Mission trip funding: A 'crisis of belief?'

We have exceeded an $11,250 fundraising goal for our next expedition to India. Upon reaching this milestone, we sent this message to our financial partners:

A longtime friend reminded us weeks ago of Philippians 4:19, which promises, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

When we tell people we believe the Lord is asking us to raise $11,250 for a mission trip to India, we get a variety of reactions. As people receive our request, they are faced with a "crisis of belief." All these responses begin with, "Wow, that's a lot of money..."

• How will my gift ever make a difference?
• What makes you think people will give so much for a mission trip?
• Why don't you just pay for it yourself?
• Why are you asking me to contribute?
• What happens to my gift if you don't make your goal?
• I'm not sure God will supply all of my needs if I give toward your trip.
• I would never share my faith; why should I help you share yours?
• How can I help?

In his excellent study Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby explains what he calls a "crisis of belief."

When God invites you to join Him in His work, He has a God-sized assignment for you. You will quickly realize you cannot do what He is asking on your own. If God doesn't help you, you will fail. This is the crisis of belief when you must decide whether to believe God for what He wants to do through you.

At this point many people decide not to follow what they sense God is leading them to do. Then they wonder why they do not experience God's presence and activity the way other Christians do.

The way you respond at this turning point will determine whether you become involved with God in something God-sized that only He can do or whether you will continue to go your own way and miss what He has purposed for your life.

When we request financial support for a mission trip, we are inviting others to join God in something only He can do. Every reaction we hear is an expression of that "crisis of belief." In all, 50 donors are sending us to India this year. Thank you for being one who decided to follow God's leading, and be a part of something none of us could possibly do on our own!

Last year, our India team was privileged to see more than 700 adults pray to receive eternal life, as well as many children and youths. The harvest fields of India are indeed ripe. Thank you for allowing us to be your hands and feet in those harvest fields. We look forward to telling you about what our amazing God is doing among the people of India.

Grateful to be sent out by you,

Hank, Debbie and Ali