The Biblical Side of Support Raising

One of the biggest differences between joining with the International Mission Board (IMB) and choosing World Team as our sending agency is that we are responsible for raising our own support for our time on the mission field.  I have to admit that I have had a very hard time with this so far.  Whether it is the culture that we live in that tells us we should be able to accomplish anything on our own if we just try hard enough, or the many organizations that solicit our money, I have wrestled with whether it is Biblical for us to be asking others to support us financially while we are serving in France.  World Team supplied us with this great Bible Study that points out many scriptures that speak on this exact topic.  I won't share them all with you, but I will share this one passage...

 

Philippians 4:10-20

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

God’s Provisions

¹⁰ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak ^[a]from want, for I have learned to be ^[b]content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. ¹³ I can do all things ^[c]through Him who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
¹⁵ You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the ^[d]first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; ¹⁶ for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the ^[e]profit which increases to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am ^[f]amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus ^[g]what you have sent, ^[h]a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply ^[i]all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be the glory ^[j]forever and ever. Amen.

God is continually showing me that this is bigger than me and my family.  We are a part of what God is doing in France (or will be on His timing).  He will provide our needs through whatever means He chooses and it is through His strength and not mine that His will is accomplished.  Here are some practical things that I do like about people being able to support us specifically:
*Whether you support us financially or in prayer (which we need just as much) we can update you on prayer needs, praises, and what God is doing in France.  You will know how to pray specifically for people and situations by name.
*You will be able to know what your money is being used for.  We will be able to share the ministries and events that will be planned because of your support.
*You will be able to visit us in France if you want and see firsthand how God is working.  You can, of course, visit any time, but there is an annual prayer conference that World Team hosts in France every year.  If you have never been on a mission trip, this is a great first trip.  You can see the needs up close and prayer walk in the cities where World Team missionaries are serving.  Also, when we come back to the states on home assignment, we will be meeting with our supporters in person as much as possible to share as well.
I am so excited to be a part of support raising (even if it is extremely difficult and humbling at times) because I get to see God do something that is bigger than me, something that I could never do on my own!

                   Asher is excited about support raising too! ;)