Faith-Building Fundraising Amidst a Pandemic

Spring is always a support raising push for our current candidates, as they anticipate departing for their schools in the summer. However, with the added challenge of social distancing due to Covid-19, recommended practice of meeting one-on-one with potential donors had to be rethought. Plus, with the pervasive economic uncertainty, most candidates felt an added layer of uneasiness as they made their "asks." In reality, many of the candidates found that people were willing to meet over video chat, which helped relationally since we all felt so isolated. Donors were also happy to hear of God still calling people to serve Him in missions even during these uncertain times. And the wonderful mystery of the body of Christ, is that Christ is the head, so as our candidates are called to go, others are also called to give - even during these economically unstable times.

Both going and giving require faith! Our candidates are growing some significant faith muscles right now as they continue with their ministry partner development. Those muscles will certainly be helpful, as their departure dates and school procedures will require added flexibility this year, due to Covid-19. We are so encouraged that 53 of these new candidates had already exceeded 50% of their total fundraising goal by mid-June, compared with 34 candidates who reached that milestone by mid-June in 2019.

The pandemic has also impacted the support-raising plans of our current members. In addition to having their local ministry plans (and occasionally location) disrupted, the pandemic has affected the travel and ministry partner visitation plans of our missionaries. Like our candidates, current members have had to adapt to using video chat more extensively to connect with existing and future ministry partners. We have been so encouraged by the ongoing support of our members’ financial partners, with many special gifts and increased monthly giving, in recognition of the unique financial needs that have arisen due to the pandemic.

A final way we’ve seen God working through fundraising in the pandemic is with a number of Covid-19 assistance campaigns for our schools and projects. Many schools and projects have been significantly impacted by the loss of revenue and/or unforeseen expenses resulting from the pandemic. These schools and projects have quickly responded, through launching fundraising campaigns to invite financial partners to join them in meeting these needs. And we have been so amazed by the enthusiastic and generous giving that has resulted. Our Beyond Borders ministry saw over $6,000 given in a one-day fundraiser to provide food, medical supplies, and other necessities for the project in Ethiopia. Southeast Asia Rainforest Academy was astounded to see their $17,600 goal met in a matter of days – for what they thought, would be a month-long campaign to raise funds for staff food aid, student sponsorship, and computers. Most recently, the Kilometers for Kids global fundraising event for our Open Schools Worldwide Ministry has just concluded with more than $20,000 given to provide life-changing learning to marginalized children, who will be particularly affected by the pandemic. As we rejoice to see how the Lord has provided for those needs, we also recognize that many of our other members and projects are still actively in need of financial partnership, to help see them through these challenging times. If you would like to learn more and consider partnering with one of these Covid-19 assistance projects, you can easily find them highlighted on our project giving page.