I was reading Seth Barnes's blog the other day and he had some really good words on his experience with support raising. I thought I would share it with you.

"Support-raising is not something missionaries sign up to do because they like it. Become a pastor and your congregation funds your salary, become a missionary and you have no congregation.

Your choices are: find a job on the field that covers your living costs (called tent-making) or find a group of people who believe in you enough to send you out.

While I signed up to raise support somewhat reluctantly, it has been a huge blessing in my life for the following four reasons.

1. It's given me the discipline to stay in touch with a large group of friends. We're connected to and encouraged by people who really care about our ministry and us.

2. It forces me to be accountable in ways that bring health to my life. Left to my own devices, I'd probably become too independent. Ministering to my support team causes me to grow and keeps me humble.

3.It builds faith in me. I can't just take a salary check for granted; I have to look to God to provide.

4. It frees up resources for the Kingdom. Most of our supporters give because they believe in and love my family and me. They partner with us in sharing the love of Christ with a hurting world. Our efforts together help push back the tide of hopelessness."