This July, our high school youth will be traveling to Knoxville, TN for their summer mission trip. Most importantly, we covet your prayers as we prepare for this trip. Along with that, we are also needing to raise funds for the trip, with a goal of $5,000. Read FAQ’s that you may have when it comes to how we approach raising money for our mission trips below.
HOW TO MAKE A DONATION
- Elexio app or online – choose “youth donation” in the dropdown menu. (livelifetogether.com/give)
- Mail/drop off check or cash at the Church (2833 Raritan Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53711.)
CLAIM YOUR BINGO SQUARE
- Donating online on a computer- use the notes section to indicate the Bingo square you are claiming.
- Donating via mobile phone or with cash, email Emily the square you are claiming. ([email protected])
- No preference? We will apply donations towards the most important items first.
FAQ’s
How is the donated money used? Is it given to the students attending?
Donations are first put towards group expenses and scholarships. This includes van rentals, gas, leader registration fees, supplies we might need on a worksite and group activities during our free day. If we would raise enough to cover all of that, we would then start crediting student accounts.
What is the cost per student to attend this year’s mission trip?
The cost of $650 per student covers their registration fee for Next Step Ministries, a tshirt, and $125 towards vans/gas/misc expenses. We do not want finances to ever stand in the way of a student being able to attend. Families choose 1 of 3 payment plan options – full price, full scholarship, or anything in between (they set the price that works for their household). We do not ask adult leaders to contribute financially. These amazing adults have already taken off work, are using vacation time, and are sacrificing family time so we cover their costs.
Why do you ask for donations instead of having the students run fundraising events?
Fundraising events can be really fun and we do occaisonally host one. They can also be stressful and distracting from our primary goal of discipling young adults. In today’s society, it is hard to get onto a teen’s calendar. I have asked for their weekly commitment at Higher Ground and many also commit to Sunday morning worship and family lifeGroups. If their calendar has limited time, then I want that time used in discipleship and community.
Many students are fundraising on their own already. Often families will choose the full payment option and then their child will spend time writing support letters to family and/or working extra hours to raise the funds needed for their individual costs.
Lastly, I just don’t want to sell you things you don’t want or need. I would rather be a faithful steward by just asking for what our little faith community needs and giving space for people to give as they are able.
How can I help?
This year we are having a little fun with our fundraising goals and have made a BINGO game that you are invited to play with us. When you see Facebook posts about contributing to the trip you can help by sharing that on your own page and inviting others to support us as well. And stayed tuned for ways to specifically pray for our students and time in Knoxville.
