Raising support is just another step to getting to where you believe the Lord wants you. Talking about needs and asking for support is a difficult thing. But then, speaking about Christ to the lost can be just as difficult. Support raising, then, is one way to help you develop an ability to talk about something difficult with someone who may or may not be positive in their response.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?" Romans 10:14-15b
We must be sent. Raising support is part of your job. I believe “where God guides, He provides.” Yet, just as I learned how to preach, so I had to learn how to raise support. The way I have raised support is by prayer and communication. First, pray and find out what God wants you to do. Then, through prayer, apply His promises to those needs. Second, in an honest up-front way, share with your home church and prayer partners what you intend to do and what you need to get the job done. I have never begged for money. I have found that after praying about my needs, church leaders and supporters usually ask what I need. Or, the Lord gives me creative ideas to share those needs in a newsletter or other communication with my support team. The key is not to be afraid.
What is your real fear?
Are you really afraid? Will someone hurt you? Are you afraid of what people will think? If someone was afraid of being hurt or spoken against, they probably are not ready to face some of the very real pressures of being a missionary.
Some people just honestly don’t want to invest the work. Too bad, because missions is hard work.
Some have a bad attitude about support raising and disdainfully call it “begging.” I’m no help to them. For one thing, a bad attitude about one issue often indicates other issues which mean problems for a mission team. If God calls a person to a certain mission, He calls them to the support raising procedure of that mission.
Are you really afraid? Will someone hurt you? Are you afraid of what people will think? If someone was afraid of being hurt or spoken against, they probably are not ready to face some of the very real pressures of being a missionary.
Some people just honestly don’t want to invest the work. Too bad, because missions is hard work.
Some have a bad attitude about support raising and disdainfully call it “begging.” I’m no help to them. For one thing, a bad attitude about one issue often indicates other issues which mean problems for a mission team. If God calls a person to a certain mission, He calls them to the support raising procedure of that mission.
“Trusting God alone” for provision comes from Scriptures and the influence of the life of George Mueller. In the 1800’s, Mueller was guided by God to begin an orphanage in Bristol, England, on the basis of faith in the promises of God. He made no appeal for funds, but rather sought God to move in people’s hearts so they would give toward the care of the orphans. Mueller’s testimony to God’s faithful provision influenced Hudson Taylor, founder of the China Inland Mission, and later C. T. Studd, founder of WEC, who began his missions career with Taylor in China.
Reflect on the words of Mueller: “Over the years the Lord has faithfully taken care of us financially in our work of caring for the orphans by constantly raising up new supporters. God’s promise is that they that trust in the Lord shall never be confounded… for one reason or another were we to lean upon man, we would inevitably be disappointed; but, in leaning upon the living God alone, moment by moment, we are beyond disappointment and beyond being forsaken because of death, or of not having enough to live on or enough love or because of the needs of other works also requiring support. How precious to have learned to stand with God alone in the world, and yet to be happy and confident, and to know that ‘no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.’”
Some who read or hear of Mueller’s adventures of faith say, “Oh, he had a very special gift of faith, but I couldn’t live like that!” Mueller argues, “It is the selfsame faith which is found in every believer… Oh, I plead with you, do not think me an extraordinary believer, having privileges above others of God’s dear children, which they cannot have, nor look on my way of acting as something that would not do for other believers. Do but stand still in the hour of trial, and you will see the help of God if you trust in Him.”
Reflect on the words of Mueller: “Over the years the Lord has faithfully taken care of us financially in our work of caring for the orphans by constantly raising up new supporters. God’s promise is that they that trust in the Lord shall never be confounded… for one reason or another were we to lean upon man, we would inevitably be disappointed; but, in leaning upon the living God alone, moment by moment, we are beyond disappointment and beyond being forsaken because of death, or of not having enough to live on or enough love or because of the needs of other works also requiring support. How precious to have learned to stand with God alone in the world, and yet to be happy and confident, and to know that ‘no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.’”
Some who read or hear of Mueller’s adventures of faith say, “Oh, he had a very special gift of faith, but I couldn’t live like that!” Mueller argues, “It is the selfsame faith which is found in every believer… Oh, I plead with you, do not think me an extraordinary believer, having privileges above others of God’s dear children, which they cannot have, nor look on my way of acting as something that would not do for other believers. Do but stand still in the hour of trial, and you will see the help of God if you trust in Him.”
The Devil doesn’t want you to raise support, and he wants to put a fear in you. Resist the temptation to allow support raising to be a fearful experience or an obstacle that keeps you from the field where God has called you to minister.
Support raising means simply sharing with others the exciting vision that God has given you! When people hear your heart (and God’s call) as you share, they will get involved. Usually it will be from sources that you did not expect. Support raising is an exciting faith walk with God!
As you meet people and share your vision, listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This takes some practice and yes, you may make some mistakes at first. Follow the peace of Christ in the decisions that you make. When you meet a pastor, missions committee or individual, know that the Holy Spirit will guide you in what to say and do. If you don’t have “peace” then move on and don’t dwell on it. But if you sense the peace of the Lord, then you can be confident that God is at work making a “Divine Connection” to your support team!
Support raising means simply sharing with others the exciting vision that God has given you! When people hear your heart (and God’s call) as you share, they will get involved. Usually it will be from sources that you did not expect. Support raising is an exciting faith walk with God!
As you meet people and share your vision, listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This takes some practice and yes, you may make some mistakes at first. Follow the peace of Christ in the decisions that you make. When you meet a pastor, missions committee or individual, know that the Holy Spirit will guide you in what to say and do. If you don’t have “peace” then move on and don’t dwell on it. But if you sense the peace of the Lord, then you can be confident that God is at work making a “Divine Connection” to your support team!
如何寫代禱信
Step 1: PRAY
God will provide the resources that are needed to fulfill His calling in your life. Trust God, and He will expand your faith.
Step 2: MAKE A LIST OF PROSPECTS
Here is a list of people you may want to contact regarding your trip, but be sure to pray and see if there is someone else in particular that the Lord may want you to contact. It might even be a non-Christian that the Lord will use you to open the door of salvation to them. Send your letter to as many people as possible! (try for over 50)
· Church friends and friends from other churches
· Current and former neighbors
· Relatives and wedding lists
· Your Christmas card list and your parent’s list
· Club and organization contacts
· High school teachers, professors, and coaches
· School contacts
· Coworkers or managers
STEP 3: WRITE AND MAIL THE LETTER SOON
TIPS FOR WRITING A SUPPORT LETTER:
· Lead with a greeting and vision or introduction.
Examples:
(1) The purpose of mission work is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who don’t know Him. That’s the purpose, but the reality of mission work is so much more. When serving someone in the name of Christ, something powerful happens. Eyes open. Hearts soften. Faith ignites. It changes how you think and how you live.
(2) The Lord calls us to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world. Serving others is a wonderful way to share the good news by providing an example of Christ’s sacrifice, humility, love, compassion, and continual blessing. We must seek opportunities to model Christ by opening our hearts and meeting others’ needs.
· State the purpose (reason you’re going or organization’s goals and mission).
· Specific information (what you’re doing, so people know what their $ is going towards)
· Ask for support (a specific amount or leave it open) and prayer if they can’t give monetarily.
Your team leader will let you know the approximate cost of the trip.
· Try to keep your letter short and simple (we suggest no more than 1 page in a regular font)
· Thanks and closing (thank them in the letter!)
· Optional: Include pre-addressed return envelopes, so it’s easier for donors to mail their checks back.
Include prayer cards or bookmarks that supporters can keep as a reminder of you.
Use colored stationery and envelopes so your letter stands out.
STEP 4: SAY THANK YOU NOW
Hand written thank you notes are good because they are more special!
STEP 5: SAY THANK YOU AGAIN AFTER THE TRIP
Guidelines for Writing a Support Letter 寫代禱信的原則
The focus is to raise prayer support for your ministry and financial support as the Lord provides.
1. Do make your letter personal. Be yourself in your writing expression. We encourage you to write why you are going and what you hope to see God do in and through you.
2. Do make it spiritual, but please be sensitive. Avoid preaching, sermonizing, or outlining biblical passages.
3. Do use one or two verses that are appropriate to what the Lord is teaching you and doing in you life. Verses that support what you are trusting the Lord to teach you are good.
4. Do be specific and try to limit the letter to one page.
5. Do check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Have someone proof your letter.
6. Do make the letter appealing to the eye, original, and easy to read. Artwork, headings, and space will help the reader understand the message.
7. Do find out where the checks need to be sent and how they should be designated from your church.
8. Do mention your financial need. Example: “The cost of this mission trip will be $1000.”
9. Do mention the date by which you need your support.
10. Do remember to include your return address on your prayer letter.
11. Do email or make a copy of the letter for your team leader.
12. Usually 80% of your funds will come from the top 10 people on the support list. We suggest you to make a support list by writing the names of your top 10 supports on a piece of paper. After that you can write the next 40.
Donor’s Checks
Everyone will be responsible for their own finances and plane ticket purchase. Please ask if your local church will allow donors to support you through them. If so, please have supporters write their checks payable to your local church, and then have your church reimburse your expenses (you must provide proof of purchase). It is up to your local church if they will write tax-deductable receipts.
Step 1: PRAY
God will provide the resources that are needed to fulfill His calling in your life. Trust God, and He will expand your faith.
Step 2: MAKE A LIST OF PROSPECTS
Here is a list of people you may want to contact regarding your trip, but be sure to pray and see if there is someone else in particular that the Lord may want you to contact. It might even be a non-Christian that the Lord will use you to open the door of salvation to them. Send your letter to as many people as possible! (try for over 50)
· Church friends and friends from other churches
· Current and former neighbors
· Relatives and wedding lists
· Your Christmas card list and your parent’s list
· Club and organization contacts
· High school teachers, professors, and coaches
· School contacts
· Coworkers or managers
STEP 3: WRITE AND MAIL THE LETTER SOON
TIPS FOR WRITING A SUPPORT LETTER:
· Lead with a greeting and vision or introduction.
Examples:
(1) The purpose of mission work is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who don’t know Him. That’s the purpose, but the reality of mission work is so much more. When serving someone in the name of Christ, something powerful happens. Eyes open. Hearts soften. Faith ignites. It changes how you think and how you live.
(2) The Lord calls us to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world. Serving others is a wonderful way to share the good news by providing an example of Christ’s sacrifice, humility, love, compassion, and continual blessing. We must seek opportunities to model Christ by opening our hearts and meeting others’ needs.
· State the purpose (reason you’re going or organization’s goals and mission).
· Specific information (what you’re doing, so people know what their $ is going towards)
· Ask for support (a specific amount or leave it open) and prayer if they can’t give monetarily.
Your team leader will let you know the approximate cost of the trip.
· Try to keep your letter short and simple (we suggest no more than 1 page in a regular font)
· Thanks and closing (thank them in the letter!)
· Optional: Include pre-addressed return envelopes, so it’s easier for donors to mail their checks back.
Include prayer cards or bookmarks that supporters can keep as a reminder of you.
Use colored stationery and envelopes so your letter stands out.
STEP 4: SAY THANK YOU NOW
Hand written thank you notes are good because they are more special!
STEP 5: SAY THANK YOU AGAIN AFTER THE TRIP
Guidelines for Writing a Support Letter 寫代禱信的原則
The focus is to raise prayer support for your ministry and financial support as the Lord provides.
1. Do make your letter personal. Be yourself in your writing expression. We encourage you to write why you are going and what you hope to see God do in and through you.
2. Do make it spiritual, but please be sensitive. Avoid preaching, sermonizing, or outlining biblical passages.
3. Do use one or two verses that are appropriate to what the Lord is teaching you and doing in you life. Verses that support what you are trusting the Lord to teach you are good.
4. Do be specific and try to limit the letter to one page.
5. Do check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Have someone proof your letter.
6. Do make the letter appealing to the eye, original, and easy to read. Artwork, headings, and space will help the reader understand the message.
7. Do find out where the checks need to be sent and how they should be designated from your church.
8. Do mention your financial need. Example: “The cost of this mission trip will be $1000.”
9. Do mention the date by which you need your support.
10. Do remember to include your return address on your prayer letter.
11. Do email or make a copy of the letter for your team leader.
12. Usually 80% of your funds will come from the top 10 people on the support list. We suggest you to make a support list by writing the names of your top 10 supports on a piece of paper. After that you can write the next 40.
Donor’s Checks
Everyone will be responsible for their own finances and plane ticket purchase. Please ask if your local church will allow donors to support you through them. If so, please have supporters write their checks payable to your local church, and then have your church reimburse your expenses (you must provide proof of purchase). It is up to your local church if they will write tax-deductable receipts.
