Japan Trip- Support Raising
Philosophy:
The first thing to do is to change your view of support raising.
What it is not:
1. Getting people to help you pay for something you can’t afford
2. Begging
What it is:
1. Providing people an opportunity to serve God
Allowing people a chance to be involved in reaching Japanese people
A way to challenge people in their mission thinking
A blessing for people to be able to give and help others (Luke 6:38, Mal 3:10, Phil 4:17-20)
A opportunity for you to see God provide and care for you
A way to challenge people in their giving
People have a need to give, to be involved in good things. They don’t want to be left out of something exciting or meaningful. Many Christians would love to be directly involved in world missions but are unable to travel. Many do not have the opportunity or availability to go themselves. Giving to you enables them to be directly involved in reaching and ministering to the Japanese people without ever leaving home.
Support raising is a biblical concept:
Numbers 18:21 and Ch. 35 point out the Israelites responsibility to use their tithes to fund the work of the Levites
Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3:10 reiterate the Old Testament mandate setting aside one-tenth of all Israel’s wealth for the Lord’s work.
Philippians 4 – the church supported Paul financially.
II Corth. 8 & 9 teaches that those who do the Lord’s work should be provided for financially. (Verse 9:8 “have all you need”)
Job 41:11 Everything already belongs to God
***Remember, people are more willing to give then we are to ask!!! God will richly bless their giving. It is for their benefit as well as yours. Don’t deny them the opportunity to be involved!!
Support letter:
First, explain the opportunity that you have. Give specifics on what you will be doing and what you hope to see happen. Give them a vision for the trip. They need to see your heart.
Tell them that you want to give them the opportunity to be a part of this mission trip. It is through teamwork that the gospel is shared with the world. We can’t do it alone. It’s the body of Christ
Tell them specifically what you need (the trip cost)
Ask them for a specific amount. Remember to boldly ask knowing that people want to give more than you want to ask. “Would you be able to give a gift of $50 or $100 or $250?” People need to know what you expect of them.
Tell them that their gift will make a difference because….
Tell them how to respond. “Make your checks payable to “Impact Japan, c/o St. Paul - CPI” and send the checks to my address.” (be sure to include your address)
Who to ask:
God already has people prepared. Believe it or not, many are waiting for you to ask them.
Don’t say “no” for people. You’ll find the most unlikely people give the most.
Brainstorm on a list. Think of Christians that you know in all areas of your life.
-Doctors
-Clubs(don’t forget your kids sports groups also)
-Parents of your friends (or of your children’s friends)
-School acquaintances (PTA, carpool, old college friends)
-Friends in others cities and states
-Friends from previous churches you have attended
-Business associates
-Extended family
-Former employers or customers
-Neighbors
Thanks:
Be sure to keep track of who has given what amount. Remember to thank those who support you. A simple thank you note is sufficient when you receive the gift. Then, when you return, write a letter telling them what you were able to do on the trip that they were a part of. Let them know of the things God accomplished on the trip that wouldn’t have happened without their generosity and the generosity of others.
Sample letter (written by a participant in 2001)
March 15, 2001
Dear Friends,
I am writing to tell you about an exciting opportunity coming this fall. As you may know, I have been playing the keyboards for the worship team at XYZ Church. It continues to be an incredible privilege to assist in leading our congregation in worship each Sunday. God has worked in so many ways.
This October the XYZ worship team has the opportunity to serve in Japan for a week. November 6-9 is the 8th annual Church Planting Institute conference in Japan. It will be the largest ever gathering of Christian leaders in the country. We have the honor of being asked to lead these people in worship for their conference.
While we are there we want to maximize our opportunities. First by, leading worship in 2 churches. Our goal there is to not only lead worship but also serve the church musicians there with additional training and resources to enable them to better lead their congregations in worship.
Secondly, we also plan on at least two evangelistic concerts at a local university. We have learned that music is an excellent way to communicate the gospel to young adults who may never even consider entering a church building. Less than 1 % of the Japanese population is Christian and the stereotype of Christians is very poor. We hope to draw them to the Lord with two resources, our love and music they enjoy.
The trip will cost approximately $2,100 per person. I am writing to you because I thought this was an opportunity that you would like to be a part of. These kinds of trips do not happen unless the body of Christ works together, those who have the opportunity to go with those that have the ability to provide the finances.
Encouraging pastors, training worship teams and sharing the gospel in a country that is very politically open and yet very spiritually closed. I can hardly wait to see what God will do. Will you consider partnering with me on this trip with a gift of $50 or $100 or even $250? I would also greatly appreciate your prayers for this trip. Thanks!
For Him,
Rebecca Melody
Please make checks payable to “Impact Japan, c/o St. Paul - CPI” and mail them to my home at “[your address]
Sample letter
March 15, 2001
Dear Friends,
I am writing to tell you about an exciting opportunity coming this fall. As you may know, I have been working with the children’s ministry at Orangewood Presbyterian Church. It continues to be an incredible privilege to teach and work with these precious children each Sunday. God has worked in so many ways. Our children’s ministry has been exploding with growth.
This November several members of the children’s ministry team have the opportunity to serve in Japan for a week. November 6-9 is the 8th annual Church Planting Institute conference in Japan. It will be the largest ever gathering of missionaries in the country. We have the honor of being asked to lead the program for these pastors’ children for the week.
While we are there we want to maximize our opportunities. Firstly, our goal there is to provide a quality program for these special children and have an opportunity to train those that teach the children in the Japanese churches. We hope to love and encourage them in their efforts as well as provide new curriculum resources and ideas. Two members of our team were able to go last year, and it was a very special time with these children and teachers.
Less than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian and the stereotype of Christians is very poor. Therefore, secondly, we will also be partnering with a local church to do a children’s outreach on the weekend. Those children have very few opportunities to meet Christians, hear the gospel and to see the larger body of Christ working together and loving each other, especially from another country.
The trip will cost approximately $2,100 per person. I am writing to you because I thought this was an opportunity that you would like to be a part of. These kinds of trips do not happen unless the body of Christ works together, those who have the opportunity to go with those that have the ability to provide the finances.
Encouraging and training pastor’s children, training other children’ workers and sharing the gospel in a country that is very politically open and yet very spiritually closed. I can hardly wait to see what God will do. Will you consider partnering with me on this trip with a gift of $50 or $100 or even $250? I would also greatly appreciate your prayers for this trip. Thanks!
For Him,
Melody Free
Please make checks payable to “Impact Japan, c/o St. Paul - CPI” and mail them to my home at [put your address here]