up a few possible things I can do if I fall short...

1. Learn how to walk on a tight-rope. Tie rope between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials in Washington, DC and walk across while reciting the Gettysburg Address.
2. Find a violin and attempt to play on the street until people pay me to *stop* playing!
3. Sell my siblings...
4. Sell my Dad's car! (He's none too pleased with that idea)
5. Continue to write blog posts about the remaining amount to be fundraised!


I'm excited to let you know that the deadline for donations has been extended to August 15th! You can send in your tax deductible donation by check made out to "Good Shepherd Lutheran Church" (with "Courtney YAGM" in the memo line)! Email me at cty (dot) weller (at) gmail (dot) com for the mailing address. Your donation will join other's in helping me reach my $4,000 fundraising goal, which is almost half of what it costs to send off a Young Adult in Global Mission. 


So to recap: Thanks for your support! There is still time to contribute financially to Young Adults in Global Mission (every amount helps!) and extend your (or your church's) ministry of service abroad. The new deadline is August 15th, but please send your donations in early!!

Special Thanks to Christ Lutheran in Gettysburg, PA

A very special thanks to Christ Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, PA, for their generous support of my Young Adults in Global Mission ministry. I visited Christ Lutheran a few times during my undergraduate years at Messiah College and very much appreciate the welcome I received then, as well as the hospitality the church gives to the Seminarians now. I remember Pastor Herr remembering my name during Communion the first time I visited after meeting me briefly before the service began, and that meant so much and has driven me to try and remember names, especially when serving a church.


Christ Lutheran has also supported YAGM in the past, particularly another young woman who served in Jerusalem/Palestine a few years back and has been so very helpful and supportive to me during my YAGM experience answering questions. Thank you, Marta!




I am so very humbled for the support from Christ Lutheran and am excited to continue their ministry in this part of the world.


If you or your congregation would like to know how to support me during my year of service in Palestine, visit the "Ways to Support" tab near the top of the webpage! Donations need to be in by July 27th (contact me if you would like to donate but need an extension).

Less than two months until I'm in Jerusalem/West Bank!!! I'll have packing and planning update soon!

Fundraising update!

I am absolutely blown away and sincerely humbled at the support you have all shown me since I first announced my impending year of service in Jerusalem/West Bank. From voicing your well-wishes to attending the Improv Comedy Night and Global Missions Benefit Concert, from sending cash anonymously in the mail to handing me checks on the street, I can't thank you enough for your prayers, encouragement and financial support.

I'm so very proud to announce that I am over 1/4 of the way to raising the $4,000 I need for my year of service (which covers airfare, housing, food, basic health insurance, a small bit of pocket money, and training). As of tonight, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg community alone has raised over $1,000! This brings the grand total of funds raised to over $1,300! AMAZING!

Additionally, I've also tentatively been considered for a speaking engagement in the Fall of 2012! That is both exciting and mind-blowing! A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT!!!! Wow! It pays to know pastors!

That is it for now; I must update the email list for my newsletters that will go out over the next year. If you're interested in being added to the list, contact me at the email located in the "How you can support Courtney" page :)


Salaam (peace)