Signing up for a mission trip is a wonderful way to share your faith and give back to those who are less fortunate.

Unfortunately, as you start to consider the costs of a plane ticket abroad, passport/visa fees, and living expenses, you may find that the costs are rather expensive.

Here are a few ways you can use to help pay for your mission trip…

1. Fund-raise from local businesses

Try sending out letters from your parish to local businesses asking them to donate to your church’s mission. Remind the business owner that the donation is tax deductible – something that might be most appealing at the end of the year when businesses begin to think about their upcoming tax liability.

It can also be good idea to put together a small portfolio of what you hope to accomplish on your trip. Will you be building infrastructure? Will you be teaching school children? Have you been on a trip like this before? How did it go? Businesses are a lot more likely to donate to efforts when they can visualize the impact they’ll be having.

If a business is not able to donate cash to your trip, see if they can donate supplies. Or, see if they will let you put a change bucket by the cash register so that customers may donate to your efforts.

2. Ask your pastor about a mission fund

A lot of churches have a mission fund that is used to finance trips abroad. In some churches the fund can be used to pay for your entire trip, while others require that you donate a certain amount to the fund every month for a year and then they church will pay for the rest of your trip.

If you are using your church’s mission fund, please be aware that that fund is financed by fellow churchgoers. They’re obviously supportive of your efforts, but be sure to share the results of your mission upon your return. Bringing pictures, letters, and personal updates will make them more likely to support the fund in the future.

3. Save up

It’s likely that you’ll have to contribute some of the funds to finance your trip. Remember that your service is not only about helping others, it’s about self-sacrifice. Try giving up cable television for the year and adding the savings to your mission fund. You might be able to save up to $1200 over the course of a year.

Another idea is to try packing your lunch two or three days a week instead of buying lunch at work. You could easily save $15-$20 a week which adds up to more than a $1,000 over the course of a year!

4. Take out a loan

It might be the least desirable scenario out of the four, but in some situations in might be necessary to take out a loan. They are several banks that offer financing for trips like this although they may be packaged under the label “vacation loans” or “personal loans.”

Many banks will require that you have collateral or high credit rating in order to take out a personal loan, however check with your local bank to see if they offer loans with no credit. If you already a loyal account holder and you mention that the funds are being used for a mission, they might be able to make an exception.

*Photo by KidMoxie*

During the holiday season, many people are more generous than they are throughout the year.  They may donate some change in the red kettle, donate food to a food drive or write a check to their favorite charity.  Many charities plan on folks’ generosity during the holidays to balance their budget or to have enough to help those in need.

However, the simple truth is that many charities need donations throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.  Often, the best way to cultivate a spirit of giving all year long is to start when children are small.  My husband and I are utilizing a variety of strategies to try to raise our seven year old son to be a giver.

1.       Donate generously yourself.  My son sees my husband and I donate to our favorite charities during the year.  We also routinely donate food to our local food pantry, and I try to bring him with me when we do this so he can see giving in action.

2.       Encourage participation in drives at a child’s school or church.  My son’s school has an annual coat drive in the fall and a shoe drive in the spring.  He helps us go through the closets and look for items to donate, including some of his old favorite shoes or coats.

3.       Have the child save for donations.  My son began receiving an allowance at four years old, and from the beginning, his earnings were separated into three categories—save, spend and donate.  He contributed to all three equally.  While he loves to spend his spending money, if the donate section gets too large, he likes to find a place to send the money to.

4.       Have your child watch the nightly news.  This tip may be a bit controversial as the nightly news can be a bit graphic for a young child (and even adults sometimes!).  I watch the news with him and keep the remote handy; if it begins to get too graphic, we quickly switch channels.  However, by watching the nightly news, my son learned about the earthquake in Haiti.  He watched with interest every night and understood that those affected had much less to begin with than we did and were suffering.  He pulled out his bank and said he wanted to send all of his donate money to Haiti.  I involved him in the whole process including finding a charity to donate to that was helping in Haiti.

5.       Teach a spirit of gratitude.  When people feel grateful for what they have, they may be more likely to want to help others who are less fortunate.  Kids see others with much more than they have, but it is important that they learn to be satisfied with what they have, especially when they recognize that so many other people have much less and are in desperate need of assistance.

Donating to others who have a greater need than you do is a wonderful way to express gratitude for all you do have.  Teaching your children to donate from the time they are small can both help them to learn to be givers throughout their lifetime and to appreciate all they do have.  It is also a powerful way to make a difference in the world.

*Photo by City of Forth Worth*

Every once in a while, I am either asked this question, or it comes up in a discussion:

Should I tithe off my income tax refund?

The purpose of this post isn’t to discuss the validity of the tithe today.  It is directed towards those who practice the act of tithing.  I’ve included a brief history and definition of the tithe, but an in depth study is beyond the scope of this writing.  I will provide more information on this topic in the future!

What is a tithe?

Tithe simply means “a tenth”.  In the Bible the Hebrew word was ma ‘aser, and in the New Testament the Greek was apodekato.

Strong’s Concordance gives the following definitions:

• to give, pay a tithe of anything
• to exact receive a tenth from anyone
• tenth part
• payment of a tenth part

Tithing in the Bible:

The first mention of tithing in the Bible is in Genesis 14:

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “ Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.

The law of first mention states that the first mention or occurrence of a subject in Scripture establishes a pattern, with that subject remaining unchanged in the mind of God throughout Scripture.

It is also interesting to note that tithing was established before the law. Therefore, it can be inferred that it did not end with the law.

“You shall truly tithe all the increase…” – Deuteronomy14:22

“Then the LORD said to Aaron: ‘You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel. Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.’” – Numbers 18:20-21

What “increase” in included in the tithe:

The Bible says to tithe off your increase.  The definition of increase according to Strong’s is “revenue”.  Taking it a step further, the definition of “revenue” is the top line figure before deductions are made…in other word “gross income”.

Based upon my research, I believe the best model is to tithe off your gross income throughout the year.  Therefore, when you receive a tax return this is money you’ve already tithed from and it would not be necessary to tithe again (however, that doesn’t mean you can not…or give a freewill offering).

That being said, there are many that faithfully tithe off their net income.  I believe the Lord honors that as well!  In this case, you should tithe with your returns because you would not have done so yet.

Conclusion:

According to the definition of tithe, increase, and revenue I believe the best model is to tithe off the gross.  This would make a tithe off any income tax return redundant.  However, if you choose to tithe from your net income, you should tithe off your income tax return as well.  Whatever model you choose, remember that giving is an act of worship, so honor God with your giving.

God loves a cheerful giver!

Here are some other great posts about tithing:

What is tithing? by Christian Common Cents
To Tithe of Not to Tithe by Good Steward Keys
A Personal Tithe Testimony by Debt Free Adventure

There are currently two major programs that encourage financial stewardship from a Biblical perspective:  Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University & Crown Financial Ministries.  The programs have more similarities than differences.  Both programs have helped thousands of families eliminate debt and find financial freedom while keeping God at the center of all the lessons.  So which one is right for you?  I can’t answer that for you.  Take a look at the information side by side and decide for yourself.

The Programs
Financial Peace University (FPU) is Dave’s life-changing program that teaches you to achieve your financial goals by eliminating debt, saving for the future, and giving like never before. More than 1 million families have attended FPU with amazing results. You will be challenged and motivated to make a plan for your money and change your family tree forever!

Crown Financial Ministries®, founded in 1976, is an interdenominational ministry dedicated to equipping people around the world to learn, apply, and teach biblical financial principles. Crown has taught or equipped more than 50 million people in over 80 nations with the life-transforming message of faithfully living by God’s financial principles in every area of their lives. The ministry is located in the United States, Canada, Latin America, South America, and Africa, and is expanding into Europe, India, Asia, and Australia. Crown relies on approximately 250 employees and over 10,000 passionate volunteers worldwide to help ignite True Financial Freedom around the globe.

Mission Statements:

FPU: To empower and give HOPE to everyone from the financially secure to the financially distressed.

Crown: Equipping people worldwide to learn, apply, and teach God’s financial principles so they may know Christ more intimately, be free to serve Him, and help fund the Great Commission.

Curriculum for Churches:
Crown Ministries & Financial Peace University both offer comprehensive guides and resources to establish classes at your local assembly.  The plans follow a similar course of action:  present materials to the pastor, select a coordinator, establish start dates, and publicize.  Crown offers a bit of flexibility in building a curriculum.  There is a recommended 4-week introductory course, after that you can choose from the Crown Teaching solutions that will benefit the needs of your local church.  Financial Peace University is a 13-week video curriculum that incorporates small group discussions.

FPU appears to provide a more “out of box” kit where the coordinators only need to be able to play the DVD and facilitate the discussions.  This can be a benefit if you are lacking the manpower teach an entire class.  Crown Ministry’s material requires a teacher which would involve more preparation.  Some would welcome this personal touch.

Cost:
The cost of the Financial Peace University kit is $93 per family for a lifetime membership.  The host church will also need to purchase a leadership kit which is $299.  This provides all the information, access, and support needed to run the curriculum.

The price for Crown is not as clear since it is dependent on the courses you choose. The recommended 4-week introductory kit is $25 plus $2.50 for every member handbook.    The Crown Money Map is a popular addition, this course is $125 for a single set or $150 for couple.

The 7 Steps of each Program
The steps to get out of debt and build wealth are very similar.  Take a look at them side by side:

As you can see, both plans are very similiar.  In fact, Dave Ramsey credits the late Larry Burkett (co-founder of Crown) as one of his mentors who helped him get out of debt and form his thoughts and ideas on finances. (source).  Both start with saving a small emergency fund and end with being free to give more because you have eliminated debt during steps and established financial security during steps 2-6.  Dave Ramsey’s theme is focus.  He emphasizes small wins and focusing on completing one baby step before moving to the next.  There is a clear distiction of each milestone that is passed.  Crown’s Money Map design allows you to start multiple initiatives at once (example save for retirement and college in the same steps).

Note:  One Money Design did a full series comparing and analyzing the Baby Steps & Money Map Design.  Be sure to check that out when you’re done here!

Counselor Training
These are actually two different forms of training and difficult to compare side by side.  Dave Ramsey offers a boot camp all-inclusive counselor training for $2,950.  This includes hotel accommodations (the class in in Brentwood, TN Tuesday-Saturday), meals, website membership and training materials.  After training you can offer your services to your church, military or non-profit.  You can also charge for your services if you desire.  The course also grants 35 hours of education credit for certified public accountants.

The Crown Money Map training course set is $125 for a single set or $150 per couple.  If you take the course as part of a small group, all you need is approval from your pastor.  However, if you take the course as a self guided study, you’ll need to attend an additional 1 day workshop held by a certified Crown instructor.  Money map coaches are volunteers and are listed for referals on the Crown website.

Both Crown & Financial Peace are great programs and each one has some benefits that appeal to me.  When researching Crown and Financial Peace for my church I noticed that Crown’s focus was more internal while Financial Peace had the potential for more participants outside of the church.  I beleive it is for this reason that some churches choose to host both Crown and Financial Peace classes.

What about you?  Do you have any experience with Crown Ministries and / or Financial Peace University?

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14

That is the passage of scripture that came to mind as a watched the video below.  My pastor shared this with us during Bible Study and I thought it was amazing.  Here are the highlights

- Mardi Gras celebration canceled for revival
- Spiritual leaders had less than a week to organize
- Over a million in attendance
- Many accepted Christ, including confirmed voodoo priests

Take a look at the video below, it is really inspiring!  Also, remember, Haiti is going to need our financial support for a long time.  Continue to pray for Haiti and if led, support them with your monetary gifts.

“The only investment I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord.”
- J.L. Kraft, head of the Kraft Cheese Corporation

When mapping out financial priorities, some may ask “when is the best time to start giving?” Is it after the debt is paid off, when your financially secure, when the retirement is fully funded or when it feels right?  I submit that giving is not a priority that should be based on your convenience, but rather it is a matter of the heart.  The Bible does not tell us to give once we’ve reached a certain financial milestone, giving is a sacrifice that when approached with the correct attitude is done out of love.

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury,  and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” (Luke 21:1-4)

A mite is a Roman coin that was worth the least amount in that day.  This woman made a sacrifice, and even though numerically it may not have been considered much, Jesus said she gave more than all.  Her giving was not regulated or motivated by her net worth.  Her giving was a testimony of her trust and love for God.

It All Belongs to God

Say this with me:  “It’s not my money…It’s God’s money!” Everything belongs to the Creator!

Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me.  (Job 41:11)

This mindset shifts our giving from self-centered to God-centered.  It’s no longer a question of “can I afford to”, but rather….”God, this is your money, you’ve entrusted me with it…now, what would you have me to do”

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

Last month I asked the question: “Are You Investing Your Talents?” I briefly discussed the differences between planting and burying something. The Bible has a lot to say about planting, sowing, reaping and harvest. When something is planted, it is with the expectation that it will eventually break through the ground and produce. On the contrary, we bury things that are dead or we want to hide.   2 Cor 4:7 says:

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

The treasure is the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is not something a believer should want to hide, yet there are many undercover Christians. Paul said in Romans 1:16:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

As Christians, it is our honor and obligation to share the gospel. The Lord could have enlisted a host of angels to spread the good news.  Instead He commissioned us, the earthen vessels to Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.  This treasure we have has qualities any savvy investor would drool over:

- It’s better than real estate – It will not depreciate…ever.
- It’s better than gold and precious metals – Thieves can’t steal it
- It’s better than tangible goods – Vandals can’t destroy it
- It’s better than an IRA – You don’t have to wait until you are a certain age to enjoy it
- It’s better than a jumbo CD – There is no high entry cost to invest, in fact, the price has already been paid
- It’s better than rare memorabilia – There is enough for everyone…yet it won’t cause the cost to go down
- It’s portable…you can take it wherever you go!
- Value: PRICELESS

If you have this treasure, don’t hoard it and don’t bury it. The gospel is living and is something that certainly should not be hidden. Our job is to plant and let God do the rest.

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
1 Cor 3:6

We have this treasure. The question is, will you plant it or bury it?

The Parable of the Talents is an interesting story found in Matthew 25:14-30  of 3 men and what they did with the “talents” given to them.  The first man was given 5 talents, the second man was given 2 talents, and the third man was given 1 talent.  The first two men doubled their talents, while the third buried what he was given.  When their master returned and asked them to report on what they did with the talents they were given, the first two were praised and given more.   The third man that hid has talent only offered excuses for why he did not grow what was given.  He was chastised and his 1 talent was taken and given to the man who had 10. 

There are several lessons we can learn from this parable:

1.       We are managers (or stewards)
The parable starts with the words “The kingdom of Heaven is like”, thus drawing a comparison between the Lord (our master) and that which He places in our hands.  We are expected to not only be able to account for what He places in our hands, but He expects us to grow it.  There is a difference between planting something and burying it.  When you plant, you place a seed in fertile ground and you work and till the ground expecting growth.  When something is buried, it is placed in the ground with no expectation of springing forth.

2.       What we are given varies according to our measure
It may be easy to think that the man with 1 talent was given the “raw deal” or the proverbial short end of the stick.  But it is important to note that He is not judged against the man with 5 or 2 talents, he is only expected to grow that which was given to him.  Galatians 6:4 says Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.  Ephesians 4:7 also supports the fact that distribution is not equal when it says “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”  We are not to get caught up with what others have.  What can you do with what you do have?  In this parable we see that those that are faithful over a few things are made ruler over much. 

3.       No one was left empty-handed
It is important to note that the Master left every servant something.  According to bible.org, a talent was the largest measurement of money in those days.  Since it was based on weight, it’s value varied.  Scholars disagree on the approximate value of the talent today, but all would agree it was a large amount of money with 1 talent being the equivalent of 20 years wages for a common laborer.

The word talent has transformed over time and is now defined as natural abilities or gifts.  We are each composed with a unique set of gifts, talent, skills and ability.  These are provided by God so we can make a living on this earth but also so we can be a blessing to the Kingdom.  In the Old Testament we read a story of how a skilled musician gained access to the kingdom:

Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me… – 1 Samuel 16:17

They brought who would be known as King David!  His talent as a musician gave him access to the kingdom. 

Are you investing your talents (money & ability) today?

Survey your talents (singer, painter, writer, etc) and ask the Lord to show you how to use your talents for His glory!  Keep your eyes open for opportunities to invest your talents.