we don’t get “paid”
Did you realize that even though we live in a house we own and work in an office much like what many of you work in, we don’t get paid? Well, we don’t get paid by New Tribes Mission at least. We get “paid” by faithful and generous people and a few dedicated churches that are committed to supporting us financially on a monthly basis.
Why would we do this?! Because people around the world are dying and going to hell and have been doing so for literally thousands of years. The gospel hasn’t reached everyone yet and we’ve devoted our lives to being a part of a team reaching those people. And honestly, there’s not a lot of people who will pay you to do that.
There are some though. The folks I mentioned above are investing in our ministry to reach those unreached people. They are behind us and we are so grateful for that support.
the difference between what we thought and reality
When we decided to move from Michigan to Florida to serve here at NTM’s home office, we prayed much, analyzed our family budget at that time, and felt that we could make ends meet even as home owners here in Florida, without a huge increase in support. We needed to see a small amount of additional support come in, but in general we thought were going to be ok.
Now that we’ve lived here for two years and have seen what expenses really look like as well as have purchased a much needed, newer, more reliable vehicle, we’re seeing that “making ends meet” is tougher than we originally thought. This is not us saying we’re in a crisis. We’re not in that place. God has never once left us in a lurch. And even now, between special gifts that come in and Bethany being able to do some side jobs from home, we’re staying above water.
a wise plan looks like?
But, it’s not a wise plan to ignore the need for an increase in regular monthly income. So we’re being transparent with you, our team of “backers” who are praying for us, and in some cases already giving to our ministry. We’re currently living on an average of $3800 (which includes health insurance for Bethany and I) a month and as averages go, some months are lower than that.
Ideally, we would need to raise an additional $1000 a month to be at a place where I believe we should be.
So, with this in mind, we (1) need our existing team to consider if the Lord would allow them to give more as well as (2) to see some new people consider starting to give. And we need every single one of you to pray and ask the Lord to inject our lives with the hope that He brings when we trust Him. We also need you to ask Him to prompt believers to start or increase their support of His work through us to the unreached.
what can you do?
So, will you do one of those two things? We are already so thankful for the support and prayers we have now and are hopeful that you’ll ask God what your part is on our “team”.