Ask a Missionary - Catch The Fire

A: Work part-time and study part-time.
I’m in favor of prefield missionary training, but I am not in favor
of incurring large debt from that training. One practical consideration
is to study part-time and be gainfully employed at the same time to
pay the school bill as it occurs, which gives us time to assimilate,
apply, and practice the information and training we receive before
going abroad. This should not be a frustrating process. After all, if
training is God’s will for the missionary candidate, then developing
character through fiscal responsibility and responsible debt payment
is also a part of his training program.
Answer from Ron Meyers, who served as a missionary in Korea for thirteen
years and in China for five years.
A:
Receive financial support during your
education.
I believe that, to the extent possible, every church in America
should support at least one seminary or Bible college student with
exactly the same commitment they do a missionary or any other
ministry. I also happen to believe that more families should pray
about becoming personally involved in helping to train somebody to
minister in areas where they cannot go themselves.
Most ministries, and some missionaries, have the ability to let
their needs be known. But in reality, average seminary students
have a very difficult time, or even fear, speaking out about their
own needs. Christians shouldn’t be beggars, but on the other hand,
God’s Word does not prohibit asking or letting a need be known—as
best I can tell. If all Christians were totally attuned to the Holy Spirit
and could sense every need of God’s people, these students would
never have to ask for help. God depends on those who are attuned
to support those who have needs. 3
Answer from Larry Burkett, founder of Christian Financial Concepts.
FUNDING: Figuring It Out | 141