SASRA Advocate Lynda Fazakerley shares what has helped her to raise awareness of and funds for the work.
‘Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’
What prompts you to do fundraisers?
What motivates me is the Great Commission, the call to go and make disciples. It’s also a way to encourage my fellow saints to always be alert and creative in our own personal evangelism.
What fundraisers have you done?
Over the years, I’ve done different things to get to know our neighbours. Twelve years ago, we organised a celebration for my husband Steve’s 60th birthday, which was well attended and not overtly evangelistic.
I did a fundraising ‘Bring and Buy’ event for AIDS orphans in South Africa that our daughter was involved with at the time. Again, it was well attended by our neighbours. It was more evangelistic as the work was Christian.
I believed the Lord would help me learn what to do.
When former SASRA worker Michael Wajdner made the additional appeal to raise funds for the Association throughout the year, I wanted to help, especially as this involved evangelism in the UK.
Steve and Lynda raising funds and awareness for the work on their doorstep!
Initially, I aimed my SASRA fundraising efforts at our church, which gives generously as the Lord leads.
I believed the Lord would help me learn what to do. I started with a coffee afternoon with cakes. It was great fellowship, but it didn’t bring much in the way of additional giving. Then came the national celebration of VE Day. The opportunity was too good to miss, with SASRA also focussing on this event.
We provided drinks and shortbread biscuits for our neighbours on our driveway.
We decided to run a fundraising celebration. I asked the church if they would be interested in supporting us and my husband made invitations for the people on our road. We provided drinks and shortbread biscuits for our neighbours on our driveway. On a separate table was information about VE Day, and I photocopied some recipes from a SASRA booklet and some attractive, interesting photos.
I wrote out a summary on the beginnings of SASRA and their involvement in the war and copies were available for people to take. On another table were sheets of paper with quizzes on – one for kiddies and the other aimed at the adults. We also held a raffle – the prizes were all donations. Glen Miller music created a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
What was the response from those who came?
The feedback from our neighbours was so encouraging. For the next event, we also raised funds for Macmillan nurses and the response was amazing! Even those who couldn’t come donated cakes and gave donations.
The recent commemorations of D-Day stirred my heart to publicise the work of SASRA. We ran another event to raise money and shared the fundraising with the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The weather was poor, so we covered the cakes and drinks area with two open gazebos. We have a caravan, which we opened, and the awning was up for craft work for the children, which our daughter led. Bunting from the VE Day event was reused, as were the quizzes.
Lynda and her husband Steve ran SASRA fundraisers on their driveway for VE Day and the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
What tips would you give to anyone organising a fundraiser?
Think and pray about who you are going to invite. Pray about the wording if you give out invitations. Remember also, who will help you on the day to set up and clear up!
SASRA literature is made available at each of Lynda’s fundraisers.
Pray beforehand, smile and be welcoming to all.
In the run-up to the event, I gave our church yoghurt pots for the ‘yoghurt pot challenge’! I asked everyone to put in their silver coins, which was useful for those who knew they wouldn’t be able to attend on the day.
What’s next?
I’d like to broaden our own church’s understanding of the work. I’ve arranged for SASRA to visit in December. Our pastor recently retired and some of our deacons are new in their roles. But the Lord has placed a SASRA supporter on the diaconate!
We are looking unto Jesus for His love, leading and strength for each day and in all our future plans, for His kingdom and glory.
This year, we are looking to grow our income by £200k so we can recruit more Scripture Readers. Can you fundraise and support us?
PRAY WITH US
- Give thanks for Lynda and Steve's enthusiasm for fundraising.
- Pray that more might find ways of raising funds for and awareness of the work of SASRA.
