Today, myself and all other national YFC staff are working on their personal support. As a missionary movement, we depend on friends supporting us financially. The figure that national staff, like myself, have to raise is 50% of our salary.

This may seem odd, but actually it is quite biblical and gives exciting opportunities too. It gives exciting opportunities to people who God has given different ministries to, to be able to partner with me in what I do. It gives exciting opportunities to people to be able to see how God can bless an teach them spiritual truths through their giving to his work. It gives exciting opportunities for prayer with a variety of people. It gives an exciting opportunity for friendship and community, in a world which is desperately in need of friendship and community.

Henri Nouwen says a lot of things about fundraising and giving. One that strikes me, that I had never thought of before ‘fundraising is good for our spiritual life’. I always thought giving was good for us, but actually asking a well?! But, as is quite usual, Nouwen is correct in his thoughts. As I gain the freedom to ask people for money to support me without a fear of them saying no, or worse still being offended, then I learn deep truths about dependence on God.

Nouwen also says: ‘asking people for money is giving them the opportunity to put their resources at the disposal of the kingdom.’

Of course that is true – but I am still working on asking people without fear – so please pray for me today, and over the next few days, as I get to grips with this.

If anyone here who reads this regularly, or knows me as a friend, would like that opportunity to put stuff at God’s disposal by supporting me I would love to come and meet you, grab a coffee/beer/whatever and have a chat and a pray and see what happens.

Peace!