Support

Ministry Partner Development can be one of the scariest parts of going on a summer project. “Where in the world am I going to get $4,000 for this trip?” But it also represents one of the biggest ways that you can grow in your faith.

Sandi always says, “It’s never about the money, its always about what God wants to do in your heart.” This is so true. God is concerned with seeing you grow in your ability to trust Him and provide. After all, He “owns the cattle on a thousand hills”, He’s got all the money in the world.

Our job in Ministry Partner Development is to take the initiative in the power of the Holy Spirit and leave the results to God. It is our responsibility to work hard, it is His responsibility to provide the ministry partners we need for summer project.

You’ll notice that we don’t call it “fundraising”. There is a reason for that. We aren’t after people’s money, we’re giving them an opportunity to join with us in ministry. They are making an investment. Think about it, probably many of the people you send a letter will want to go on your trip with you, they just can’t. By giving financially it is like, in God’s eyes, they are getting on the plane with you and doing ministry right next to you. You are not begging for money. You are sharing an opportunity with them to be involved in what God is doing around the world. Don’t be ashamed. Many people will even thank you for asking!

A Support Coach

Throughout the entire process you’ll have a support coach guiding you along the way. You’ll talk to them each week to get ideas, pray together, and plan for what to do next. Support Raising is one of the biggest ways you can develop as a leader and we want to provide a mentor who will be with you every step of the way. You’ll fill out a report at the end of each week to your coach sharing what you worked on that week and how much money God provided so far.

The MPD Process

Once you are accepted for project and given a support coach, you’ll begin the MPD process. The first thing you’ll do is begin the letter writing process. This is probably the place where you’ll see the majority of your support come in (in fact, many people get ALL their support this way). After you begin the letter writing process you’ll then want to start thinking about other options you can do to raise support.

Other Ideas

Here’s a list of ideas you can try (feel free to come up with your own!):

• Bucket Brigade
• BBQ Dinner Plate Sale
• Raffle Tickets for Donated Item
• Go to Businesses
• Speak at your local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Talk to your Pastor or Priest
• Talk to Missions Pastor at Church
• Cook and Sell Tamales/Pupusas
• Bake Sale
• Garage Sale

Finally, here are some videos that explain the details you need to think through on how to pull off one of these other support raising ideas (pay attention, one of these strategies provided $5,000 last year, the other God used to bring in $1,800!)