Why and How to Support

 

 

 

Why The Church Supports Missions

Jesus gave His followers instructions to teach, preach, and disciple all nations. This is our highest task of service as the Church. This is why we invest in missions. We invest prayer, talents, gifts, and finances because these will all accomplish the goal. As individuals we are accountable to our Lord and each other to use the resources He has given us wisely to accomplish this goal. Scripture shows us how a big part of His plan to provide for His people is through His people. This theme runs through the Old Testament into the New. Jesus was financially supported by His followers, and the early church provided for each others needs so no one was in need! I think we sometimes miss the opportunity for the world to see our great God  and His uniqueness when we don't first take care of our own people. Scripture tells us that the world will know we are His by the way we love each other. When the Church supports, whether as a corporate decision or an individual, we work as the body allowing all the different parts to play their critical roles.

 

Some Scriptures to refer to:

  Matt. 28:17-20; Mark16:15-16; Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-37; John 13:34-35; Num 18:21-24; 2 Chron. 31:4; Rom. 15:24; Matt 10:5-15; Luke 8:1-3

 

 

How Support Works in GEM

 It is so important for people to know that support, or partnership, is much more than finances. Support raising is also raising up committed prayer partners and a team of people to encourage on a regular, faithful basis. These areas are two necessary needs that I will have throughout my overseas service. But as much as we like or dislike it, the other area of partnership is finances. This area is just as important as the others because, just like the others, it sustains missionaries and their ministries.

 

Mission Organizations set different guidelines for financial support. Greater Europe Mission, first and foremost, has high accountability standards with finances. Like many other reputable organizations we are members of ECFA (The Evangelical Council For Financial Accountability). ECFA is an organization that was put in place to give higher accountability to ministries with their finances.

 

 All members of GEM raise their financial support, whether you work at HQ or are on the field. When you give to a missionaries ministry through GEM, either through a donation card or online, your gifts go directly to that missionaries ministry. Giving has been made very simple through our website. When you go to the donate page, on GEM's website, simply click the U.S. donations selection. This takes you to a giving page where you can chose a missionary or project to donate to as well as the frequency at which you would like to give.

 

Partners who commite to give monthly are a must in sustaining a long-term ministry. Many churches and individuals make up the missionary's financial support base. Individuals often give anywhere from $25-$200 monthly. Where churches often aim to cover percentages of monetary needs.

 

Others support with special gifts as they can through out the year(s). Special gifts are also a vital part in meeting a missionary's financial needs. It is often these special gifts that make up short falls in budgets.

 

If the Lord is leading you to give don't be discouraged about the amount being too little or too large. Give as the Lord leads.

 

 

 

 

Interested in Giving?

Just click the link below to give online at GEMission.org

http://www.gemission.org/Donate/