“Oh How I Need You” by All Sons & Daughters from happyrichellephant on Vimeo.
My baby sister has always been the heart of our (Navales) family and she is leaving us for 11 months to go serve 11 different nations by serving people and sharing the gospel that Jesus is risen. I’ve known many people to go on some sort of missionary trip and this is definitely different. Sure, traveling sounds amazing, but she’s not staying in some fancy resort or will even have the comfort of a basic motel. On the contrary, she is going with one big backpack, a light backpack, and a one man tent. She is part of a World Race team will be totally relying on God as they embark on this journey to help the homeless, orphans, churches, and those sold to sex slavery in these various countries.
I’m always hesitant to share these kinds of needs because you expect your life to somewhat be watched (and critiqued) more carefully when asking for some sort of support. She has $16,000 to raise for her trip and has received about $4,000 thus far. Most of the money she has raised thus far, has been her own money from savings and working part-time, while she goes to school full-time. She’s cut back on her extra expenses (hasn’t even made a trip to the thrift store in ages!) since God had placed this trip on her heart, and everything she’s been doing has been going towards the money she needs to raise.
I know she needs a lot of prayer the most, as this will be all new for her and her faith will be stretched in ways unimaginable. If your heart is led to even give $1 (or more!), I know it is much appreciated (seriously, even a buck helps!). Every penny makes a difference and helps her meet her goal (If 12,000 people gave a dollar, the goal would be achieved!). Even if you don’t believe in God, I’m sure you believe in the good done in servings others, and she is going to be doing plenty of that. That’s what her life will be all about for the next few months. She’s going to have to die to self, give up all the comforts she used to, and love and serve other people she’s never even met (this world could use more people like my sister!). Heck, if for some reason you just need a tax break, supporting her is a good way to get it.
Just watching my video you see the joy she has. She’s like that all the time (well, not first thing in the morning because it takes her a bit of time to wake up)! You meet her and you know she’s different. It’s all because of God! And she wants to share that joy with others. I’ve seriously watched the video a ton of times and cry every single time. I’m so, so, so proud of the godly lady she has become. Joy and life just exudes from her. She’s not your average 22 year old and her life is definitely creating ripple effects in this world. I’m going to miss her so much (and oh my gosh I know my parents will be sooooo sad without her) and when she comes back True will be 9!
You can read more about her story here, follow along with her journey here, and if you want to help support her, you can do that here.
Most of all, please pray for her and our family, especially my parents because the baby is leaving the nest! And really, how amazing is that video?! My sister truly is the heart of the family, and my parents are so fun and loving, that you totally see where she gets it from!
wow, thanks, it’s so inspiring to see and hear the video and read your post about it. thanks a lot!
I’m so happy you were inspired!
How beautiful!! So young and so generous… God bless her! 🙂
She really is one of a kind.
What a beautiful shining light she is! I would be honoured to join you in praying for her x
Thank you!
I have been reading your blog for the past few years! And when I was praying about the World Race, I kept bumping into “signs” and one was randomly stumbling upon your sisters blog when she first decided to go. I leave for the race in September and I really pray that our paths cross. Richelle seems like a beautiful and wonderful soul!
That would have been so cool if you guys were in the same team! You never know! Your paths may indeed cross. I’m so excited for your journey too!
This video is breathtaking. It’s so beautifully done.
And I’ll be praying for your sis! I can see she’s doing great things for the Kingdom.
<3
Thank you Melanie! I agree… the video is amazing!
I’ve been following your blog since before Soul was born and I’ve never commented before, but I just had to tell you how inspired I am when you share your faith on your blog! It’s so refreshing to see a professional blogger with a big following be honest about Christ in their life. 🙂 I’m 23 (and half-Filipino!) and I have known and helped several friends who have participated in the World Race over the past few years. I know it will be a life-changing experience for your sister and all those who she encounters. I’m definitely sending my prayers!
Thank you so much! I really do get so nervous to share my faith. I know it probably isn’t a popular way of thinking, but I pray if I can just do a small ripple effect through this blog for God, then it’s all worth it. It’s going to be a long 11 months without here, but I can’t wait to hear about all her stories. Thank you sooo much for the prayers!
She is adorable and truly a light. Blessings!
She most definitely is!
oh she is so awesome! We will be sending some money! We will be praying too!
Beautiful Video!
She’s having a coffee house night fundraising at my parents! You guys have to go. It’s on April 12th. I’ll email you!
this is such a beautiful video! i am so excited for her and i really hope she does reach her goal!
i am part of a youth led movement (dayofthegirl) and we just launched a big fundraising campaign a few hours ago! i completely understand the amount of work that goes into this kind of crowdfunding and i wish her the best:))))
I know. Fundraising for something like this is always hard and it’s the reality that people really hold onto their money tighter. I know she’s working hard, so she’ll get there! Good luck on yours too!
This brought me to tears. This is something I would love to do in my own life and this video is a beautiful testimony to the good work that God does in every corner of the world! I needed a lil’ pick me up and this was the perfect thing to bring me hope and joy! Also the sunset shots are just incredible!
The sunset dancing are my favorites! I start crying when its get to that part. I think if God puts this in your heart, you should definitely pray about it and pursue it. So much good can be done (and Christ is displayed) when we go out in the world and serve others, where you are or in other countries!
<3 rj!!!!!
She is so so adorable. I gave $5 because mainly her dancing made me feel good this morning. Haha! I could feel her energy! All the best to her. What a blessing to have sisters!
THANK YOU!!!!
Been reading your blog for a long (i adore it). If she crosses towards Europe, and stops by Madrid (Spain) it Will be a pleasure to give her shelter and food. Let me know in advance. Sure its a life journey, and blessed she can do it. Thanks God for letting the technology to share one’s faith so beautifully!
Hallelujah sister! This world race sounds beautiful and I know your sister will be blessed cor taking on such a task for His kingdom. I wish I could help financially right now, butt since I can’t, she will be in my prayers. I know that our Father will provide for her in every way she may need. God Bless you and yours. Tell her to stay safe out there.
I’m so excited to read this! I love your blog and have read her blog as well! that is so cool!