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Wondering what it really means to support a missionary? You’re in the right place!
For centuries, missionaries have dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel around the world. They’ve left their homes, families, and comfort zones to bring the message of hope to those who have never heard. And then after faithfully serving for decades, some of them moved to Missionary Acres!
But no matter where the missionary resides, the task of reaching the lost isn’t easy. It’s not something that can be done alone.
That’s where partnerships come in. The power of partnership is undeniable for missionaries. We couldn’t help the dear folks here at the Acres without people like you partnering with us. As a financial and prayer partner, you play a crucial role in supporting God’s work worldwide.
So let’s look closer at what it means to support a missionary.
What It Means to Support A Missionary
Typically, when someone is talking about supporting a missionary, they’re speaking about a monetary partnership. And while money is essential to keep a missionary on the field, that’s not the only type of support they need.
So like any good Baptist, let’s get a three-point, alliterated outline going, shall we?
Missionaries need:
- Prayer support
- Participant support
- Provision support
Prayer Support
When presenting our ministry to others, we always close with a similar saying, “If we could get ten people praying for us for every individual who sends us money, we’ll have a successful ministry.”
And it’s not just a go-to quip; it’s true!
Missionaries cannot be effective without the faithful prayers of their supporters. So please, bring your missionaries before the throne of God whenever He brings us to your mind.
Not sure what to pray for? This post can give you some ideas…
Oh – and speaking of praying, please read your missionary’s prayer letters. Those typically include updates on the ministry and a list of current prayer requests. They’re a great way to stay up-to-date with what is happening on the field.
Participant Support
Missionary Acres depends on help from outsiders. The small staff simply cannot adequately maintain over 30 homes and other buildings on this much land alone. That’s where our supporters come in.
We welcome individuals, families, and church teams to volunteer here in Southeast Missouri. These short-term mission trips provide much-needed help on the grounds and in the homes of our current and future residents.
But Missionary Acres isn’t the only ministry that could use some extra help. Nearly every missionary on the field today could use the occasional helper.
So consider participating in a short-term mission trip to help out with the ministry or to encourage your missionaries.
Provision Support
No one likes talking about it, but missionaries need money to function. It’s just a fact that can’t be ignored.
And as our dear mentor used to say, “If God orders it, He’ll pay for it!”
So if you’re feeling prompted to support a missionary, it could be a nudge from the Lord – who is using you to help fund His work.
Talk to your missionaries and ask about their financial needs. There isn’t a one-size fits all budget that works for everyone. Each missionary family puts together a support estimate that includes living expenses like:
- Rent and utilities
- Groceries
- Medical insurance
- Vehicle maintenance and gas
- Clothing
- School supplies
And then they add in how much it’ll cost to cover ministry expenses. For us at the Acres, that number also includes tools and supplies to maintain the existing buildings and grounds and build new ones for other retiring missionaries and pastors. Other ministries have different needs.
Support is also affected by factors such as family size, location, and other income (such as Lisa’s freelance writing business). These things all impact the amount of money a missionary needs.
If you’re looking for a missionary family to support, we’d be honored to have you join our team. You can partner with us long-term, or send in a one-time gift. Every penny that comes in helps keep us here at Missionary Acres, so thank you!
Learn more about giving options here.
And to our readers who are already supporting us financially – a huge thank you. We absolutely wouldn’t have made it to the Acres or remained here without you.
The Power of Faithful Partners
It takes a faithful team of supporters to keep a missionary going. Your prayers, financial contributions, and participation are essential for sustaining the work of God’s kingdom.
When you support a missionary, you make a lasting impact on communities around the world. You bring hope to the hopeless and love to those who need it most.
No matter how you choose to help, your effort will be felt far beyond what you can imagine.