There are no quick fixes when it comes to support raising. I could end this post here but I won’t. There is no magic pill. I get asked all the time by missionaries – “how long does it take to raise support?” Well, that is an extremely hard question to answer. How much support do you need? How diligent are you going to be? How much are you willing to communicate? Honestly, from the time a missionary is approved to start raising funds to the time they actually board a plan is usually somewhere between 6 months and 1 year. That is of course if they are proactively raising support. Meaning, that they are setting up meetings, sending out letters, speaking in churches and small groups, etc… on a weekly basis. People are motivated when they see movement. If a missionary is unsure or shaky in their commitment in anyway that speaks volumes to people and you will never get a single donation. However, if you are excited about your calling and clearly paint the vision people are more then willing to jump on board. But you need to realize that you are in this for the long haul. Also, once you reach your support goals it does not mean that you are through. Support still needs to be managed. Peoples support commitments will expire and you will need to find other donors to fill those holes. This process never stops.

Young missionaries love the thrill of the adventure of moving to another country and living the simple life. We often say, “beans, rice and Jesus Christ.” But as time goes on living with no money, sleeping on the floor, eating beans and rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner gets old. This “life of faith” (said sarcastically) also works fine for a season for a single person. But a married couple or a family? It is not going to last. But is this the way God intended it? Of course there are sacrifices that need to be made and some abandoning of modern convenience’s. But straight up poverty 24/7 for the rest of your life? I would argue no. God wants to bless you and wants to help you establish a team of people around you but you need to do your part.