Pray, Talk, Don't Hesitate
Oct 2020
Wow! Since the Covid-19 lockdown and social distancing began Times have been interesting. It’s taken all of life to a new level: family, ministry and my walk with the Lord. It’s good. I’m excited about the future because our future is Heaven! Let’s do the work the Lord has called us to and serve with 100% of our hearts. I don’t want to shy away from facing the Lord when He returns. (Hebrews 10:29)
Much prayer is needed for our nation and the entire world. Our Heavenly Father hears us. Jesus exhorted us in Luke 10:2 to pray to the Father for laborers for the harvest. It’s time to pray for laborers and do the work of the ministry while the doors are open. Jesus said dark days are coming, so work while we have liberty, light and grace.
These next three months could be some of the best times to ASK donors to renew commitments, set up recurring donations, and make larger special donations. Send those photos, videos, and newsletters. Write a note, especially to your older donors. Take some time to call using WhatsApp, or an internet calling service. Set yourself a schedule, check on international time zones and make a call. Most donors will answer a call on Saturday or Sunday. Just say “Hi” and “Thank you”. Ask them to pray for you and your ministry. You don’t have to talk about fund-raising, just friendship and being coworkers with Jesus. Say thanks for all they have done. Keep it short. If funds or support come up in the conversation don’t hesitate, share your needs and challenges. It’s easy to do the work of the ministry. You’ll be surprised how important that is to a donor and how it is appreciated.
Recently while reconnecting after 8 years with a ministry leader, I was surprised that they wanted to expand their partnership with us in Africa. A $35,000 donation was committed to one of my special projects, which was 50% of the estimated need. We might make it a matching challenge and ask others to join. God said He knows our needs before we ask, but your donors don’t always know, so ask them!
We have lots to share in this update. Here are few items on my heart:
1). Giving is up by 20-30% since the Covid-19 event. I think this is happening because many donors are thinking through their commitment to the Kingdom resulting in more involvement by giving, praying and even going.
2). MEI is growing in associates. More missionaries are going to the mission field. We appreciate each of you that have shared your experience with MEI to others.
3). Take a look at the MEI Journal on the meigiving.org page under “About”. Get inspired and uplifted. Thanks, Angela, for your work.
4). MEI is about to launch MEI’s Go Team Training devotionals. Watch for the announcement and links. The training is being released in teaching/encouraging segments over 18 weeks. Read, listen and do the short exercises in fundraising principles. Raising funds is relationship building and ministry.
5). Big Prayer request: Congressman Lankford-R and Congressman Coons-D have co-authored a bill to help 501-c-3 organizations receive additional funding to assist those in need because of Covid-19. This would include ministry to the homeless, or any compassionate arm of the church or nonprofits. Pray that this passes because it will result in a direct tax deduction for MEI donors. This is a great bill; read it and share it with your donors. They might not know the benefits.
https://www.scsuntimes.com/story/news/local/2020/03/23/coons-backs-expanded-charitable-giving-deduction-in-coronavirus-aid-bill/112100262/
Important note: Michelle sometimes sends out notices from the office. I know you’re busy, but it’s important to read the notices, changes and updates she sends. We try to keep everything simple. However, we are growing, making changes, and fulfilling our government requirements. We do this for you, the MEI Associates and Ministries. We try to answer emails and phone calls promptly. We’ve worked hard and it has spread via word of mouth. Thanks! Keep spreading the word of MEI services.
Keep up the good work. Hebrews 6:10 says God is not slack in seeing your service.
Also in His service;
Andy
MEI