An Administrator Looks at Missionary Fundraising (Three Insights)
As a missions administrator, I am inspired by Nehemiah’s vision and how he built partnerships. Here are three observations from Nehemiah on how fundraising goesbeyond finances. Successful mission-workers…
1. Value Time and Current Reality
“I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others… examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. ”
Nehemiah was busy, yet he had time to immediately walk about the ruins of Jerusalem to access the current reality—even though it was discouraging.
I like what our National Director used to tell us:“Facts are our friends!”
I observe that successful mission-workers constantly ask themselves, “What is the reality of my situation?” They take time to look into their donation reports, their budget and their expenses to access where they are, how much funding is needed and the time required to get it.
Ministry workers who value time don’t give excuses. They start working immediately.
2. Value Partnership
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“They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work”
“So they began this good work”. Partnership was forged! Nehemiah’s people understood his vision and made it their own. Mission-workers can’t build their walls alone!
One way to increase partner-bonding is sometimes to share your discouragements. When your giving-partners see the “wall in ruins”—the humanness and brokenness of people who need Christ—they are prompted to give and pray even more.
3. Value Relationships
“The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. ”
Chapter 3 is a chapter of names of partners! Good relationships are built on caring.
Some of our mission-workers meticulously write down giving partners’ family members’ names and birthdays. Soliciting this information only takes a few seconds, but it sends a powerful message! Personal visitations, phone calls, skypes and texts are other ways to cultivate relationships.
Discouragement Happens!
In 2016, our corporate funding had a shortfall of 40%. We had missed an opportunity to ask during the fruitful days leading to Easter. But, despite our fears, we sent a mass mail appeal (holding our breath).
To our amazement, our readers responded generously and surpassed our goal by 3.5 times! It taught me as an administrator an important lesson: There is never a bad time to invite partners to join the ministry.
When funding discouragement sets in (and it will!), gospel-workers need a dedicated coach, supportive leadership and an accountability group. With that help, I have seen our staff press on, focus and finish the task.
Conclusion:
Let’s look beyond the finances in fundraising! Fundraising isn’t a “have-to” chore! It’s an important platform God uses to share the vision he has given you for His glory! Let’s work with all our heart and remember that God will fight for us!
“So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart… Our God will fight for us.”
Desmond Hong, Adminstrative Director since 2009
Navigators, Singapore
You may reach Desmond Hong at desmond@navigators.org.sg