"At least you don't have to raise support anymore..."

This was the most common phrase that I heard over the past month or so when I told people about my new job opportunity, where in fact, I dont have to raise support any longer.

Every time a person would say this to me it really upset me and hurt my heart. It upset me because it revealed how these people view others who live on support and honestly revealed how little they valued missionaries or people in full-time ministry here in the States. The only people I talked with who didn't say the above line to me were my wonderful Campus Outreach co-workers. Do you know why? Because they got it!!!!

What did (do) they get?

Asking or challenging other people who make way too much money to invest in God's kingdom expansion is such a privilege

There is such an opportunity to minister to supporters in a unique way- it's as if you are connected with them

The people who supported me, never just supported me financially (for where your treasure is there your heart will be) they truly partnered with me and were on my team- I never felt alone. My burdens were divided upon so many loving people who cared for me

Knowing that every penny that you receive is from other people who are giving away their money to a bigger picture really changes how you view money and what you "earn"

it is such a picture of grace to see many people who believe so much in your vision that they give out of sacrifice not out of their abundance


You see, living on support is such a picture of the Gospel. I have never been and will never be worthy of my supporters, it's because of God working in me and what He called me to- these people gave to His ministry! They invested in the next generation. There was excitement each month when I received my pay check because I knew that I did nothing to deserve it but I was so thankful for God's provision and faithfulness to provide through this team of people.

My non-believing parents also saw this. They saw God provide for their daughter for 5 years. What they called "begging for money" others saw as an opportunity to minister not only to me, or the students at UNF, but to my parents as well.

Proverbs 11:24-25 says "One man gives freely yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man prospers, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

These verses were brought to life before my eyes with the people who were on my support team. I needed them to support me to allow me to minister at UNF but they needed me to have an opportunity to step out in faith and invest what the Lord has blessed them with.

Living on support is a privilege that should make all those who do live on support raise their hands high and look to the the Ultimate Provider who loves to bless in such unexpected ways. I am so thankful for the 5 short years that I lived on support and I look forward to having new opportunities to invest what the Lord has given me to others who live on support as well!

Ok... my little rant is over with for the time being. Let's hope that I don't hear that sentence again any time soon- that person will sure be getting an ear full!!! haha