If Billy Graham Can
Dec 2019
If Billy Graham would do it, I would too!
I was struggling with sending out our monthly newsletter at Christmas time with an appeal for donations. I remembered the delight around our house in sending and receiving Christmas cards. It was part of the sharing at Christmas with family and friends. I loved seeing the beautiful cards hanging on the refrigerator or decorating the mantel.
I was contemplating sending out a Christmas card with a newsletter included. It’s good for a missionary to send out cards but was ASKING for ministry support appropriate? I was struggling with the question, “Is this letter and card all about money?” I didn’t think that it was an issue in my heart, but what would people think? I had a pattern of including in every third newsletter making a strong appeal to give to missions. I’d send two letters or e-mails sharing vision for the lost and meeting the needs of the poor, then on the third letter I’d make a strong appeal for a special gift or monthly ministry support. I was comfortable with that approach. One donor said, “No, let me know your needs every letter”. That was nice. She said, “If we don’t know your need, how do we know when and what to give?” True.
The Billy Graham Association’s letter came in the mail at that time. I had read Decision magazine for years and loved the ministry of Billy Graham. Sure enough it was the associations Christmas card that came to my house. I opened the card and what did in have in it? An appeal for ministry funding! It was a well-written, beautiful card with a return envelope to mail checks, (now days a web-site with giving link).
I said to myself, “If Billy Graham can make an appeal for funding in a Christmas card, it must be an OK thing to do.” Maybe I was being too sensitive about asking for ministry funding, but I learned a lesson. God was saying to me, “Minister truth in your letters along with great stories of victory, honest challenges and don’t be shy about sharing you needs.” If the gospel is going to be preached to the whole world, then funding and more laborers are needed.
Ask your family, friends, and social media following to support your ministry. Make it easy to give by providing that giving-link. Give a donor or non-donor a call and ask for ministry funds at Christmas. This is the giving season. People receive your letters and e-mails. They know you’re for real, so ask them to get involved. Also challenge everyone to pray about joining the missionary forces for the advancement of the kingdom of God. The time is short and the need for laborers is great!
Your joy will be full!
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His Best;
Andy
MEI