This article is part of our series, ‘What’s stopping you?’, where we explore the barriers to getting involved in overseas mission and how God is at work in the midst of them.
A few years ago, I was sitting in my room late at night, thinking about my upcoming year-long mission trip and feeling anxious about the money I needed to raise. In that moment, it seemed like an impossibly large sum of money, and I only had a few months left to raise it. I had hoped to start fundraising long beforehand, but every time I thought about it, I found the anxiety of the idea of asking for money filled me with dread. And that’s exactly what I felt in that moment too.
I said a simple prayer acknowledging that God can provide for my every need, asking for forgiveness for my procrastination, and committing myself to start more actively support raising and asking for God’s blessing on my efforts. A few minutes later I heard the letterbox rattle. I went downstairs and saw that a crumpled bundle of paper had been pushed through. It was nearly midnight, so I was very dubious about what might be inside. I unwrapped it and found £500 in cash, with an anonymous note saying it was for my upcoming mission trip!
What an answer to prayer! From that moment I knew first-hand that I could trust in God to provide.
Giving others the chance to partner with you is a blessing, not a burden.
Raising support for mission can be a daunting experience. The idea of asking people for money might fill you with dread, as it did for me! It may feel like begging for money, but it is much more about partnership. When you ask somebody to support you, you give them the opportunity to participate in the work that God has called you to do. It allows them to play a part in God’s mission in a context that they might otherwise never have had the opportunity to get involved in. It enables them to share in the joys of the fruit of God’s work as you share the gospel with unreached people. It’s a blessing and a privilege to be able to give, just as it is to receive. Giving others the chance to partner with you is a blessing to them, not a burden.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
Support raising is about much more than just raising money! It’s about building up a network of people that are committed to supporting and encouraging you and lifting you up in prayer. Overseas mission is a big commitment, and it’s so important to know that you aren’t alone in the task. It’s a huge blessing to have people that regularly keep in touch while you’re on the mission field, who you know you can count on for support and prayer.
If you’re currently raising support for an upcoming mission trip, why not think about those in your life who you would like to pray for you during that time and ask God to give you the boldness to ask for their financial support as well.
If you’d like some creative ideas about how to raise support for your short-term trip, check out our fundraising ideas here.
And if you’re considering mission long-term, we will walk with you as you raise the support you need to carry out God’s call on your life. Get in touch with our mobilisers to start your journey with mission.
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