MissionFundraising.com/JimWaltersOnline.com

In these hard times of economy, some churches and many missions-minded Christians are thinking, we must back off and do less. No!  We must advance and do more.  History shows that giving to churches doesn’t necessarily have to go down during recession times, although that will be the tendancy unless we step up and take action to raise mission support.   
 
Now is the time for great fundraising letters!  Now is the time for upgrading missionary support systems, through more effective communication. More effective doesn’t mean more often, and it certainly doesn’t mean begging or panic messages.  Rather, it means laser-focused messages that communicate the vision of the mission. Write donation letters that expound upon what God is doing in the field, through short-term missions, through nationals who are stepping up, through prayer.  Tell the story in a way that communications the vision, not the shortfall.  People give to vision, not to need. People will rally to you if you are caught up and passionate about what God is doing through your work.

Jim Walters

You need to understand that even though you’re pursuing your “call”, you still need to be organized and productive. Many scriptures talk against being lazy, but instead promote “activity.” As you work toward your short term mission trip, or your church fundraising goals, keep these steps in mind.

This is a reprint from another website. You can find the complete article here.

1. Have a Task List for the Day
2. Prioritize Tasks
3. Place More Emphasis on Finishing Tasks Rather than Starting New Ones
4. Know the Strongest Times of Your Work Day
5. Give Yourself Some Flexibility
6. Have a Specified Ending Time for Work
7. Bulk Process
8. Track Your Time
9. Recognize Your Distractions
10. Have Realistic Expectations
11. Plan Your Next Day at the End of Each
12. Get Enough Sleep the Night Before
13. Eat Healthy
14. Get Fresh Air
15. Work in a Comfortable Environment

Hope this helps.

gvs

Because fundraising for mission support can seem to be daunting at times, it’s very important that you remain steadfast and consistent in your pursuit. One of the best ways to keep yourself consistent is to always remember the goal: going on that mission trip you’ve been looking forward to for so long.

You must strive to be consistent in the following areas:

Letter writing: while you are in the fundraising stage you need to send out letters to your potential and current supporters at least monthly. Give them updates, let them know where you stand, what you’re hoping to accomplish, and any deadlines of which you are aware.
Phone calls: whether we like this or not, you are “marketing” yourself. You will need to conduct “follow-up.” Hearing your voice, and your tone, does a lot more to make your quest real than a mere letter can.
Networking: let people you know, in a face-to-face setting, what you’re doing, and why. Always ask people to remember you in prayer, and give them something in writing that shows them where and how to give.

Don’t give up. We all have had to do this. You can do it, too.

Gary Skrobot