I don’t ask this question as a *hint, hint* to try to get your money. Instead I’m writing about this because my blog is a place to keep you up-to-date on my life and ministry, and how finances work for a missionary is what I’m thinking about a lot right now. So it’s a window into my world.
As a missionary going to a remote village in a country that most of you probably haven’t heard of, I don’t have a 9 to 5 job. I also don’t get paid by an employer. Neither New Tribes Mission nor the people I’ll be working with will pay me to translate the Bible for a people group who has never before had access to the gospel. Instead, I rely on the ongoing support of churches and friends who promise to support my ministry regularly (which is tax-deductible). So while there is plenty of job security (there are over 2000 languages with no portion of the Bible at all, so there’s plenty of work to do), getting paid may not come quite as easily.
Can you see why the people who support me financially are very important partners in the work God is doing? Without them, I couldn’t be doing what I’m doing. I appreciate you guys!
Right now I’m working on developing a team of financial partners. (I’m also working on developing the very important team of people who will partner with me in prayer. I need prayer probably even more than the finances, but I’m not writing about that right now.) I’ve been sharing with people about what God has called me to do and how they can be a part of that. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know more people in the process (what a great bonus!).
There are two types of financial support that I’m working on raising now – for my “start-up” costs and ongoing support. My “start-up” costs will cover things like getting to West Africa, buying supplies, and building a house in the near future. The ongoing support is more like my salary. That will also include things like retirement, health insurance, and taxes (both the part you usually pay and the part your employer usually pays), as well as all the money that will be needed for my ministry.
There you go. Now you know a little more about the money matters of a missionary. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! And if you want to pray for me as I’m in this partnership development process I’d never refuse. 🙂