Raising Support for Missionary Trips - Part 2

Today I want to look at whether raising support from others is Biblical. The Scriptures have a great deal to say about finances. Jesus often spoke about wealth, it's use and it's abuse. There are approximately 700 direct references to finances in the Bible. 

In the Old Testament, there is a pattern for support. In Numbers 18:21-24, God called the nation of Israel to give a tithe for the support of their "full time" spiritual leaders, and God has never changed that plan. Then in the New Testament, we see in Luke 8:1-3 the pattern for support illustrated in Jesus' ministry. He was not embarrassed to receive help from others and allowed them to minister to Him physically and materially. It was not only Jesus who received this support, but it says, "The twelve were with Him." The implication was that they were giving themselves fully to the ministry and the people were providing for their needs. Also, in Matthew 10:5-15, The twelve were sent out by Jesus to preach "the kingdom of Heaven is near." They were directed to give themselves fully to ministry, not to earn a living, rather to depend on God's provision through other people.

In Romans 15:4, Paul clearly states, apparently without hesitation, that he expects fellow Christians to help him on his way to Spain. And again, in Philippians 4:17-19 Paul says, "Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

If the Lord has called you to go to the mission field, then it is His plan that you be supported by other Christians. Also, support raising is itself a ministry. It is not begging people for money, but a chance for you to share your vision and that of AIM. People need to be challenged to have a part in the Great Commission through you. And support raising provides an opportunity for those who support you.

Clearly Scripture is not silent about finances. God has supplied His people's needs down through the centuries using others. And you can be confident that He will supply your every need as well.

Here are some additional verses compiled by the Navigators on Biblical fund raising:
Exodus 25:1,2
               35:4,5
Deut.    14:27
               16:17
1 Sam.   9:7,8
1 Kings 17:1-16
Neh.       2:1-8
                13:14
Prov.     30:7-9

Please be praying for the team members of our upcoming Oct mission trip:
Health
Safe traveling
That God would provide all the finances they need 


Be sure to check out next year's mission trips to India:  http://www.aimission.org