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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 To Support 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 GEM requires appointed missionaries to have 100% of both their outgoing and monthly support before they leave for the field. We all know that finances can be the cause of extreme stress at times in our lives. Missionaries are no exception to that. This is why GEM requires a full level of support before departure. Outgoing support is one time expenses: language study, house set-up, visa fees. Monthly support is ongoing support given by churches and individuals which sustains a missionary on the field by providing for their daily needs: housing, food, clothing, gas, heat, insurance. During this time of support raising any regular monthly gifts currently given builds up my outgoing funds and some is used for ministry expenses: newsletters, stamps, transportation to speaking engagements. It is necessary in most circumstances for missionary appointees to leave their jobs to focus full attention on fund raising. With GEM's permission, and higher accountability, appointees may begin drawing on funds to meet their expense needs.
Interested in Giving? Just click the link below to give online at GEMission.org
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