Partnership Development

Money... it is never an easy topic, especially in these economic times. I have hesitated to bring up this topic on my blog. I do however have a very specific need and goal right now that I want to share with you. 

Let me back up a minute though because I know I have a variety of people reading this blog. Some from different faith backgrounds and others who are only generally familiar with the term missionary and what that entails. So let me cover a few basics to help get everyone on the same page. 

I am in the process of partnership development. Some may be more familiar with the terms deputation or support-raising. For those not familiar with any of these terms, this is basically a process in which missionaries develop a team that will partner with them in prayer and financially while they are serving.

So why the change in terms you might ask? It is because of the shift in focus and direction. The old model had most of the focus on what the supporter could do or give to the missionary. This shift in focus is a reminder that in reality this relationship is a partnership, one that involves supporters and missionaries working together to accomplish their part of the Great Commission (Mt 28:19-20).

Right now I am in the process of partnership development and raising the financial support I need to reach my goal of returning to the ministry in Indonesia. I cannot leave for Indonesia until I have commitments for 100% of my support and all of my outgoing expenses funded. This means I need to have commitments for $3,500/month and $18,500 for outgoing expenses. Right now I have commitments for 23% of monthly support and 11% of my outgoing support.

Here are a few answer to frequently asked questions I get about support raising and the process. 

So what is support and why do I need to raise it? Support are the funds I will need to meet my financial needs while I am serving in Indonesia. The hospital there will not be paying me a salary. This means I need to raise the funds to cover my living expenses (food, rent, utilities), ministry expenses, travel, medical/evacuation insurance, retirement, and social security, etc. I also need to raise funds for outgoing expenses which includes training, language school, and setting-up my house. This process is different from some mission organizations and non-profit companies who pay a stipend or salary to their employees. 

Who gives and why? Family, friends, and churches give to help meet my financial needs. People give for many reasons. Many churches give out of a sense of vision and mission to accomplish the Great Commission -- taking the love of God to the nations. For individuals, it usually starts with a relationship. Many partners give out of a sense of gratitude to God for what he has done for them through Christ. Others give out of a sense of obedience to the call in 1 Corinthians 4:1 to fulfill our stewardship of the gospel. And many partners have a strong sense of passion to see the gospel spread among certain people groups, such as the people of Indonesia. Finally, some want to support a certain type of ministry such as providing medical care to those in need.  

How do you give? Financial support is given through WorldVenture, which makes it tax-deductible for the giver. It can be given as a special gift for outgoing expenses or as regular ongoing support that are called commitments. These commitments can be made to give monthly, quarterly, or annually. Some opt for streamlined giving which automatically deducts the amount from your checking account or credit card on the schedule you set-up. Others write a check and send it in on a regular schedule.

So here is the challenge. To go to Departure Training in January, I need have commitments for 60% of my monthly expenses. This means that between now and the end of the year I need to have new commitments for an additional $1,295 in monthly support. So I invite you to prayerfully consider if God is calling you to make a commitment to regular financial giving or to give a special gift to help me with outgoing expenses. If you are interested in making a commitment or giving a special gift toward my outgoing expenses, please click here. 

I would love to share with you in-person more about my ministry and what God is doing in Indonesia. For more information you can read more FAQs here. Please email me if you are interested in getting together, have questions or if you are interested in partnering with me and need more information. 

Please be praying with me that these needed funds will be raised so I can attend the training in January. Thank you to all who have already given and made commitments! I am looking forward to sharing how God meets these needs with you in the coming weeks.