This is the first of many monthly updates I’ll be sending out over the next couple of years. True, I’m not in Africa yet, but I’ve learned quite a bit just in preparation for this trip.

One of the biggest dilemmas I’ve dealt with so far is how to go about raising financial support while on the mission field. Is it fundamentally right? Is it good? Is it holy? Am I worthy of support? Society has drilled it into our heads that we shouldn’t have to lean on anybody to get the job done, that a self-made man is one who is admired. Satan’s biggest lie is when he tells us that we can make it on our own. That we don’t need anyone’s help. This lie separates us from one another and from God. As a recall trying to be independent from God is what ultimately led to Satan’s downfall. So how do I go about raising support?

“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”
Psalm 127:1

As you can see the only way for this to work is that I need to seek first the Kingdom of God and not the dollar. If money is my primary goal than everything I do in raising support is going to be tainted with the “love of money”. I know that if I try and build my support base all on my own it will not last. I need to build something that won’t break during the harsh storms and is built for the long haul. The only thing I found so far in my life that is that rock solid is the love of Christ.

Our God is a personal god and that is what I want to be with you. I’ll be sharing very personal experiences and at times will probably be sharing things that are outside of my comfort level. Along with all the amazing things God will be doing I want to be able to share with you my fears, struggles, and trials as well. I don’t really think I’ll be doing you or myself any good if I don’t give you a realist view of a missionary’s life in South Africa. Simply put, I want to be real with you.

One of my constant struggles as a young Christian to try and balance dependence on God while at the same time not avoiding responsibility. Living without a predictable paycheck for the next few years is something I never thought I would be comfortable with, but in spite of the challenges that lay ahead I am convinced it’s a privileged lifestyle. God has faithfully met my needs in the past and I am more confident today that he will continue blessing my finances.

If you are interested in supporting me I would like to encourage you to ask the Lord before making your decision (see verse below). I would rather your obedience be to him rather than to me.

“And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will”
2 Corinthians 8:5

As you, I thought it would be relatively inexpensive to live in Africa, but to my surprise the cost of living is roughly the same. There are even instances where it’s more expensive, i.e. cell phones. It’s my goal to be as transparent as possible with my supports so you know where your money is being spent. Currently, it looks like I will need to raise about $1,500 a month to cover my cost of living

Typical monthly cost of living expenses in Africa:

Montly Goal: $1,500

Rent: $250
Cell Phone: $100
Internet: $25
Groceries: $300
Health Insurance: $125
South Africa Church Tithe: $150
Gas: $140
Car Maintenance: $70
Car Insurance: $140
Car Loan: $200
(I’ll be taking out a loan state side to help purchase a car in Africa)

Other costs:
Bank fees, dining out, sending mail to the states, calling the states, tv license (oh yes you need to have a license to own a tv), ministry mission trips, etc.

>> Learn how you can support me
>> I have some questions

World Missions and Evangelism or “WME” is a non-profit Christian corporation organized for the sole purpose of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. They operate as a facilitator and ministry to help the Body of Christ for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. WME will be handling my financial support, allowing donors to receive tax deductions for their giving.

They take nothing for their own administrative costs, ensuring that all funds targeted towards our ministry are distributed to me.

I’ve been playing with a new Flash photo gallery to display my pictures. Check it out and let me know what you think.