One of the most difficult parts of being a missionary can be raising support. Too many think it’s only sending updates and waiting for the cash to come rolling in, but support is so much more. It’s more than a simple update, email, or newsletter. It’s more than money. Raising support is about communication and bringing your friends and family along with you on your journey and there are many ways to do it. Here’s a few.
1. I’ve written about blessing supporters before. When you bless your supporters it really gets their attention. They’ll check your website more, maybe email you more, and feel a little more involved with your life. The blessing doesn’t have to be a huge, expensive gift. Those little cultural trinkets that seem so everyday to you could be so exotic to someone back home. Next time you’re at the market, start looking for those types of gifts and collect them. Once you have a few start sending them home to people. You’d be surprised how something so small like that could really impact someone you know back home.
2. Scanning through your list of supporters, who could you connect with this month? Not who’s given the most or who do you know more than others. Ask God who to connect with. Send them an email and ask them about their life and what’s going on with them. Ask them how you can pray for them. Just start a dialogue and get to know them more. Your ministry doesn’t have to be just overseas. Get in touch with your supporters. God can use you to speak into their life.
3. Be deliberate about thanking your supporters. For your regular supporters, keep a good connection with them and check up on them monthly or every other month. Often, I used to get one-time large donations from people I hardly knew. No matter if they’re regular supporters or one-time givers, I’d always be sure to send a thank you. Sometimes that’s a simple email. Other times it’s a gift in the email, but in the end it’s always good to be appreciative of the sacrifice others have made for you.
4. One of the best ways to reach out to supporters is to keep everyone updated regularly. Updating your website at least once a month is great. Sending out emails at least once a month is also good. If you can use instagram or facebook in your country, those are great ways to keep people connected with what you’re doing. But going long absences without any updates can cause everyone to forget you and lose their connection with you. No matter what, consistency is key. You don’t want supporters forgetting about you.
These are just a few ways to cultivate a healthy support base. What are some ways you stay connected with your supporters?
* Photo by victornuno
