Going on a mission trip is one of the most exciting adventures of a Christian's walk with Christ. Accepting the call to go as found in Matthew 28:19-20 is full of unknowns, but it is rewarding. When I accepted the call to go to Nicaragua two years ago I was excited but also fearful of the journey ahead. One of my biggest fears was if I would be able to fundraise the necessary funds to go. I researched, prayed, and did everything in my power to make sure I would have enough money to go. Two years and many fundraisers later, I'd almost consider myself a "professional fundraiser" for fundraising thousands for the trips I've gone on. I've learned the good ways and the bad ways to fundraise. Here are some tips to fundraising your next mission trip.

1. Prayer

Always, always, always start with prayer. Since you are going on a mission trip, you are probably one step ahead. I've spent a lot of time praying for the funds to come in. I'd pray for ideas of how to fundraise and donations to come in. God was faithful and surely provided.

2. Support Letters

Write a letter to your family, friends, and local businesses asking for support (not donations) for your upcoming trip. Tell them when you're going, what you doing, and how they can. Support can range from monetary donations, donations for your cause, or simply prayers. Keep the letter brief, but personal. A letter can go a long way.

3. Sell Crafts

Most people love homemade crafts. There is such a wide range that the possibilities are endless! What are you good at? Pinterest is a great place to get some ideas. Sell your masterpieces on Facebook, Etsy, at church, and local craft fairs. Shirts are also huge sellers. Websites like Fund the Nations partner with missionaries to fundraise for their trips.

4. Sell Food

Everyone loves food. Food is always a big hit. I've sold a variety of food from cookies to popcorn to cakes. Season foods are always a good idea. Sell chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine's Day or pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. Pinterest has a ton of ideas.

5. Host A Themed Fundraising Dinner

This one takes a ton of work, but the results are amazing. Host a dinner, add some entertainment, auction off some goodies, etc. My church used to host a fundraising dinner for our youth group's annual trip. We had a dinner and had someone in the church entertain us. Two people donated a nice TV and gun that were raffled off that brought in hundreds of dollars by themselves. The ladies in our church would bake yummy desserts to auction off. We never failed to raise thousands of dollars for a few weeks of work and one night in action.