When deciding whether to go on a mission trip, one of the biggest fears is always the cost. The idea of coming up with $2-3,000+ and taking a week or so off work for a short-term trip is a big decision. In coordinating missions for my church, often the biggest obstacle I see people facing is how they will get that kind of money saved in the time they need to. I believe the best answer to this challenge is raising support. It may seem scary to ask friends and family for money for your trip as it can feel like you are being needy or a burden. However, this is an opportunity for people to bless you with the gifts God has given them. I have seen God use the support-raising process to show His faithfulness and bring blessing into the lives of those who give and those who are going.
As you consider the possibility of raising support for a mission trip, it is helpful to see that those who provide funds for your trip are actually partnering with not just you, but also with the Lord as they seek to send you to the nations with the gospel. Look at what Romans 10:14-15 says about our being sent out: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” In God’s mission it is both the goers and the senders who participate.
In His grace, God calls people to partner with others to accomplish His work in the world. Paul expresses this beautifully in Philippians 1:3-11 and Philippians 4:10-20. In these passages, he demonstrates how the Philippians’ financial support of him was instrumental in the gospel being spread through his ministry. Because of the Church of Philippi’s generosity, Paul was confident that the Lord would continue to bless them greatly — “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). So, the senders and the goers will be blessed together!
While Scripture certainly speaks for itself, testimonies of the Lord’s faithfulness help us to see how God is working. During the summer of 2023, Central Bible Church will be sending out 7 short-term mission trips. I was talking with one lady who felt deeply that the Lord was calling her to one, but she was very worried about the funds. She knew she could not afford it on her own. I encouraged her to trust that God can make a way. In less than one month, she has raised $3,900! That is $900 more than the trip costs! She plans to use the extra to bless her team members with money for their trips. Won’t God do it?! Raising funds for a trip will stretch and grow your faith. Are you willing to step out in faith?
Let me encourage you today to remember that God is big and He is paying attention to you. He loves you, He is for you and He has a plan for you! If God has called you, He knows what is needed for you to follow, and is calling others to help you get there. He has already gone before you and is more than capable to provide (Ephesians 3:20-21). If you feel Him leading you to something, pray that He will reveal His will to you, and then take the leap of faith. He will catch you every time.
Related Documents
You can download the sample support letter below to use as a template for your own support letter. The Support Raising 101 document, provided by Central Bible Church to mission trip participants, includes proven tips and instructions for raising funds for mission trips.
Sample Support Letter
Support Raising 101