I’ve started meeting again with a singles group called Common Ground every week, and just so happened the first week I was there I met Thea, who is a fundraising coach! She has offered to help me get a plan together, with a prayerful goal of raising my support to 100%.
Why is this important? Well, for one thing some missionaries in my organization go along for a majority of their ministry getting by at 50%, and are not prepared for retirement. While God can provide in many ways, other times God leads us to plan ahead for winter – like the ant. That is the direction I feel God is leading me as I cross this 5 year mark in ministry. I’ve been at a stable level, but not sustainable into the future.
One verse God has impressed on me is 2 Corinthians 9:10 “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. (NLT) and the NASB says “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” Needless to say, I am excited about trusting God to increase my resources – so that I can abound giving and loving others, and so that God will be praised!
Three years ago I took a partnership development course and learned a few tools – but really lacked the time and guidance to put those things into practice. I’ve also been reading some Dr. Henry Cloud books which are inspirational for observing how change takes place. It takes more than “wanting to”. Some things that can help are accountability, staying inspired and energized, learning new skills, and structure. And of course, dependance on God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
When I met Thea at the Common Ground in February she offered to help me, and I am grateful. I’m also glad for God’s timing. I think now I’m ready for her help and pray that God will guide me as I take the next few steps toward a more solid partnership plan.
Some of my homework from our meeting today includes praying about what the Lord would have me do on some specific steps, such as sending a paper newsletter out.
Another one is looking at how newsletters not just inform, but engage. Have you read an engaging newsletter lately? Do you have any ideas you can share with me on that?
Anyway, I’m excited about taking another step forward. Who knows what that will bring? One thing I do know – God is with me each step of the way. I trust that He will help me not just “talk and think” about what to do, but actually do it!
David Abbott says
I’m interested in hearing what you learn as you go through this process with Thea.