Heather and I are in our first assignment with MAF called Ministry Partnership. We will be seeking a team of financial and prayer partners to participate in this ministry with us. Here we would like to answer some common questions that spring up concerning this!
What is ministry partnership?
God has given many people a heart for bringing God's word and His love to people around the world who do not know Him. He has also given many a desire to bring physical help to those who are in desperate situations. Many are not able to go do the hands on work themselves, but they desire to be an integral part in missions through giving and praying. Heather and I are called to invite these people to consider reaching out to Indonesians with us through their giving and prayers. Heather and I are only the tip of the iceberg of a group of people who will join us in reaching out with the news of God's love and grace in Indonesia.
What are your needs? How much support do you need to raise?
MAF has given us a goal of $7300 in monthly ministry support. This number has been updated since we've gotten to Indonesia, and is higher than we were asked to raise when we were in the States. Thanks to the abundant provision of our God and through the generosity of our supporters, many have given above what they said they were going to give and we are currently at 100 percent of the new number!
What does the monthly support go towards?
This amount represents the world-wide average of all MAF staff-related costs divided by the number of staff families. These include salary (with cost of living adjustment for appropriate country), housing, benefits like health insurance and retirement, children's schooling if appropriate, employment taxes, visas, and furlough travel. MAF career staff families are all required to raise the same amount regardless of which country they serve in.
If support levels drop when a staff member is overseas, they are not pulled from the field to work on support, but are allowed to serve the rest of their 3 1/2 year term without a pay cut. They can bring their level back up to the standard set by MAF when on furlough. This helps eliminate a lot of stress for MAF missionaries, helping them serve well on the field!
Why does MAF operate this way?
Those who fly with MAF overseas are charged a rate for their flight based on what they can afford. For many of those that MAF ministers among, paying the actual cost of their flight is not possible. This is one reason we raise ministry support! The giving of our supporters makes it possible to bless the critically wounded villager who has no money with a flight to the city where he can receive medical attention. It makes it possible for us to carry a Wycliffe Bible Translator in and out of their village at a subsidized rate they can afford. It makes it possible for us to carry those indigenous pastors and missionaries with a heart to minister to their own people. It also makes it possible for us to carry medical supplies to places where they are badly needed. There are numerous examples of how the giving of our supporters blesses those to whom MAF ministers!
How can I participate?
If you're considering joining our team, Heather and I are thrilled and we'd love to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to join us in prayer or ask questions, please email us at rlundholm@maf.org. If you would like to join financially, please visit www.maf.org/lundholm or e-mail us.
Is MAF a trustworthy handler of money?
MAF is a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, having annual audits by an outside firm. MAF is looked to in the non-profit world as an example of financial responsibility. MAF's reputation for wise stewardship of resources helped them earn the 2008 Passion Award:
