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Explaining Financial Choices
We know for most people finances are very personal. Because of the nature of supported ministry, I have not had the luxury of making financial decisions without people looking over my shoulder and Ryan and I don’t have that luxury now. Conversations that would normally be completely taboo are fair game. In the past, I have had to answer questions about rent, spending habits, vacations, justify ministry costs and the list goes on. This is not just to my employer but also to those who are financially supporting the ministry. This continues to be a very humbling process. And now Ryan and I have to relearn this together. With that said, you are welcome as a supporter or someone who is considering financial support to ask us how the money will be used. Ryan and I are both very aware that all money is God’s money and we want to be wise stewards. So here are a few answers to commonly asked (or just thought!) questions. Why do we need financial support? This is the nature of our ministry and it allows people, who can not move to Australia to participate and be invested in ministry together with us. What will the money be used for? Given money goes towards basic living expenses, insurance and ministry costs. The money is held in an account at MTW and they have systems in place to make sure we are using the money wisely and for its intended purpose. If you want more details, just ask! How much do you need? The simple answer is 100%. We would be happy to go over budget details with you in person (come visit us and we'll show you where your money is going!) or over Skype. Our budget reflects what we need to live and do ministry in the area in and around Perth, which is an expensive area. Australia is an expensive country but that’s not a hurdle for God. Are financial gifts tax deductible? Yes! Everything given through MTW to our account is tax deductible. Why not just get another job and pay for this yourselves? Ryan and I firmly believe that we are operating in God’s economy. We could scrimp and save and plan on working side jobs while we do full time ministry (which might happen anyway) but we truly view ministry as a cooperative effort. People can pray for us and support us in other ways but having a financial stake in the ministry gets people literally invested in the work. As Christians we are brothers and sisters across national borders, across denominations, across cultural divides. Having people financially invested unites us in a special way. We don’t want to take that opportunity away from people, especially not during this time of exciting change and transition. Join us and see what God will do. How do you give? Our account number is 11299 if you are mailing a check but if you give online then you just need our name.
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