When the Lord led us (my wife Bobbie and me) to join Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1957, we joyfully anticipated translating the New Testament for a language group without a Bible in Guatemala. That came to pass, but God also had an unanticipated and wonderful ministry in mind for us, one that has lasted fifty-six years and has brought just as much joy.
He brought precious people and churches into our lives to provide for our prayer and financial needs. In the beginning we saw them as “donors” and treated them as such. But soon, God transformed our hearts and minds through His Word.
He showed us that these were not “donors” or “supporters” but rather “partners” in the best sense of the word. And not just ministry partners but precious friends for life. We discovered that God brought them into our lives as a key part of our ministry. So we began an exciting process of building loving relationships that have lasted a lifetime.
As a result, all of our prayer and financial needs have been abundantly met all these years without ever mentioning needs or raising new support. Does this sound like a fairy tale? We’re not alone; others who have lived out the principles of this book have experienced the same blessings.
Gaylyn and I believe it is possible for you to enjoy these same outcomes as you live out these biblical truths. It won’t happen immediately, although we know one couple who applied these principles when they first started out. Within three months they had full support and have never had to raise it again—in over forty years!
If you’re in ministry for the long haul, you will experience God’s rich blessings in ways you never dreamed possible. And you will have an extended ministry that can be life changing for you and those He brings into your lives. Even if there are times you need to fundraise again, continue to apply the principles, because it is all about relationship!
Excerpted from Never Do Fundraising Again: A Paradigm Shift from Donors to Lifelong Partners.