David vs Goliath? Remember who won!!
While in my car recently, I listened to a radio program that featured a speaker from the World Food Program, discussing the famine in South Sudan. He also described with concern growing famine in several other African countries: Namibia, Somalia, Ethiopia and the Sahel to name just a few.
His greatest lament, however, had to do with those of us not suffering from famine, who are not responding with the urgency that we did some 20 years ago when famine and human rights violations decimated Sudan.
He referred to “donor fatigue” and individuals feeling a kind of inability to really make any difference or meaningful impact.
WHAT CAN WE, THE POOR, DO, SURPRISINGLY, TO HELP THESE DONORS?
I suggest at least two themes must be included in each of our proposals and requests:
- A measurable, lasting and, at times, saving difference will be made by your grant.
- An unmeasurable but significant impact is made in the lives of your congregation by the faith and collaboration their support represents.
- Measurable. Your grant WILL make a difference for the people you identify in your proposal. Reinforce that what is done by their grant cannot be undone: children taught to read, for example, will NEVER be illiterate. A family surviving a famine will at least survive, on average, for several years before the next one. The average well in Africa, you can indicate for example, provides water to its community for over 20 years! In short, the financial support of the foundation will have LASTING BENEFIT.
- Unmeasurable, but real. Even faith-filled, committed missionaries need, from time to time, to know that they are not “in it” alone, and they are truly impacted by their donors. If, as the saying goes, “many hands make light work” then many hearts, in spirit together, can stimulate courage and hope for the difficult and at times heartbreaking work that never seems to end. Many hearts together make for stronger hearts!
As ever, Mission Project Service believes in you because we’ve come to know so many of you, we’ve heard your experiences and, just as importantly, have felt the love and hope that you feel for those you serve.
Continued thanks from us for all you do, and may the Holy Spirit move the hearts of those who can share their resources to walk with you in your important ministries!