As I've been talking with churches and individuals "when are you leaving?" is a question on everyone's mind. Including mine. It's a hard question for me to answer because the fact of the matter is my leaving is completely contingent up on the generosity of others. Responding to the question of my leaving with "Depends on how much you give?" seems a little less than gracious. However it is the truth.
Support raising is not fun for me. It's costly to me in a lot of ways. It would never be my choice. But there is a reason I'm doing it... Mainly, to get a team of people behind me, invested in me and my ministry.
A wise friend of mine shared the following on her blog a while back. It's served as a good reminder to me lately as to why I'm doing what I am right now...
If you are a Christian then you are part of the great commission. Matthew 28:19 says: ”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Although going overseas may not be possible for you or what you are called to do, you can still be a part of this by reaching out in your own community and also by sending those who are called to physically go.
Matthew 6:21: ”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It is a fact that people are more invested if their money is involved. Investing financially in Kingdom work gives you more incentive to pray, keep in touch and be involved. Supporting those going overseas gives you the opportunity to send a little bit of yourself and receive much in return!
1 Corinthians 16:1, 2: ”Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” Paul was supported by the early church and he even set out guidelines for how this could be done.
Deuteronomy 16:17: “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.” This is a scripture pertaining to the Feast of the Tabernacles in which the Jews were commanded to celebrate and give back because they were blessed. Financially supporting missions is a way for us to celebrate and give according to the blessing that we have received.
In Philippians 4:10 Paul writes “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.” This is the desire, not just that the church and individuals would show concern for a person or ministry but that they would have the opportunity to show that concern be it through sacrificial prayer or financial giving.
You can check out more of Joy's brilliant thoughts at her blog
But guess what... We're at 18% of my monthly financial need being pledged! This means that I only need 78 more partners who can give $100 a month. Or 156 who can give $50. Would you pray about what role you might play in meeting this need for me? As God leads you to give you can do so by sending in a pledge card, contacting me or anyone at MTW or online here.
Support raising is not fun for me. It's costly to me in a lot of ways. It would never be my choice. But there is a reason I'm doing it... Mainly, to get a team of people behind me, invested in me and my ministry.
A wise friend of mine shared the following on her blog a while back. It's served as a good reminder to me lately as to why I'm doing what I am right now...
If you are a Christian then you are part of the great commission. Matthew 28:19 says: ”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Although going overseas may not be possible for you or what you are called to do, you can still be a part of this by reaching out in your own community and also by sending those who are called to physically go.
Matthew 6:21: ”For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It is a fact that people are more invested if their money is involved. Investing financially in Kingdom work gives you more incentive to pray, keep in touch and be involved. Supporting those going overseas gives you the opportunity to send a little bit of yourself and receive much in return!
1 Corinthians 16:1, 2: ”Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” Paul was supported by the early church and he even set out guidelines for how this could be done.
Deuteronomy 16:17: “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.” This is a scripture pertaining to the Feast of the Tabernacles in which the Jews were commanded to celebrate and give back because they were blessed. Financially supporting missions is a way for us to celebrate and give according to the blessing that we have received.
In Philippians 4:10 Paul writes “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.” This is the desire, not just that the church and individuals would show concern for a person or ministry but that they would have the opportunity to show that concern be it through sacrificial prayer or financial giving.
You can check out more of Joy's brilliant thoughts at her blog
But guess what... We're at 18% of my monthly financial need being pledged! This means that I only need 78 more partners who can give $100 a month. Or 156 who can give $50. Would you pray about what role you might play in meeting this need for me? As God leads you to give you can do so by sending in a pledge card, contacting me or anyone at MTW or online here.
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