how to raise support

1. Make a Contact List.

Start by listing all the people you know. Here are some groups you’ll want to include:

Your Home Church

Talk to your pastor. He may be able to connect you with other churches or individuals who could help!

Also, reach out to your youth pastor, church staff, Sunday school teachers, and children’s ministry leaders.

Relatives

Ask your parents if they can look over your list. They might think of friends or family members you forgot to write down.

Also, remember to include siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or cousins.

Friends

While your college friends may not have significant financial resources of their own, they can help spread the word to their parents and churches back home.

Pass out your support letter to roommates/suitemates, residence assistants, classmates, or friends from your classes and collegian.

Other Contacts

Think of other caring Christians you know. Your teachers, residence hall supervisor, and work supervisors are just a few.

2. Reach Out to your contacts.

The best way to share with others about your trip is through conversations in person. While one-on-one communication is the most personal method, you can also use presentations to reach groups of people as well.

Whether talking to an individual or a group, follow these tips:

  • Tell them your destination and the dates.
  • Explain what you’ll be doing.*
  • Share your heart for missions and purpose for the trip.
  • Give them time to ask questions.
  • Ask for their e-mail address, phone number, and mailing address for follow up.

*Describe your typical ministry activities include tract distribution, Bible clubs, medical clinics, evangelistic campaigns, church services, and public school outreaches. If you are teaching explain how you will be sharing the Gosple with your students and their families

3. Keep Praying and Trusting God.

Prayer is the key to your ministry. Make this a daily part of your life, and ask others to pray, too.

Ask them to pray specifically for. . .

  • you as you prepare.
  • Effective language skills.
  • Good health and traveling safety.
  • You to reach souls for Christ and encourage the missionaries.

Just as you took a step of faith when you followed God’s leading to take on this mission, you can trust God as you raise support. He can provide for your financial needs!

raising support FAQs

Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions. For more info, read the
Raising Your Support handout
 you received during training sessions.

How do I write my support letter?

YOM provides support letter templates so that you can use to get started. If you choose to use a template, make sure to customize it to fit your missions trip.

  • Give specifics including:
    Destination, trip dates, and ministry activities
  • A Bible verse or brief testimony about how God led you to this missions trip
  • Prayer requests
  • Amount of funds needed*
  • Deadline for receiving funds

*You can also mention that funds cover the cost of airfare, lodging, food, transportation in country, country exit fees, ministry materials, and missionary supplies.

If you can, add a couple pictures of you on previous missions trips/other ministry outreaches. Before printing, check the letter for grammar errors and typos.

How do my supporters send funds to YOM?

Supporters can donate online or through the mail using the address below.

Heartland Baptist Missions
7000 N. Pensacola Blvd
Pensacola, FL 32505

For online donations, they can click Donate on HBM’s home page.

Important Reminders
• Please ask supporters to make checks payable to Heartland Baptist Missions. They must write your name on the check memo line.
• Please do not send cash donations in the mail.
• Financial donations given through HBM are tax-deductible.
• HBM will provide all donors (except cash) with a mailed receipt as long as we are given the name of the donor and their return mailing address.

When do I need to have all my funds?

Start raising support now! Your goal should be to raise most of your support over the next three months. All your support should be in place thirty days before you leave.