Asking for money
for cross-cultural mission
I
n our culture, you earn your crust,
work hard, support your family,
manage your finances and whatever
you do, don’t talk about how much
money you have, (or what we give
away). Asking complete strangers for
money so you and your family can live
is a totally, utterly counter-cultural
thing to do. The only people in our
society who do it are either sitting on
the footpath with a cardboard sign,
upturned hat and a few coins… or
standing at the front of a church talking
about far-flung places!
As followers of Jesus, we are part of
something much, much bigger than
just fitting in to our own cultural norms.
We’re invited to join in God’s mission
to make His love known in the entire
world. It’s a big task, and takes a big
community effort. Some will go, some
will pray, some will give practical help
and some will provide the funds.
If the pray-ers don't pray, the go-ers
won’t go. The go-ers can’t go if the
givers don’t give. The givers don’t
give if the go-ers don’t ask.
Some of us have caught onto the vision
and given our dollars to partner with
cross-cultural workers, keeping them
safe, healthy and well-equipped for
ministry. We know what it’s like to be a
giver. Have you wondered what it’s like
to be on the other side of the coin... the
one asking for money?
resonate · issue 28 · page 8
SALLY
From Perth to Mozambique
——
I’m definitely not naturally comfortable with asking people for money
(although my Dad reckons I’m becoming very good at asking him!) Raising
support is difficult, but it comes with the amazing opportunity to visit
churches and meet incredible people. It could be easy for me to feel alone
as I go on this journey, so I'm grateful I have friends who are willing to visit
churches with me, and mentors who can help me prepare my talks.
I recently visited the Pilbara to share with churches about God's mission
among the Yao of Mozambique. I was anxious about the hundreds of
dollars in fuel I’d need to cover the long distances. The week before I left
a generous person donated a sum that covered the entire fuel expense.
Wow! I was so encouraged to keep on this journey.
ROB & DEB
From Adelaide to Cambodia
——
We didn't feel too excited about asking people for money at first, but the
process of preparation for developing financial and prayer partners has
turned out to be a very rich (mind the pun) experience. It is a privilege
to be invited by God to be a part of His priority to share His message of
hope. When people join in by partnering with us, it adds to that privilege.
We have made friends with people of diverse backgrounds and in many
church communities that we would never have met otherwise. Our partners
include retirees, families, singles, churches, couples just starting out in
married life, Christians and non believers. Our life is richer to share this
bond with people, knowing that together we are part of God's mission.