By James M. Helms
If you talk to a dozen missionaries and ministries that struggle in their fundraising, one common theme is heard: Fundraising is one of the Goliath’s that are faced for short and long-term missions and ministry. The truly motivated individual wanting to get to the root of understanding the fundraising giant would perhaps even find ministries that believe raising support is a “necessary evil” the one aspect of the job that very few would ever want to do, a task that is rift with sleepless nights and night terrors! Fundraising is not something that is to be dreaded or feared it simply requires a David to slay the Goliath.
David was very young and confident; he knew what he was capable of. He convinced Saul by listing his qualifications for the job including protecting his father’s sheep and goats he said “when a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death”. (1 Samuel 17:34-35). David went on to say that what he had done to lions and bears he would also do to the Philistine giant. David knew that the Lord was with him and that he was walking in his calling as a Shepherd and also as one who would strike down Goliath.
The story of David and Goliath is very similar to raising funds from prospective donors. The task at hand may seem daunting but if God is calling you to the ministry he will provide the means to make it happen. Those called to ministry are already qualified, though some qualifications may be more latent than others. Finally, you don’t have to do more than what you are called to do and you can trust that God will do his part too. Be like David and slay your fundraising Goliath!
———————————
The Support ConneXion workshop on October 17-18th is designed to help those that need fundraising help get the help that they need. Registration is open and seating is limited to the capacity of the event space, register now:http://missionconnexion.com/connexion-events/322-support-connexion-2014
