Not only is it the root of all evil, but “the great inhibitor.”  Lack of funds, or perceived lack of funds, inhibits many would be short term missionaries from fulfilling their dream. Money. 

I experience this all the time when putting a team together.  Availability of “money” sometimes gets down to priorities.  There are other personal and material things that are higher on the person’s priority list than participating in a mission.

This is not to criticize those who truly lack funds, even to just pay the rent and for food, and sometimes even that is a stretch. Having said this, I have also seen such people acquire the funds through an appeal for funds.

It is amazing to me and especially for the recipient, to see the giver of the funds, unlikely givers, unbelievable givers, perhaps givers motivated by God.

“DO NOT TRY TO SECOND GUESS WHAT A PERSON WILL DO.”

The cost of a mission trip depends on the type of mission; medical, evangelical, construction, etc. The cost also includes transportation, lodging, food, supplies and a lot of miscellaneous.  Location distance is related to transportation costs.  So is distance from lodging to the mission site itself.  Check the cost of short term missions offered on the internet sites.  They can run from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.  The last mission trip from a local California church to Romania cost each person $2,200.  That is a big amount.  In future messages I’ll discuss some of the ways that a local church used to help fund the mission.

To begin with, let’s look at one method a person can use to raise funds for their mission.  That’s the Personalized Individual Appeal.

My book, “Organizing and Operating a Vacation Bible School Overseas,” includes an appendix that discusses this.

TIPS FOR RAISING FUNDS  WITH A PERSONALIZED INDIVIDUAL APPEAL

It is not surprising if you turned off to a short term mission experience because of the price.   However, there are ways to offset the cost by raising funds through the mail and the internet.  Follow these simple steps:

• PRAY for guidance and God’s help in finding those who just can’t wait to join your mission, at least financially.
• PREPARE a contact list.
• Make a list of people who may be willing to send a contribution to your church to support your mission.  If you are computer literate, use a spreadsheet program like Excel.
• Now, go through your computer contact list and enter the name of those you feel may be motivated to help your mission.  If in doubt, INCLUDE rather than exclude.  DO NOT TRY TO SECOND GUESS WHAT A PERSON WILL DO.
• Go through your Christmas card list
• Be sure to review your  school yearbooks
• Search through your employee address book, etc.
• Think of club memberships, neighbors, relatives, old relationships, etc.

“Let your commitment and personality shine through.” 

• Talk to other people for ideas. Some people call this “name storming.”  Just go for the name at first, then fill in or find the addresses later.
• COMPOSE your letter.
• At this point, you are probably feeling a little uncomfortable or embarrassed about asking family or friends for money.  Remember, however, that you are NOT ASKING FOR YOURSELF, but for support for the mission project.  You are asking your brothers and sister in Christ to be part of the Great Commission.
• BE YOURSELF. When writing your letter, the main thing to keep in mind is to let your commitment and personality shine through.

• BE CONCISE.  State where and when you are going, what your will be doing, and the cost.
• BE PERSONAL.  Even if done on computer, address each one personally, and sign each letter using blue ink to show you personally signed the letter.  Make it as a personal letter from you to them, not as a “you all” approach.
• SUGGEST AN AMOUNT.  Most people would like to know what you expect from them. State an amount like $50 or $100 or whatever amount they are comfortable with will be appreciated.
• SET A DEADLINE.  If possible, their contribution should be sent by (name the date).
• OTHER DONATION DETAILS. Give the name and address of the church, the payee on the check, and specific note regarding your name and mission on the memo line.  Some people include a stamped addressed envelope to encourage a response.  Also, mention if the donation is tax deductible.
• LOOKS: Get some design stationary from an office supply store.  It is much more personal than plain white computer paper (even if your prepare the letter on the computer) SALUTATION.  Be personal. Remember, you are writing to a specific person.    Begin with a personal paragraph, then the “form” part listing the things in “Compose” Step above.
• MAILING: Letters should be on 8 ½” x 11” sheets and mailed in a business envelope.  This will allow you to include a personal size envelope for the responses.  If you have put all the address information in the computer, then computer address labels are OK, but the personally addressed envelope makes more of a “personal” impression.
• FOLLOW-UP: Be sure you print out your mailing list so you can keep track of to whom you sent letters and if your received a response.  If you just use email, you save postage, but forfeit the return envelopes.   In many ways, email is more efficient, but less personal.  Try adding a personal touch like a P.S.

After 3 – 4 weeks, send a brief note to those who have not responded stating the current status of the mission and asking for their prayer support.  This will remind some to get the check in the mail.

• THANK YOU: Thank you notes are very important.  Place their name on the address list for reports about the mission prepared by the mission team reporter.  When you return, a follow-up letter, maybe with a picture will make them feel they were part of the mission – a very important part.

Many leaders  suggest that all participants use this method to raise fund, if not for themselves, for the basic mission expenses.

But this is not the only method for raising funds.  Yes, there’s more but you have to wait for next week!

Based on information in my book, “Organizing and Operating a Vacation Bible School Overseas” available from Amazon