Support Raising Help

Our confidence is in the Lord who has promised to meet our needs. Specific prayers bring specific answers. Pray that you’ll see God work beyond your own dreams in providing the necessary resources for your trip.

Philippians 4:10-19 – “Thanks for Their Gifts”“
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
‍Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

List 70 names of people you think would have even the slightest interest in what you are doing. Include their addresses and phone numbers. Who should you contact? Consider the following list. Brainstorm! Don’t limit your options. Remember that you are giving people the opportunity to join you.

‍Here are some ideas to get started: Parents, Brothers & Sisters, Relatives, Employers, Former Employers, Friends of parents, Church friends, Current and former neighbors, Bible study Groups, Parents’ employers, Parents’ assistants, Parents’ church friends, School friends, Dentist, Doctor, Nurses, Coaches, Parents’ Christmas card list, Community leaders, Church related business ads, Downtown businesses, Foundations, Missionary societies, and Retired people.

Re-read Principles of Raising Support” again. Consider which of the four keys gives you the greatest challenge. Ask your mentor to help you take action where you are weak and pray for you.

‍Note: Don’t simply ignore the idea of finding a mentor. Make this a priority! They will help incredibly in the support process, with their encouragement, challenge to you, and prayers!

Mail a letter to all of the people on your list.

Explain to them:
What you are doing.
Why you are doing it
What you are asking them to do.

For tips on writing a support letter see our resources below. You can write your own letter or you can start with our sample letter below as well.

‍Click here to jump to our resources »In the mail we will send you a support raising kit with:
Donation envelopes
Brochures for your supporters titled: A Sponsors Guide to Supporting A Royal Servant
Donations cards
Labels with your support account information.

These cards ensure your gifts are properly processed to your credit. Remember to stick your account labels on the cards. Also remember to send all of these things in the envelope with your letter. They were designed and created to give your donors confidence in your choice of mission organizations.

Call or personally talk with everyone you send a letter. As difficult and scary as this may seem, seasoned missionaries will tell you that one-on-one contact is essential to raising support. Not only does a phone call let them know that you are serious, but people are more likely to give if they have had a chance to hear from you about what you are doing and why you are doing it. In addition, a phone call often reminds people who may have misplaced your letter.

Plan to call and speak with seven people a night for ten nights. This is a great way to divide your list and make your phone calls more manageable. Remember to tell them:

What you are doing
Why you are doing it.
Tell them what you hope God will do in your life and through you this summer.
What you are asking them to do – to pray about being on your support team, specifically about giving $100, although any amount is appreciated.

For for help with making your support calls see our recourse section below. Click here to jump to our resources »

After speaking or meeting with someone, send a thank you note to each person who makes a commitment to pray or support you. This is not only appropriate but will also serve as a reminder of their commitment.
You will want to send thank you notes again after the summer. There are two reasons for this:
1. They are sacrificing for you and therefore deserve to be thanked multiple times!
2. You may desire to do ministry in the future that requires raising support. When your donors experience your gratitude for their help, they will feel better about helping again in the future.

A question participants often ask is this: “How will I know who has sponsored me?” Here’s the answer: Within one week of Royal Servants receiving your registration, an account on a secure website called ManagedMissions.com is set up for you; you will then receive an email with your login instructions. Once you log in you will be able to see the complete cost of the mission trip, who has sent you a gift, and it will automatically calculate for you how much you still have left to raise. You can also download your donors’ information so you can send thank you notes. The Finance Department will upload your support donations into your account multiple times a week, but because the donations have to be processed by them first, it may take a few days for it to reflect in your Managed Missions account. Note: If you do not have Internet access, you can set up an alternative reporting process by contacting the Finance Department at support@reignministries.org, or call us at 763.535.9555, option 3.