Propempo International

They say that when you leave overseas ministry status to do missions ministry "at home" you lose your halo and your furlough. In practical terms, this means that the home-side mission teacher, trainer, mobilizer, administrator loses the automatic aura and awe naturally attributed to overseas workers. Also, it means that the home-side missionary minister, no matter how effective, faithful and hard-working, is rarely allowed a special time set apart for partnership development (read that: support raising). So, the end result is that there is an inevitable erosion of respect and of resources. God is our great source of provision, encouragement, and direction. Yet, we must do our part, too, to articulate a vision for ministry for the glory of God and give His people the opportunity to become partners in this great work.

Case in point: Propempo International support

We're going to have to take a short "furlough" for Propempo to strengthen our financial partnership base very soon. The concept of expenses continually creeping upward while income slides in the other direction is NOT a sound strategy!

A quick analysis of Propempo support shows that, although we're a local church oriented ministry, only 41.7% of donations come from local churches. 24.1% of support comes from folks over 70 years old, most of them over 80 years old. 18.3% of support comes from younger individuals, bringing the support of all individuals to 42.4%. 15.9% comes from foundation sources.

So, some honest questions (I'm thinking "out loud" here): Where are the churches which should be supporting this ministry? Why don't those who have been helped and encouraged through Propempo support it? Who do the older supporters know to whom they can pass down the legacy of supporting this ministry? Who will replace the 24.1% of support they represent? What other foundations or trusts are there out there that would like to know about Propempo? How can we acquire new supporters to help make it all happen?

We are, by the grace of God, on the forefront of some very exciting developments in Propempo ministry:
* the church-based teams concept is gaining momentum
* the Missionary Training Class is intense, expanding, and being fruitful
* the North Africa Project is pressing onward with growing momentum and personal commitments
* writing projects are being a blessing to more and more
* church relationships continue to grow in stride

Please pray with us that God would be pleased to provide according to His will and according to His riches in glory!