As I have gotten involved in support-based missions work over the last couple of years, I’ve built many new relationships in my home community. In addition, I’ve strengthened relationship with plenty of people whom I have known for most of my life. It’s been a pretty rewarding experience.
Ironically, these relationships were either built or fostered around a pretty awkward process: asking for money. Just about everyone who works for my organization, even the lady who spends all day buying plane tickets, raises their own salary. That is to say, we all spend a lot of time asking for money. We often have to remind each other that we are doing more than begging. We are building relationships and connecting people with the amazing work that God is doing here and abroad in and through the World Race. Support Raising is itself often a ministry.
That rarely makes it any easier. I spent half of my day today writing notes to many of the people who have supported me in the last year. The list of people to whom I send letters has changed pretty dramatically over the last two years, since I started my experience with the World Race. I am happy for the amazing and supportive relationships that I have found in my support-raising experience. One family invited me to their home and fed me tacos while I talked about the miracles God is doing in the hearts of World Racers and the ministries we visit around the world. They also committed to supporting me for $100 each month for the second half of this year. And there you find the pickle in my heart. Was I excited to spend time with them and get to know them better, or was I excited that they became monthly supporters?
Of course the answer is both. I had a wonderful time at their house. I’ve known these folks for years, but I learned so many new things in that evening around the dinner table. At the same time their monthly commitment is helping to pay my rent.
So it’s hard when I sit down to write notes like the ones I wrote today. I really do want to know how people are doing. I want to know how people’s children are doing and what the Lord is teaching them. At the same time I have to mention the money. I have to let them know that the Lord is continuing to lead me into support-based ministry and I need them to consider giving to this ministry in particular.
So this time I did something a little different. I’m writing notes in note cards and attaching a short message about what specifically I’m doing and how much financial support I need. I even found a few note cards with a front that tears off to become a returnable postcard. I’m excited about the relationships I’ve found through support raising and I hope they grow deeply. I hope I get some financial support in the process as well.
Currently I’m sending notes to most everyone who has supported me in the last year. If you want to be sure you get something in the mail, click the “Send Me an Email” link at the upper-left of this page and make sure I have your correct address.
If you don’t need a note, you’re ready to support me now, click the “Support Me” tab at the upper-left to give a one-time donation or to set up a monthly commitment. I have just $15,000 left to raise for my current 1-year staff position with the World Race.
