It's Not About the Money: In Search of Grounded Fundraising

35. (Mini Series EP 2) Beca Acuna

• Heather Winchell and Andy Brennan • Season 3 • Episode 35

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Join Heather and co-host Jenn as they dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of support raising in ethnically diverse communities with special guest Becca Acuna. Becca, who has been working with Texas BSM in San Antonio for the past five years, shares her journey from nursing to campus ministry, the cultural nuances she navigates in Hispanic communities, and the relational dynamics that shape her fundraising efforts.


Becca opens up about the initial struggles she faced, the cultural filters that influenced her approach, and the importance of relational work in Hispanic culture. She also discusses the role of mentors and coaches in her journey, and how open communication and prayer have been pivotal in her support raising process.


Listen in as Becca recounts heartwarming stories of God's provision, the importance of community, and the lessons she's learned along the way. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone involved in ministry fundraising, especially those working in multicultural settings.

Mentioned in today's episode:
Funding Tribe
The God Ask by Steve Shadrach


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>> Heather:

welcome to it's not about the money, a podcast in search of grounded fundraising. I'm Heather, and together with my co host, Andy, we look beyond the quick tips and formulas. Join us as we explore the nuance and complexity of ministry fundraising. If you want to thrive in partner development, not just survive it, this is the place for you. Welcome back to the show. So, for the next several weeks, we are focusing on conversations that engage the unique and nuanced considerations that come with support raising in ethnically diverse populations. So, my special co host for this series with me today is Jen Smith, and we also have another guest with us today. Her name is Becca Acuna. She has been working with Texas BSM M in southern Texas, San Antonio, I believe, for the past five years, and she has graciously agreed to join us and speak from her own background. So, Becca, I would love to turn the conversation over to you to hear about the experience you bring into this and to hear about what life looks like for you right now.

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, thank you. Hi. I'm really excited to, be given this opportunity. So, yeah, I'm Becca Cunha. I work in collegiate ministry. I started off at, my alma mater, which is midwestern State University. Go mustangs. and out of college, I actually went to school to be a nurse. But during my time in college, I really fell in love with campus ministry and the idea of mobilizing young people to make disciples who make disciples. And so, after some time of working in a hospital, I decided I wanted to come back to campus ministry. And that's where kind of all began for everything, support, raising, and working full time in ministry for me. And I've been doing that for about five years now. So it's been exciting and different. And now I. Three years ago, I moved to San Antonio. I live in a predominantly hispanic area. I actually, I am hispanic myself. I grew up in central Mexico, so, but my family's from Arkansas and Mexico, so I kind of have all this, like, blended culture in my life.

>> Heather:

I guess that is such seemingly divergent blended culture. Arkansas and central Mexico. How was that for you?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, I think growing up, I didn't understand that that was different or unique. I realized, in Mexico that people saw me a little bit more as an american, but I didn't feel like that. and now living in Texas, I think people here, especially where I'm at in southern Texas, a lot of people can kind of relate to my situation growing up in these two not super opposite worlds, but, different cultures. so it's a lot of fun. I love the bouncing around from English to Spanish and my crazy, loud, fun mexican family and my more polite and drinking sweet tea southern american family.

>> Heather:

Yes. Do both sides speak Spanish?

>> Becca Acuna:

No, that's mostly on my mexican family side.

>> Heather:

Gotcha.

>> Becca Acuna:

Which my close family unit does. Hm.

>> Heather:

So you're fully bilingual?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yes. Yeah. Yeah, I love languages. I guess, like, growing up that way, it just kind of instilled in me, like, a passion for other cultures and other things. And so I'm grateful to be able to speak both.

>> Heather:

Yes. That's amazing. Have you branched out of those two languages to learn any others?

>> Becca Acuna:

I have. I really do love, learning languages. So I I've studied French quite a bit. I wouldn't say I'm fluent, unfortunately. Like, one of my goals, you know, bucket list item, is to become, like, fully fluent in a third language m before I die. and I also had the opportunity in college to study Mandarin, so I speak a little Chinese.

>> Heather:

cool.

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, so it's a lot of fun. I love how different languages have so much meaning, and it's just really cool.

>> Heather:

Yeah, that's funny. So I actually studied Mandarin and, nihal. oh. Nihal. I didn't know this, Heather. Oh, really? Yeah, yeah, totally. And what's really funny is, prior to studying Mandarin, the only other language that I had sought to learn was Spanish. So the entirety of the time I was studying Mandarin, I would just, like, have, spanish words come to mind, like lechuga. For whatever reason, lechuga was the word that just so funny was so invasive in my mandarin studies. So that's really fun. Yeah, but that is so fun. Well, thank you for sharing your little intro, Becca. so paint a picture for us of what your initial fundraising season was like and how did you feel about it, and what kind of training did you receive?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, great. Great question. Well, so, like I said, I was working full time at a hospital and decided as a nurse and decided I was gonna jump into campus ministry. So that obviously was gonna impact, I guess, everything. And so through my organization, we have an onboarding internship program for young adults that have just graduated college or, you know, within the two year window of that, that, want to jump into campus ministry. So that meant I had to raise a support for one year of ministry to be part of that. And I got to sign up for a boot camp. Well, there's like a. Well, I guess initially it was more a shorter training, like, video series within a cohort of other would be interns and we kind of go through, the biblical principle of inviting people to partner with you in this ministry God's called you to do. And I kind of did that. And I think initially it was a little bit more of a, the picture of when you're going on a one mission project and there's like an expected end date to that. So you kind of fundraise that way. And so I received training initially to that, and that was a really interesting jump because I went from, a full time salary in a job I was working to, basically raising a little bit of funds to become an intern. And that was just kind of like the first steps of God really teaching me what it means to trust him for provision. and it was really cool because I think initially God was really showing me when I was working as a nurse and had a really stable paycheck, that was his money, you know, even then. And then, now that I was gonna work for ministry and asking partners to give money for me to be able to work. Like, that was his money that came from him too. And, yeah, it was a really interesting time and I think that's how I got started. Things really switched up for me when I started support raising for full time, which was a year after.

>> Heather:

So would you say in that initial, like, with your cohort of interns, what would you say were some of like, those initial struggles or what did you experience maybe? What did the others experience during that first year?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, that's a great question. I think first I had mentioned how I haven't lived in San Antonio always. So where I went to college is a predominantly anglo area. Like, yeah, statistically. And I am a hispanic race person. Like, I'm mexican. I'm mexican american. And so for me, like, hearing all this, like, the biblical picture of why we could go out and confidently ask people to join us made a lot of sense. But there was a huge disconnect in the actual execution of that, that I didn't. I honestly had no idea what was going on until about almost two years after because I didn't realize that I had all these cultural filters that I was seeing a lot of this through. And so I really struggled with the idea of sitting down or first of all, even the idea of calling someone to ask them to meet with me to talk about finances. That's kind of a big no no in mexican culture. you know, we don't necessarily, I mean, not that we can't talk about money, but I mean, we don't talk about money. Especially not, like, you know, just exchanging it for no apparent reason. Like, there's. There's got to be a work involved or something. So I didn't realize all these things going into it. So getting started just even in that simpler seeming task of, you know, almost, like, going out to fundraise for a mission project was very intimidating to me, and, yeah, just. It started, to create a lot of what I now know is just doubt and, I guess, in God's ability to provide and for ministry.

>> Heather:

Yeah. How did you work through that? Cause you said it almost took you two years. So I'm assuming it was that first year in your internship and then into, like, raising support to go full time. So it kind of carried over. So how did you, like, work through that?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, I would say I'm still working on it in some ways, but so I think what the difference became was that next year, that summer, I went to a more extended and formal bootcamp training where, you know, like, we went through the whole drill of, like, again, this is the biblical principle, and I got to read this book called God ask. Hopefully that's a resource talked about here, because it's an amazing resource. And, you know, just, again, was like, okay, God, like, I see purpose in this. And then I, you know, I'm sitting down in these trainings about, here's how you phone call a person and ask them to meet up. And then when you meet up, this is kind of how you share with them, and then you ask, and, like, God work. I was like, okay. Like, I see the drill. But even in the training, I remember I got paired with this one lady, who is also hispanic, and we were both kind of, like, you know, we were supposed to model practice, like, a set up conversation.

>> Heather:

Right?

>> Becca Acuna:

And they. I remember, like, them kind of telling us, yeah, like, make it quick. Like, don't waste this person's time. Yada, yada. And so when me and her were kind of, like, in a practice, I was like, does this feel wrong to you? And she's like, yes, right. And we kind of talked about it for a second. We were, like, in our culture, in my hispanic culture, like, it is rude for me to just quicken and call somebody and ask them for something. I need to do the relational work of catching up, knowing how they are. kind of like, you know, expect to spend a lot of time there, and that translates even into the in person meeting. And so just, I remember even starting at bootcamp thinking something is off, but I don't know what it is. And yeah. And so there's so many things like I could talk about, but basically my process in beginning support raising had a lot to do with feeling like I didn't, there was something wrong with how I was doing it, and not understanding why. And that kind of created some insecurity in me thinking, you know, I just, I can't do this. Maybe I don't deserve to ask people to partner with me. And God's been working in my life a lot through that. But, yeah, I think there's so many practical things in that. But absolutely, now make a little more sense to me.

>> Heather:

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. So it sounds like you had some really meaningful resources given to you, resources that even though the execution didn't feel quite resonant with your experience, it had a lot of principles that were guiding to you, pointing to God's provision. How have you, I guess, taken the training you received and the resources you've been given, how has that evolved in the ways that you move about your own partnership conversations, like what tools or, practices have you kind of developed that have been most effective within your own culture raising support, or as you just continue in the area, raising support?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, so I, I remember, for example, so in my mind, I needed to make all these calls and talk to all these people, but there was like, you know, there was a time and relational cost to it that, maybe my mentors and coach didn't necessarily see or expect, but I was able to kind of communicate that back to in my organization. I was given a coach to kind of walk through this process with me and pray for me, which is so, so, so valuable and important.

>> Heather:

Yes.

>> Becca Acuna:

And, I was able to communicate to him, like, hey, we had kind of set this number of these amount of phone calls I needed to make and appointments, but this is how long they're taking. Like, I cannot meet that expectation. And, you know, again, I didn't know how to verbalize exactly why at that point. Now I understand it a little bit more, you know, because of culture, at least my view on how to do that relational work because of my culture. But, he was really understanding and kind of really helped me walk through, like, having goals that were celebrated and encouraged success in the right way because it wasn't so much about another dollar, another day done. Well, of course not, but about, really inviting people to partner and seeing God work through that in different ways. so I think that was one way that just really having open communication with my coach or with whoever was kind of keeping me accountable was really important, even though he didn't come from the same cultural background, but him just kind of really listening to what my situation was, and I was kind of figuring it out together from there. That was one way. And, yeah, I think also just throughout the process, he encouraged me to pray and, you know, God and his gospel transcends culture, and so even if we didn't know exactly how to, like, fix some things, like, we could pray about it together and see God provide through that.

>> Heather:

Would you say your network of people was hispanic background mostly, or did you have like a diverse background of people that you were reaching out to?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, that also kind of like, has been in stages. So at the beginning of support raising, the area where I was was predominantly anglo, and a lot of people from, you know, Bible belts type culture in north Texas. So it was really interesting, the dynamic, because I, you know, I was like thinking hispanic relationship building, but I was having appointments with people who were like, let's just kind of get to the point. And I. Yeah, so I think I often made a lot of appointments, maybe feel a little bit awkward because I'm ready to spend like 3 hours there hanging out. That was the polite thing to do and the loving thing in my mind, but people had places to be, and so that was like the initial part of my support raising. And then when I did move to San Antonio, yeah, things got switched up in all kinds of ways. I'm really grateful. I live in an area that's predominantly hispanic, but that really, that cultural change. Yeah, presents a lot of differences. So here, like, I've encountered just, you know, a really different need of meaning for people. And I think the biggest thing I've seen here in a lot of, minority communities is that the idea of support raising and certain even ministries, but they're not really even talked about much in the church. And so I found myself more like in sitting down with potential partners, getting to share vision about like what, you know, for example, in my case, the college ministry even does like, they didn't know it existed, they didn't know that was a way we could do outreach. They'd never heard of it. And then maybe no one had ever asked their church or their family for support before. So these are all new conversations. So that's more of like, I would say like an obstacle or maybe an opportunity. I've encountered now support raising in a more hispanic predominant area.

>> Heather:

Yeah. So there just hasn't been the prior context for what it looks like to ask for support is that what you're saying?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, exactly. Like, people maybe in these communities and churches haven't had anyone maybe come speak to their church about being a missionary and the biblical context that maybe in a lot of other cultures, or at least the majority anglo or here in Texas we call the Bible belt culture, they had some previous exposure to the idea, of, yeah, it's biblical for us to have this partnership where I give money and you do ministry and we're doing it together, whereas my church and friends here in San Antonio, like this is a really seemingly new concepts. unfortunately, even though it's not new, it's in the Bible.

>> Heather:

Exactly. Well, this is really interesting because these are some of the AHA moments I had myself talking about my korean american background and it sounds like the Hispanic Asian Korean specifically is very similar. Like, we don't talk about money, we don't ask for stuff. These are all things that are like behind closed doors. So could you give us a bit more context for like the hispanic church? Maybe even like, is there like a generational difference? Are you seeing that like maybe talking to your parents or your grandparents is different than even like the younger generation or is there anything like that that you saw in this journey?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, yeah, I guess. I don't know if I'd say generationally. I see a lot of differences yet because, when you think of the hispanic population, the hispanic american population in, or I'll speak for Texas. Like, these are people for the most part, that either several generations ago or very recently have immigrated and had to work really hard to make a life for themselves here. And that's true, I think of a lot of cultures, that have also kind of experienced the same history. And for Hispanic specifically, it's a very collective kind of, community, meaning you work and you provide and you need to succeed with your family, for your family, maybe in a similar way to the culture you're speaking from.

>> Heather:

absolutely.

>> Becca Acuna:

But, so I think like a lot of this initial idea, you know, I think all of us, when we first encounter support raising, like, we think of fundraising, like get funds, get money.

>> Heather:

Hm.

>> Becca Acuna:

And so I think upfront, like, if people and churches don't take a second to really look at the biblical point of view, like, that's what we see. And so from the hispanic vantage point, you know, it's it's dishonorable in a way to expect something, particularly like money when there hasn't been, like you haven't done the work to earn it. And so I think, like, it's really like this. What it's been for me in support raising in this context is this process of almost like, equipping my fellow believers in. You know, like we see Paul and all kinds of things in scripture say that this is work that's being done, that we get to do for the kingdom together. And these are kind of how those parts work. But, that's definitely, like, a really different concept for the hispanic community, basically, I guess I would say, like, you know, in Mexico or in a hispanic culture, like, worldview, there needs to be, like, a really clear good or service that funds are going toward.

>> Heather:

Right.

>> Becca Acuna:

and so to think of someone's salary kind of being that. Yeah. It's like, this is very, very new, and I'm not sure I trust it.

>> Heather:

Yeah, yeah, that makes sense. So I know you said that even within your own, like, family structure, there's a little bit of difference in terms of, like, the background people are coming from. Did you notice any difference in your being received by your family when you told them that this was something you were going to do?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah. Yeah, that's. That's a great question. Yeah, I would say, really, I do see that duality a lot in my family. My, my close knit family or, like, my nuclear family, I guess, that I was raised by, you know, we have the similar experience of this bicultural sense, and praise God, they all follow Jesus. So I think they were kind of on board, and that was really encouraging to me. I know that's not everybody's situation, and, that's something I think, actually that's really important to understand from some people's cultural background. If your family isn't backing you up, like, kind of the identity crisis in a way that comes with that is something that maybe not everybody can relate to.

>> Heather:

Right, right.

>> Becca Acuna:

But, you know, as a Hispanic, like, what your family thinks of you and says of you and wants to do with you or not, like, it's very. It's personal and it's close. And I know that's not exclusive to Hispanics, but that's, that's the case. And so for me, like, I have had a lot of family, and on my mexican family side, just really not understand, like, that I have a job, even somehow. And, like, most of them don't really even, follow Jesus. And so, yeah, I think there's kind of, like, this ambiguity of, you know, like, I would say my family in Mexico kind of has this perception of maybe me being a little bit of a slacker or a, ah, comedida. Like, like someone who is living off of others. I guess m is a little bit of the perspective sometimes that, they might have. so, you know, I think even that creates a lot of tension and dynamic for myself, like, not wanting to really share what I do, because of fear of being seen as someone who even Paul would say, like, if someone isn't doing work, like, don't let them eat. Like, we see that in the New Testament. And I think that's very much like the worldview from the hispanic vantage point. Like, yeah, you're not actually working. Like, why are you getting money? And it's like, well, there's a lot more to understand in this.

>> Heather:

So I'm curious what that looks like in terms of, because I imagine so much of your, not that you need to justify anything to them, but so much of the invitation you're extending for them to really understand your work. Would you say that you're still able to kind of like share newsletters or stories with that side of your family, or are they just not really engaged in kind of hearing about what your work looks like?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, yeah, I would say that a lot of them, thankfully, you know, despite, maybe our differences and even believing Jesus, we have a really good family dynamic. And so they are interested to just know I'm doing well in life and so I get to share, but I definitely see like the gap and maybe us getting to celebrate together.

>> Heather:

Yeah.

>> Becca Acuna:

Not even just that, you know, the spiritual side of, of the ministry I get to do, but the, like, I'm, I'm doing something, I guess I say, I would say, like, worthwhile or with purpose with my life, whereas, you know, like some of my cousins or things like that, like they have, you know, they're engineers and they have these projects to show for it and they get to, you know, they're working hard to buy cars, buy houses, and I think, you know, measuring success in really different ways, not even just because of spiritual things, but because they are working really hard to, you know, physically to earn other physical gains. Yeah.

>> Heather:

M yeah, man. I guess just kind of reflecting on some of the things you've said. You've had to navigate some really dynamic things. I mean, I can't imagine what it would feel like to sit down fully intending to give someone like, hours of your time and then to feel like they're trying to kind of rush your conversation, like you said in north Texas, or even just the dissonance created in knowing, man, what I'm doing has such significant value to the Lord and to the world. And then to just feel like you're with your closest people, your family, and for them to just not see the value of that, I just imagine that would be hard to hold that dissonance. So, yeah, I can tell from those things that this does have some really unique, not obstacles, but just elements to move through for you. And also what I'm hearing is this woven thread of the communal aspect, which is a really beautiful aspect of not only the culture, but thinking through the bigger picture of God's family and God's story of what he's doing in all of our lives. But just from the hispanic point of view, from what I've heard from you, is the communal aspect, the relational aspect, the deep rooted we're in this together aspect. I love hearing, about that because I can relate as well, being korean american. And I imagine a lot of multicultural background, people can relate to that as well. So we would love to hear, thank you for sharing all of your obstacles and hardships and how you've dealt with it. I think. Amazing. Amazing. we would love to hear some stories of how God has provided through all of that as well.

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, no, and thanks for hearing me out for all of us. It's helpful, you know, because in my experience, I didn't know I came with this cultural worldview to something that maybe was set up a little bit for different cultures perspective. But really, you know, I think at the end of the day, like, we are, just following whatever we see God is like inviting us to do. and he like, provides in that. And so, yeah, one of my favorite. It's funny because it's like my own story. How's it my favorite story? But one of my cherished moments of getting to, especially this was at the beginning of support raising for me in the middle of a month where I was really struggling with just, kind of like figuring out some of these things and really actually questioning, am I cut out to do this? Because if I can't get support raised, maybe that means God didn't actually ask me to do this ministry. And so I had an appointment with a lady. Her name's Miss Polly. And her and her husband, they work really hard for a living. They, you know, they really represent, I think, that that heart, that mexican heart of. I'm, here, I'm gonna work hard. And you, know, it's back breaking work to earn what I have. And so I was so, so nervous to meet with her. And I don't really. Well, I remember she loves college students. When I was a college student, like, I saw that in her. She loved feeding college students. Very, like, maternal, nurturing, kind of, personality. And so God was just like, she's on your list to talk to her, like, you know, so you're gonna do it. And so I was really nervous to go and talk about finances with her, and I actually wasn't even sure, like, what exactly she did, but, we spent, we went and got lunch together, and she spent some time telling me about some of the finance. She actually literally had been telling me about some of the financial struggles God had just been providing for her family, like, during our lunch meeting. And so I was like, nope, I'm not about to talk about anything else. I'm just like, yep. Well, thanks. Here. Here's a letter. Pray for me. That's all you need to do. but I remember God viscerally, like, giving me courage to say no. Ask her. Just talk about this with her. She loves you. And so I did. I got to explain, the ministry I was getting ready to do and just ask if her and her husband would pray about giving. And she was like, oh, we already have. And this is how much we're prepared to support you with.

>> Heather:

Wow.

>> Becca Acuna:

And she really, I think she was telling me the story of how God had provided for their needs because she wanted me to see that, like, God had invited them to partner with me. And I didn't even understand that until probably a few days later. But, so we just kind of sat at this cafe and I told her I was actually super nervous to talk to you about this. And we just kind of cried together and celebrated that we could really see God had been working in both our lives m to do something really sweet and in a partnership to minister to a people group that we really love, which is college students. Yeah. So I really just remember God affirming so many things just in that one lunch meeting with Miss Polly. It was a good day.

>> Heather:

And the wisdom that I can just, like, see oozing out of her, you know, she was paving the way for your conversation without you even knowing.

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, she. She basically, she knew how to do a support raising appointment way better than I did.

>> Heather:

Well, and I just really love when the Lord makes it so clear that this just, it's not about the money for you, right. That he's got all kinds of things going on. And I I'm just reminded of in the story of Elijah and the importance in Elijah being obedient to ask the widow and the widow being obedient to respond and give the last of what she had. And how in that story we see the interplay of both of their obedience and how important that is. And just in your story, your obedience to ask and her obedience amidst, their financial reality to give, even if it didn't necessarily make sense, I think it's such, such a grounding reminder, like, oh, yeah, God's got a lot going on that I don't even see. And when he lets you see what a gift.

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah. Oh, man. Like, what a great story to reflect on because I think that's exactly like what God has taught me in this, you know, that we really are just each need like that. the God ask resource uses that triangle illustration on all sides, needing to look to God for our provision and for, the stewardship of everything, really. And he'll direct those things.

>> Heather:

Yeah. And I mean, money can have a very fast hold on us in this life. Right. And so it's just really helpful to have recalibration around like, oh, God is my provider. God is the one that brings me all that I have or all that I need. You know, that's just really powerful. I really love also the awareness that you had going into it, knowing Miss Polly's background, right. You talked about like, her and her husband work hard and they're also hispanic background and this, and you just know the intricacies of that because I found myself dealing with that when I was asking for support to Asian Americans or asian descent people. Knowing that, like, we don't talk about this, I can't ask of, this because of x, y and z, but just that awareness even of itself. And then like releasing those things and knowing actually at the heart of support raising, no matter the context, no matter the culture background, we're just coming before the Lord and saying, God, I want to partner with you in this and I want to invite this person to partner with me in this. And that's it, really. So I just love hearing even you just bring that cultural aspect of it and knowing, like, here is what I was bringing with me in, and yet I was able to release and relinquish that to God. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

>> Becca Acuna:

I think that's a great way of putting it.

>> Heather:

Yeah. Are there any other stories that come to mind that feel important to share?

>> Becca Acuna:

Well, one more story that I think reflects a little bit like a different experience in support raising among Hispanics was when I first moved to San Antonio, the church I kind of became a part of and started going to, the pastor really, was curious about the ministry I did, because he'd asked, like, what's your job? And so I got to tell him about it. And then eventually he was like, hey, let's set up an appointment to talk about that. And so we did, and he invited one of his other pastor mentors, and I got to share with them. We got to have a conversation about, this is what I do. And, these are, you know, the needs of college students in the city where you pastor, and here's kind of my personal needs to be able to do this work. would you like to be a part of that? Would you like the church to be a part of that? And so it was. It was a really great time, but, it was also very, like, I think, unique in a way, because I didn't. Yeah, I wasn't sure what to expect of this appointment of this new pastor in a new church and a new community that I was trying to be a part of. And so what he kind of proceeded to do was kind of, like, maybe not critique, but give, me feedback on my presentation, and, like, here are some things that, like, would have connected with me more, and here's a picture. But then they also had a lot of really awesome questions about, like, why I had moved to San Antonio specifically. And I was talking about wanting to work with hispanic students specifically. And so what I learned a lot in that time was, what are. And that appointment was the beginning of, you know, part of what I get to do in the place where I'm at, like, among Hispanics in support raising. And, you know, for my ministry, campus ministry specifically, is cast vision. Quite a bit of, like, what is this? Because maybe they've never heard of it because m that was new. And so I was kind of starting to realize that I was going to have opportunities and support raising to also grow in. Yeah. And just really putting that vision in front of churches and people and the community of believers in San Antonio. M and also, in a sense, I think I was reminded that, you know, in my culture, people who are older and want to impart wisdom, like, it's important to receive that and be respectful of that. And honestly, like, his feedback was really helpful and, ah, it was done very respectfully and everything, but I didn't feel condescended or anything, but I think I was a little surprised, you know? And he also. He has that Pastor Shepherd's heart wanted to I think care for me and help me do better.

>> Heather:

Yeah.

>> Becca Acuna:

and so it was like, just a really interesting learning experience, but I think, Yeah, I remember that a lot because God really, basically, I think, was telling me, yeah, like, there's a lot of new things to still be learning in support raising. And that was like, three years into, well, I guess, two and a half years into support m raising at that point.

>> Heather:

Yeah. Because you found yourself not necessarily casting vision for your specific work as a campus minister, but more casting vision for, like, the broader arc of, support based work and.

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah.

>> Heather:

And having people join in partnership in that.

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, that's right.

>> Heather:

Yeah. I am curious. I don't think we've talked about this yet, but I'm just curious, understanding you had this conversation with your pastor. I don't know if having the pastor support opened opportunity within the congregation or to what extent referrals or introductions from others is helpful in the context that you raised support in. Could you speak to that?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, for sure. Yes. I think it's. And most, I would say communities, where or cultures where it's more community based versus individualistic. Finding, like, kind of a gatekeeper person into a community is really key to being accepted or viewed as trusted. so really, like, God really provided in a great way through that because, through both of these pastors meeting with me, it kind of provided all this, like, a really big growth of a network of people to be able to meet me and, be introduced to others by him, especially, like, him being the pastor, I would say. But, like, it's not always necessarily about, like, a leader, but, about maybe a person who, I would say, like, enjoys networking within that community and, like, looks to care for the needs of the people. That would be, like, a gatekeeper kind of person. That, Yeah, that really opened some doors, to just maybe be accepted a little bit quicker into this new community. Although I would say among hispanic people, like, there's a lot of, like, this open arms kind of picture. So that's, I think, in other cultures that are community tied a little bit different, that's even more important. But Hispanics usually are just like, you know, everybody's family once they're in my house kind of thing.

>> Heather:

In the hispanic culture, is there much emphasis on whether that gatekeeper is male or female, or could it be either?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, I would say it's either. Yeah, I think. And I would say even often, women tend to be, you know, the. Playing the hospitality role a little bit more, especially when it pertains, to like family and the home. And so I would say actually, women more often than not, are a little bit more that person. Like there's a certain grandma or an hermana from the church that when you know her, like, she knows exactly who to connect you to because she talks to everybody and she's baked cakes for everybody's birthdays and stuff like that. But that's not necessarily always the case.

>> Heather:

I think it's incredible. I'm just thinking about how this pastor responded to you and gave you feedback in such a, it sounds like really respectful, loving, and truly wanting you to learn to have better conversations, to continue networking, in a better way. I'm like paused on that because I'm trying to put myself in your shoes and think, man, if anybody in my journey to fundraising had ever done that, like, how much more growth I could have had. And I think it's pretty incredible that he did it in such a way that you were able to receive it, because now I even think working with students, you're able to be that figure for others. So has that, I mean, has that impacted you or rippled out? Have you seen?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, for sure. I think one like that was like a really good moment just for a heart check. I think to learn to always kind of be aware of receiving things in humility, not even just because of culture. And he was like an older person over me, but I don't know, just when God has someone who's gonna kind of help me grow, like I need to listen to that. And yeah, so much of my ministry really is getting to, to mentor young people and kind of challenge them or help them see something just that they maybe haven't seen. And so, yeah, I think I really appreciated just his demeanor, his intentionality, I guess, and making sure that he spoke up about some of those things.

>> Heather:

Well, and I'm thinking of like a bigger topic because just in fundraising in general, support raising in general, we often, when we put ourselves in the person asking for funds, right. We're asking to have these meetings be fruitful, so to say. We don't think about like what does the other person need? M. You know, we don't often hear back from like pastors or congregations or like, hey, we need x, y and z from new or we'd love to see that. Like we don't often see that. Cause we're the ones making those presentations, we're the ones doing the ask. So I think, I don't know, I'm just stuck on that. I think it's really incredible. And what a learning experience. Yeah. And, I don't want to derail this too much, but I'm curious, Jen, just from your experience, and I can't remember anybody in my experience giving me that kind of feedback or intentionality either. But would you say that it's out of step for korean or korean american culture to give that kind of feedback to a younger generation, or why do you think that didn't happen for you? No, but I think that it's a little bit more nuanced in the asian culture because I think, like, yes, 100%, if it's an older person, if it's an elder. it's almost like I have to receive it, whether it's like I receive it well or not, I just have to nod and receive it, so to say. Right?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, you have to listen.

>> Heather:

And I think had it been, like, somebody of my peer level or even younger, I would have to have a bigger heart check to be like, am I receiving this? Well. Cause I don't know that. Cause again, in the asian culture, the elders are highly respected no matter what. There's no if, ands or buts. and peer or younger. It's like, what are your motives with this? And why am I responding the way it is? Yeah. Yeah. Interesting. Hm. Becca, I feel like this has been so, so helpful. I'm curious, you know, as we kind of get to our last few questions for those listening who are from a different background, what do you wish they understood about fundraising in your context?

>> Becca Acuna:

I think what I wish people could see, especially, you know, if they're looking to encourage or I coach someone from a hispanic background, like, I hope people can, can understand, like, the extra, not maybe extra is not the right word, the different kind of toll, maybe relationally, and that's, you know, energy and time wise, that it's taking, a hispanic person to do some of this work. And I would even say, like a lot of different minorities, I've talked to several friends from different backgrounds, not just because of the time investment and even just doing the calls and the appointments, but even in the work of sitting down with people like individuals or churches and almost sometimes for the first time being that first person to ask them something like this, because there's really a pioneering struggle in that, that, you know, like a lot of us, I'm not going to say we're not cut out for, but we didn't know we signed up for that. And I just think, yeah, there's a lot more encouragement that could come if we, we kind of empathize a little bit more with. Yeah. The work they're getting to do maybe for the first time in some of these communities.

>> Heather:

Right, right. So then on the flip side, for those listening that have a similar background to yourself, what encouragement would you offer them?

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, I think this is what, I fell in love with about support raising in the beginning and really, really understand that even though that is a hard extra or maybe different kind of role, you got, what a great opportunity to mobilize a whole other group or branch of the church.

>> Heather:

Yeah.

>> Becca Acuna:

That also is called to the. To the great commission and partnering and, you know, hopefully, I mean, yeah, the work you're, you're inviting them to partner with is great commission related. And so, like, it's worth it.

>> Heather:

Yeah.

>> Becca Acuna:

To do this work and find somebody who can just encourage you in this, even if they're not like the same background as you. Just find a buddy. If you don't have a coach or someone to listen to your stories and your struggles and they don't have to fix it for you. But I think everybody needs to debrief things.

>> Heather:

Absolutely. Absolutely. So I know that you've previously mentioned the God ask is a resource that was really helpful for you. Are there any other resources that you would want to call out, to recommend to people?

>> Becca Acuna:

There is this one other resource. It's kind of a little bit newer. I think it's called funding the tribe. It's an organization.

>> Heather:

Oh, yeah, funding tribe.

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, funding tribe. That, they're like, essentially putting a spotlight on minorities. People m from minority backgrounds becoming fully funded, and they're great commission ministries. And so I think there are resources out there that at the very least, the more you listen or read, you can understand a little bit more, like maybe what's going on in your own process. And I think that's really helpful. But the biggest thing I would say is, like, don't neglect prayer, because obviously the Lord is the one who sees exactly what your needs are. yeah, yeah.

>> Heather:

Tony Dentman founded funding tribe, and, I've heard just really great things about their program, so, yeah, I'm really glad you called that out. Well, jen, do you want to ask our final question? So, this one's a fun one. you have $10,000 that you have to give away today, and you have 5 seconds to decide to who or what do you give it to?

>> Becca Acuna:

Imagine, honestly, I'm like, man, like, if only it wasn't supposedly. Yeah, I think I would. I was looking into what does it mean to set up, I've heard about these things, like, you know, even funding tribe, like. Like an endowment for creating extra resources for people from minority backgrounds to be able to have a little bit more of a, cushion to get started in the ministries they want to do. Or honestly, what I would do is I would just give it to a missionary or a ministry that's mobilizing people to unreached people groups, because m. I think, yeah, they're. Unfortunately, I feel like the most underfunded of all. And that's where most of our resources probably should be going, to the ends of the earth. So, yeah, I have some friends in mind, actually. I give it to them. Yeah.

>> Heather:

Very cool. And that's interesting because we actually recorded an episode yesterday as well that will be released in the future. And actually, our guest also said that they would give it to people working in unreached people group places because the least resources are going there. So. Very cool. Well, Becca, truly, what a treasure to have you on today and to speak, with such poise to this topic. So thank you.

>> Becca Acuna:

Yeah, thank you all so much. I'm really honored for this opportunity, and I just pray that God would. He would keep funding his work, and he will.

>> Heather:

Amen to that.

>> Becca Acuna:

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