Don’t Give Up When You Receive a “NO”
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I was paging through my old personal journal recently at McDonalds Fine Dining Establishment and found this “long-ago” entry about fundraising. I had listed the names of four prospective donors. Having made a personal appeal to each one, I had high hopes they all would say yes. They were friends! Rick, Chess, Terry, Crystal. 🙂
But to my dismay, all said NO! Having a baseball background, I wrote in my journal:
“I’m 0-4 on my last four funding appeals.” ☹️
I was discouraged.
Back to today at McDonalds. In looking at the names, I realized that of the four who said “no” years ago, two are faithful giving partners today!
Why did they say no? I don’t remember. Some people say no because:
Small income
Starting grad school
Family problems
Life disorder and frustrations
But these situations can change as time passes. Despite their “no’s,” I kept them on our mailing list.
Don’t despair when you receive a “no!” If you shared your ministry passion (and left a pledge card!), you will not be forgotten.
Despite their “no’s,”
I kept them on our mailing list.
The following story is adapted from inspirational author R Ian Seymour.
In 1952 Florence Chadwick attempted to swim the ocean waters between Catalina Island and the California shore [23 miles], despite foggy weather and choppy seas. After fifteen hours her muscles began to cramp, and her resolve began to weaken. She begged to be taken out of the water.
But her mother, riding in a boat alongside, urged her not to give up. She kept trying but grew exhausted. [Finally] aids lifted her out of the water. As they paddled a few more minutes, the mist broke, and she discovered shore was less than a half mile away. She said, “All I could see was fog. I think if I’d seen the shore, I would’ve made it.”
My fellow fundraiser, don’t give up! The shore is nearer than you think!
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
