“Support: Where Does it go?”
Simmons Family
November 2024
I recently filled-out a “missionary questionnaire” where the pastor had included the basic questions I’m used to answering but, there was a portion that asked about where the support would go if they decided to take us on. I tried to be clear that it would not be a wasted investment but, also wanted to be transparent. With that thought in mind, I just want to share what missionaries do with the support they receive. (general, not all have the same situation) The first thing we do other than praying is to establish the needed amount and usually counsel with others to get a “real” number to meet our needs and ministry needs. We than establish a budget based on the number, things that are usually included are rent/lease, groceries, utilities, insurance, and other things of that nature. One major difference is that we will need to care for ministry expenses. Depending on the ministry, the missionary could be taking on the full financial burden or sharing with the people they are ministering. This would include building projects, supplies for the work, and other various needs to make the work a success. As a side note, it may be necessary for the missionary to set aside money for their initial entry to their place of service, the best way to look at this is that you have to start all over as far as being established in a new location. Missionaries tend to use larger offerings to take care of this need and some are able to pull from their support once they have taken care of their personal cost of living. Ultimately, we want to glorify God and we want to be faithful stewards of what the Lord has blessed us with. (1 Corinthians 4:2)
The month of November was a bit different for us, we are used to traveling long distances in a month but outside of traveling back to North Carolina we were able to work locally and plan to remain here till the 1st of the year. Though we are currently local, we are busy to which we are thankful. We started out the month with the opportunity to present at Bible Truth Baptist in High Point where we were invited back to be a part of a meeting shortly after the new year. While in the area, we were able to stay with Faith and Family Baptist (supporting church) while in the area. We also attended the local preacher’s fellowship and attend a jubilee at Baux Mountain Baptist where I was able to preach and present. Later on in the month we were part of a mission’s conference at Lexwin Baptist where we met fellow missionary, Don Woodard, who will be hosting us in his home in January. During our Thanksgiving celebration we did a gender reveal and found out that we are having a little girl who we have named Yeliah (yuh-lay-uh) Ann. (God’s golden gift of grace)
Prayer Requests:
1. Good report for upcoming baby appointment
2. Support to continue to grow (3 churches took us on and an individual increased their support)
3. Need for a full schedule