Rethinking Partnership Development

I'd like to think that I've made some pretty good decisions in my life. One of the best decisions that I've made so far, in my belief, was the decision to become a missionary. It is just so important to me that people be able to learn about God and His love for His creation, and how because of what God has done for us we don't have to live our lives in fear of a supernatural being who is out to get us, but rather we get a God whose goal is to love us, and to save us. Pretty awesome stuff. But one place where I am not so proud of my decisions is in something a little more mundane. I've done a poor job with sharing opportunities for people to join with me in my mission as supporters.

To tell the truth, I really dislike fundraising. Right now I'm working as a waiter to earn my way. I'm doing well enough to get by, and part of me keeps wanting to use this as an excuse not to get out there and find partners for my work with Pioneer Bible Translators, but, in reality, getting by here and being able to get myself through my training and overseas are two very different things. My exploratory trip to Papua New Guinea this spring got delayed primarily due to a lack of funding, and while this turned out in many ways to be a blessing, it is also a problem that needs to be addressed before Elizabeth and I can take our trip out this fall. The rescheduling of the trip allows us to make it together as a married couple instead of as two singles, and because of this the cost should be knocked down a bit, but it is still far outside the reach of a waiter's income. I cannot get overseas on my own strength, and that's a shot to my pride. A much needed shot, actually. God's body was never intended to work in such a way that a single family should have to bear all the weight of ministry on their own shoulders. Rather, the whole of the body is to share in the well being and growth of the church. To this end we are trying to shift our focus from simply trying to find funds, and instead  we are trying to find a way to better allow those who wish to help us to do so.

We have thought it through and have realized that if even only 100 people were willing to spare 20 dollars a month towards supporting Elizabeth and I we would not only be able to have the funds to go to PNG this Fall, but would also be well on the way to being able to get through the rest of our training and onto the field! 100 people really isn't all that many, either. Most churches in Dallas, where we currently are, have hundreds, if not thousands, of members. And I am sure that many people wish to make a big impact on the world and feel helpless to do so. This is a way in which those with limited incomes can still make a huge difference in the lives of people on the other side of the world, not only in this generation, but also in the generations to come. The gift of the Bible is a gift that continues to effect a language group long after the missionaries have gone home.

I would like to invite you to join with us with whatever you can spare, whether that is the money you save from skipping a pizza this weekend, or the money that came in from your tax return. 100 people at 20 dollars a month could change the lives of an entire people group.

Blessings,

Jacob