PRAYER: OUR WORKING METHOD

As noted in the small book of our history, The Spirit of God Was Moving,

“Weinhardt himself would declare in an early issue of the mission’s Bulletin:

‘Prayer is our working method. Prayer takes our eyes off circumstances, off appearances and focuses them fully upon the Lord of the harvest. He alone has the answers. He alone has the resources. Is there need for laborers? We pray. Do we have need for money, for government permits, for transportation, for equipment, for anything? We pray. We know no other way to meet the situation.’”

The combination of the vision of a pastor (a Lutheran, no less!) and the passion of college students led to the challenge of taking Scripture to heart. As the country was continuing to emerge from The Great Depression, a small committee ultimately outlined the principles of the mission’s financial philosophy, including:

“Point 3: To receive, care for and distribute funds of the mission on the basis of Philippians 4:4-7 & 19; Romans 13:8, 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, with full understanding that the mission shall not solicit any funds.

Point 4: Full agreement that distribution of funds received by the mission shall be made on the basis of actual need (1 Corinthians 9:13-14) and proportionately as funds allow, fully recognizing that the mission, in obedience to Romans 13:8, will not borrow funds and thus cannot guarantee any set income.”

In 2002, these principles were articulated once again by General Director Chuck Lindquist, when writing Guidelines for Communicating Financial Needs:

“…our financial principles are ‘charisms’ of God. …the word means grace or gift. Many organizations like our own—missionary and monastic communities—have adopted the word to describe their particular organizational distinctives or emphases. The Franciscans, are organized around the ‘charisms’ of simplicity and service to the poor. The Jesuits are organized around the ‘charisms’ of obedience and mission to the world… We are organized around a set of ‘charisms,’ too.”

Indeed, Jonathan Lindell emphasized at Briefing Course (orientation), saying that we may go without full support—but that we should see support coming in eventually. If we do not have a good amount of support coming in by the end of the first term—we should seek the Lord on why—If supply is lacking—what is He saying? Yet, when funds were short, Jonathan asked people for a “family huddle” to know if we needed to make any corrections in our life and work. There was no asking for money. The next month, God supplied!

This fundamental relationship of faith will challenge attitudes and shape behaviors at every turn. There is no solicitation of money for projects or people. There is no marketing division or fundraising campaign. There is no pledge of financial support. How can people live like this? Simply. Sacrifically. Without debt. Bearing one another burdens.

A few years ago, Home Office staff were inspired to collect the stories that had been shared over the years of God’s supply and write them up in a book to encourage new workers. Over 150 stories of God’s supply were collected that spoke specifically to God’s answers to prayer over the years; over 50 of them deal specifically with His providing—of finances, materials and people. Exact amount of donations received to match the cost of a ticket home. A check received, written two weeks earlier, to cover the amount of taxes that were being assessed. And even encouraging national believers to trust in God’s supply instead of the missionary for funds for conferences and transportation.

The stories of God’s provision continue today. Recently, staff were preparing, once again, to receive less than full allowance for the upcoming month. Prayers were offered at morning devotions and staff shared encouragement for the upcoming short months. Before the accounts were closed, a call was received in the Business Office.  The caller asked, “How much do you need to cover full allowances for the next several months?” And that amount was provided.