MSM - writing a support letter

HOW & WHY DO WE RAISE SUPPORT? Reasons People Don’t Raise Support: • You or your parents (or both) might think support raising is really just begging.

• You don’t want to bug people or seem needy.

• You might think you are not a worthy investment.

• You might view raising support as a burden, rather than an opportunity.

• You don’t want to deal with rejection, or people saying no.

Biblical Basis for Support Raising 1. The example of the Levites – Numbers 18:24

2. The example of Jesus – Luke 8:2-3

3. The teaching of Jesus – Matthew 10:9-10

4. The teaching of Paul – Philippians 4:10-20

5. The teaching of Paul – 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

DIRECTIONS STEP 1: Make a list of 50 families and individuals you can send a support letter to.

STEP 2: Write a support letter for each family or individual.

STEP 3: In the envelope you send them, include the following: • Your support letter • A copy of the giving slip that details how to give financial support • A small envelope that is already addressed and stampded for them to send their support back to Christ Community Church (404 S 108th Ave / Omaha, NE 68154) STEP 4: Mail your letters and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! STEP 5: 10 days after you send out your letters, spend a few evenings calling each family or individual you sent a support letter to. PRAY BEFORE EVERY CALL YOU MAKE! Remember, follow up is KEY! Ask them if they have had a chance to read the letter you sent them.

• If they have read the letter: Thank them for the opportunity to fill them in on this awesome trip to Chicago. Ask if they have any questions you can answer.

• If they haven’t read the letter yet: Ask them if you can quickly let them know about the mission trip you are taking this summer. Then, ask if they have any questions for you.

Once you have answered their questions, it’s time for the big step. Ask them if they would be willing to...

1. Pray for you, the trip, and everyone going 2. Be able or willing to financially support you STEP 6: After the trip, we will work with you to create a follow-up letter that you will send to everyone who supported you (we will provide a list of these individuals). This letter will be your way to thank them and tell them about all the amazing things God did in you and through you on the Chicago Trip. You will then mail the letter out to your support team!

LETTER WRITTING 101: • Make it short! (No more than one page, typed.)

• Edit it! (Have a parent proofread your letter and then make the necessary changes.)

• Email your letter to Steve (stephenr@cccomaha.org) by March 21st to get it approved!

• Include a copy of the giving slip that details how to give with each letter.

• Send out 50 or more letters after it has been “okayed.”

• Pray!

GIVING ONLINE: In order for people to be able to give online to your Chicago trip, you have enabled the “Visible for Public Support” under the preferences on your support account (https://cccomaha.focusmissions.com/public). Instruct people to go to https://tinyurl.com/ MSMchicago2021 and your name will appear for them to select and donate. You can also use your personalized trip support link that can be found on your trip account dashboard.

EXAMPLE LETTER Dear ______________________ , (Insert greeting....this is where you make a personal connection!)

I wanted to write you to tell you about an awesome opportunity I have this summer. I am excited to be going on a mission trip to Oklahoma City! I am traveling with Switch, the youth ministry of Olathe Bible Church.

It’s a unique opportunity for me to do missions work so close to home, and I couldn’t be more excited! On this trip, we’ll be working with the organization Student Life to bring the Gospel to Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. The day-to-day will consist of running a kids club, doing work projects, a large worship gathering, and time spent in God’s word growing in my own faith.

I will be leaving on July 5th and returning home on July 9th. In the mean time I will be working hard to raise funds for my trip. The total cost of this trip is $599, which includes all expenses: travel, accommodations, food, supplies, special activities, and training. I know that I cannot accomplish this task alone and I trust that God will provide the finances needed for me to go on this mission trip.

There are 2 ways that I’m asking you to be a part of this trip: 1. Donate money towards the cost of my trip.

2. Prayer support for me, the people we’re interacting with in OKC, and the rest of the team from Switch at OBC. My financial deadline is June 19th. Any amount that you can give will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to support me in this exciting opportunity, please fill out the small form included with this letter. Please be sure to make checks out to Olathe Bible Church, and put my name and OKC in the memo line. Your gift will be tax deductible.

I will give you a call in the next week or so to follow up and answer any questions you may have about this awesome opportunity!

Thank you so much for you time and consideration. I greatly appreciate your prayer and support!

God Bless,

Dear _________________________________ , 3 - 4 sentences about what you ahve been up to: (I’m in 8th grade...I’m invovled in...)

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3 - 4 sentences about the mission trip: (Dates, where you are going, what you’ll be doing...)

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3 way that they can pray for you: 1.

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3 sentences about finances: (total cost, how they can support you...)

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2 - 3 sentences wrapping things up: (What you’re excited about, thanking them...)

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