David probably never dreamed that his slingshot skills would one day be useful in the cause of God; yet when he stepped up to face Goliath, he understood why God had allowed him to be attacked by predators (1 Sam. 17:32-40). Unbeknownst to David, God used his shepherding experience to prepare him not only to slay Goliath, but also to become king of Israel.

As I read the Bible, it becomes clear to me that God prepares those whom He calls, often in not so obvious ways. Some may wonder why missionaries need to spend so long fundraising before they can launch to the mission field. I used to wonder about this, too. However, after spending nearly a year doing full-time fundraising, it has become increasingly apparent to me that the Lord has been using this experience to prepare me for my mission field in Thailand. How? Fundraising gives me lots of practice building relationships with people as I share about the needs of the unreached. To be effective in fundraising, I have become a missionary to my sending churches, looking for ways to serve them. If I cannot learn how to be a missionary to my churches, how can I expect to be a successful missionary to the people of Thailand? Fundraising gives me a valuable education in serving others, building relationships, teaching and calling people to make decisions for the Lord.

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