There is no better time than the present to begin raising support (funds) for your mission trip. We are here to provide support-raising materials and tips to assist in the process. Students who do the hard work of raising their own funds have an invaluable investment in their summer that connects them to a community of supporters who have sacrificed to come alongside them.
When you begin to add up the airfare & ground fee costs, spending money, and other miscellaneous expenses, there can be a tendency to become overwhelmed. But don't worry, we will help you keep your eyes on the Lord,give you a simple strategy to help and layout the steps for you.
Remember, you are not alone. God has called you. He will provide for you. Your responsibility is to be diligent in prayer and effort during the months leading up to the summer.
The concept of missions is a central theme found throughout the Scriptures, and there's a lot to be said about the community of God's people for His Kingdom.
Support raising for you mission trip can be quite intimidating, good thing we are here to help provide you with some easy, basic steps to get you through to the finish line!
Still need more help? Encouragement? We've got a few more articles written with you in mind! We've also got some sample material you can download to help you begin!
So what does the Bible say about support raising? Actually, quite a bit! The concept of missions is a central theme found throughout the Scriptures, and there's a lot to be said about the community of God's people coming together to expand His Kingdom.
In light of God's character and promises, what attitudes should you have toward support raising for your mission trip?
1. Realize that you are going to be Christ's ambassador. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says that we are Christ's ambassadors. It is important that we understand who we are: royalty, children of the King of the universe, those who will one day rule angels (1 Corinthians 6:3), blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:4), those given all authority to reach the world (Matthew 28:18-20). As we realize who we are, our attitude will reflect these facts, resulting not in brash confidence, but in the quiet, calm assurance and confidence of a representative of the King of Kings.
2. Be mindful that in the end, everything belongs to the Lord. In Psalm 50:12 God says "For the world is Mine and all it contains." Therefore, we should not be afraid to ask for what is already the Lord's.
3. You are providing people with the opportunity to partner with you in what God is going to do, and they are just as much a part of this experience as you are. It's easy to forget that we are all called to play a part in the expansion of God's Kingdom. Our emphasis is on developing in students the lordship of Christ, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and enthusiastic evangelism. Nowhere could an investor get better mileage out of his or her dollar than by supporting God's work through your involvement as a Royal Servant.
4. Maintain a posture of quiet assurance and confidence in God's character and promises. Believe that God will provide for your every need, and share that confidence with your potential supporters.
5. Expect results. Remember, God is sovereign. He desires to abundantly provide for us (2 Corinthians 9:8).
6. We must have the attitude of trusting the Lord. God is all-powerful and He can turn the world upside down if necessary to meet your financial needs. In Genesis 18:14 and Jeremiah 32:37 God asks the question: "Is anything too difficult for me?" Obviously not! Paul underscores the limitless power of God in his exhortation in Ephesians 1:19, 20.
1. He will give you what it takes to develop your support team (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
2. He will guide you and direct you (James 1:5).
3. He will make you want to obey His guidance and then empower you to be obedient (Philippians 2:13).
4. He will make your time of support team development a joyful one (John 15:10-11).
5. He will protect you from Satan's lies (i.e. "You're a beggar" "You aren't good enough for Christian work" etc.).
6. He will never let anything happen to you during your support team development time that isn't for the best (Romans 8:18).
7. He won't fail or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6; Romans 8:35).
8. He will smooth problem areas and prepare hearts (Psalms 139:3-5).
Support raising for you mission trip can be quite intimidating, good thing we are here to help provide you with 7 basic steps to get you through to the finish line!
Our confidence is in the Lord who has promised to meet our needs. Specific prayers bring specific answers. Pray that you'll see God work beyond your own dreams in providing the necessary resources for your trip.
"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. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
List 70 names of people you think would have even the slightest interest in what you are doing. Include their addresses and phone numbers. Who should you contact? Consider the following list. Brainstorm! Don't limit your options. Remember that you are giving people the opportunity to join you.
Here are some ideas to get started: Parents, Brothers & Sisters, Relatives, Employers, Former Employers, Friends of parents, Church friends, Current and former neighbors, Bible study Groups, Parents' employers, Parents' assistants, Parents' church friends, School friends, Dentist, Doctor, Nurses, Coaches, Parents' Christmas card list, Community leaders, Church related business ads, Downtown businesses, Foundations, Missionary societies, and Retired people.
Re-read Principles of Raising Support" again. Consider which of the four keys gives you the greatest challenge. Ask your mentor to help you take action where you are weak and pray for you.
Note: Don't simply ignore the idea of finding a mentor. Make this a priority! They will help incredibly in the support process, with their encouragement, challenge to you, and prayers!
What you are asking them to do.
Labels with your support account information.
These cards ensure your gifts are properly processed to your credit. Remember to stick your account labels on the cards. Also remember to send all of these things in the envelope with your letter. They were designed and created to give your donors confidence in your choice of mission organizations.
Call or personally talk with everyone you send a letter. As difficult and scary as this may seem, seasoned missionaries will tell you that one-on-one contact is essential to raising support. Not only does a phone call let them know that you are serious, but people are more likely to give if they have had a chance to hear from you about what you are doing and why you are doing it. In addition, a phone call often reminds people who may have misplaced your letter.
Why you are doing it. it. Tell them what you hope God will do in your life and through you this summer.
What you are asking them to do – to pray about being on your support team, specifically about giving $100, although any amount is appreciated.
After speaking or meeting with someone, send a thank you note to each person who makes a commitment to pray or support you. This is not only appropriate but will also serve as a reminder of their commitment.
1. They are sacrificing for you and therefore deserve to be thanked multiple times!
2. You may desire to do ministry in the future that requires raising support. When your donors experience your gratitude for their help, they will feel better about helping again in the future.
A question participants often ask is this: "How will I know who has sponsored me?" Here's the answer: Within one week of Royal Servants receiving your registration, an account on a secure website called ManagedMissions.com is set up for you; you will then receive an email with your login instructions. Once you log in you will be able to see the complete cost of the mission trip, who has sent you a gift, and it will automatically calculate for you how much you still have left to raise. You can also download your donors' information so you can send thank you notes. The Finance Department will upload your support donations into your account multiple times a week, but because the donations have to be processed by them first, it may take a few days for it to reflect in your Managed Missions account. Note: If you do not have Internet access, you can set up an alternative reporting process by contacting the Finance Department at support@reignministries.org, or call us at 763.535.9555, option 3.