“Why do you have to do your own fundraising? Why can’t Adventist Frontier Missions do it for you so you can focus on mission work?”

These and similar questions are ones I have frequently heard during 15 years of support raising and mission service with AFM. So, what is the difference between support raising and fundraising? Fundraising focuses on getting the money needed to complete the task, while support raising focuses on making long-term connections between the field and those supporting it. Here are some ways support raising has been a blessing to me and to mission work and why I am thankful for the opportunity.

Prayer Partners
When people choose to give to a specific missionary, the missionary can update them on the prayer needs of their project. Those who invest their funds in something also are more earnest at investing their prayers, so not only is the missionary receiving the benefit of financial support, but they are also receiving the benefit of earnest prayers.

Support raising has also given me opportunities to pray for many supporters, helping them know the difference their prayers have made in my life and the work to which God has called me. I have been privileged to watch them grow spiritually.

Encouragers
Many financial supporters send notes of encouragement to missionaries while they are in the field. These notes of encouragement are treasured. Even after returning from the field, whenever I meet with supporters, they are quick to encourage me and help me adjust to being back in the States.

Friendship
As I have visited supporters, it has deepened our relationships and built strong friendships. These friendships, too, have greatly encouraged me during my transition back into life in America.

Spiritual Growth
It is easy to focus on life and forget why we are here on this planet. As supporters build personal relationships with missionaries, they are encouraged to focus on their calling to point people to Christ. I pray that if you have chosen to support one of our missionaries, you have experienced spiritual growth as you pray for and seek to encourage your missionary. Please contact AFM and ask for our missionary prayer guide, divided into specific areas for which to pray each day of the week.

Donors Called to Serve
My journey with Adventist Frontier Missions deepened when I became a financial supporter. While I had read the magazine and considered going as a career missionary, I was not wholly invested in missions until I decided to give monthly to friends in the field. A few years later, I answered the call to missions myself. Subsequently, some of my financial supporters have joined me in the mission field. After years of giving to my project, they also felt called to service.

As you consider adopting a missionary, or if you are already giving to one, I encourage you to pray earnestly for them, send them letters of encouragement, and be prepared for God to change your life. Perhaps, as a result, you will hear God’s voice calling you to go and make disciples. If you hear that still small voice calling, please contact AFM at (269) 473-4250.

• Twitter