Trusting God, Building Community: My Sabbatical Story
By Lacy | July 2025
About six weeks ago, through the kindness of friends who gifted me a retreat certificate, I stepped into silence and renewal. My spiritual director and nonprofit coach saw my burnout and urged me to pause. I did — at a hermitage, at Pacem In Terris, named St. Theresa, inspired by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower. She’s known for her childlike trust in God, and that trust quickly became the theme of my sabbatical.
From Retreat to Renewal
As soon as I returned, St. Thérèse and the Holy Spirit were already moving. With the encouragement of those who guide me, I took a monthlong sabbatical. And God showed up — every week, we welcomed new donors, with gifts starting at just $75. Our ministry was even nominated for a parish grant at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The message was clear: Trust Me. I want to work through others.
A Community That Shows Up
In the final week of rest, Dan and Caroline Jaeger offered to host a fundraising event at their home. The Plankers and Powasers rallied to help — cooking, inviting friends, making calls. That kind of generosity? It’s rare. It’s holy. And it’s the essence of servant leadership. I’m grateful beyond words — and though many aren’t named here, you are known and loved.
Christ said, “I did not come to be served, but to serve.” This ministry exists because others choose to live that truth.
Fundraising as Ministry
Author Henri Nouwen reminds us: “Fundraising is first and foremost a form of ministry.” Asking for support is sacred and mission-critical. Yes, it matters that we receive what we need — but spiritual detachment calls us to trust the process and focus on relationship, not results.
Surrendering control has been part of my journey. ERSM belongs to God. If He wants it to succeed, He will part the waters. It also belongs to us. Our yes — given through time, talent, finances, and wisdom — is how we co-create the mission. None of us carries it alone.
Give Where You’re Called
There are many places to give. The key is knowing where you’re personally called. That might be the Humane Society. A pregnancy center. A fair-trade organization. We all have limits — but what matters is giving intentionally. And when we give out of calling, God always blesses it.
In the book Do Something Beautiful for God, Mother Teresa said:
“Let us insist more and more on raising funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, of peace. Money will come. If we seek first the Kingdom of God — the rest will be given.”
That’s our heartbeat at ERSM: to be love, kindness, understanding, and peace. A safe haven for healing. A community rooted in authenticity.
Letting Go of Isolation
I used to carry too much on my own. That mindset of isolation and self-sufficiency? It nearly broke me. But I’ve learned: fundraising is communal. Just like recovery, the principle holds — we need each other. We draw strength from one another. We grow together.
If you’re feeling disconnected or joyless, start by serving someone else. Watch what changes.
A Community Like No Other
Want deeper connection or more purpose? Join us. This didn’t start with a circle of close friends. It grew through mission, trust, and service. Today, I’ve seen a community that reflects Christ — people doing for me what I couldn’t do alone.
Ten years ago, I’d never have imagined leading a nonprofit, let alone asking for donations. I saw fundraising as begging. Now, I see it as sacred invitation. It’s a blessing — a daily encounter with generosity, wonder, and love. It’s collaboration across lines that might never cross otherwise. It’s miracles, unfolding constantly.
This Mission Is Ours
ERSM isn’t mine. It’s ours. Founded in faith, fueled by community. And the transformation we witness — wow.
I hear of:
- Couples communicating better
- Moms embracing peace and purpose
- Individuals meeting Jesus and healing deep wounds
- Men naming and shedding false beliefs
The stories are stunning. They’re holy. (Stay tuned — our next blog will dive deeper into the men’s group and the thawing process.)
Gratitude & Growth
ERSM thrives because of our board, volunteers, members, and missionary donor partners. Not because of me — but because of us. Thank you for saying yes to this incredible movement. It’s stretched us, grown us, and drawn us into something bigger than ourselves.
Let’s keep growing — together. We have a book that needs to be published, I sense an in-person group forming north of the Twin Cities, and I also feel an online young adult group meeting could be in the cusp of the work that we do.
📩 Want to connect or learn more? Reach out to our community builder, Nancy Breyen:
📧 admin@EdgeOfTheRedSeaMinistries.org
🔗 https://edgeoftheredseaministries.org/donate/
Paula Kaempffer is the Coordinator for Restorative Practices and Survivor Support, Office of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Learn more at:
📩 kaempfferp@archspm.org
🔗 https://safe-environment.archspm.org/healing
