{{first_name|Friend}},
This is the hardest email I'll write this week, so I'm just going to say it plainly.
Tomorrow is El Paso Giving Day — the last day of our $150,000 matching challenge. And as of last night, 74 people have given $31,594, which means $118,406 in matching funds is still sitting on the table. One day left.
I need your help.
Let me tell you what I didn't say on the webcast.
One year ago, Mark handed me the keys to this organization. I didn't ask for it to blow up on me the way it did. I didn't plan for a judge to call about a 14-year-old girl in Juárez. I didn't plan for Child Protective Services to ask if we had room for more. I didn't plan for a waiting list at a four-bedroom house.
And I'll be honest with you: there are nights I feel the weight of it. I don't have Mark's twelve years of fundraising experience. I'm a first-year CEO carrying sidewalk, outreach next door to multiple abortion centers, a women’s birth and wellness center, an expanding maternity home, and now a new advocacy arm in New Mexico — all at once, with a small team that gives everything they have.
But in those moments, I do what I know how to do. I put it all before God. And every single time, He has carried it further than I thought possible.
He carried it the day an abortion-determined woman who walked into Guiding Star set on abortion — after her ultrasound with Kelly, after Makayla walked her through the birth suites — turned around and said, "I'm going to keep this baby."
He carried it when Makayla's team hosted the accreditation site visit a few weeks ago — a step that, God willing, will make Guiding Star Southwest an accredited birth center by the end of this year. The nearest ones today are in Tucson and Wichita Falls.
He carried it when a 14-year-old girl who had every reason to give up fought tooth and nail for her baby, and found a home with us.
I'm not asking you to carry this because I'm overwhelmed. I'm asking because I've watched what happens when this community shows up — and I know what's possible if you do it one more time.
Every dollar you give before midnight tomorrow is doubled. Your $50 becomes $100 toward a bed at the Lily Pad. Your $500 becomes $1,000 toward the next girl on the judge's list. And if we're among the first to meet our match, one of El Paso Giving Day's limited $25,000 bonus awards goes to the Lily Pad on top of it.
We’ll also be sure to credit your donation towards your tickets or table sponsorship for the Boots, Babies, & Big Dreams Gala with Riley Gaines on December 2 in Las Cruces or December 3 in El Paso.
Whatever you can give, give it today — and then forward this to one person who should know about the Lily Pad.
Thank you for trusting me with this. Thank you for trusting God with it. I'll see you at the finish line tomorrow.
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
Devotional for Day 22
Intention: For the grace to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, especially when life's challenges seem overwhelming.
Scripture: “But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” — Matthew 14:30
Reflection: Peter walked on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. But when he focused on the wind and the waves, fear overtook him, and he began to sink. How often do we do the same? We look at the enormity of our problems and forget the greatness of our God. The storms may be real, but so is the One who has power over them. May we never lose sight of Jesus, especially when the waves seem highest.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we allow fear and worry to distract us from You. When the burdens seem too heavy and the challenges too great, help us keep our eyes fixed on You. Strengthen our faith, calm our fears, and remind us that Your hand is always reaching out to us. Amen.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE: When something overwhelms you today, stop, turn your thoughts to Jesus, and pray Peter's simple prayer: “Lord, save me!” Trust that He is there, ready to take your hand.