GFA is frequently asked, "How
are you able to financially maintain such a high quality service
organization without charging the missionaries?" Our answer—YOU—the
supporter!
How GFA works
Like other mission service agencies, GFA strives to be obedient to
God's great commission by strengthening the church and the missionary
in order that they will be more effective in accomplishing God's
command to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world.
To accomplish this service, mission organizations need financial
support. While it is possible to assess the missionaries for a
reasonable amount to cover the services and benefits received, GFA is
convinced that there is a better way.
Since our inception, GFA has maintained a policy of not placing the
burden of home office expenses on the shoulders of its missionaries.
GFA seeks to be funded primarily through independent donations of
churches and friends. Some GFA missionaries do help voluntarily by
sending monthly or occasional donations.
In addition to the steady growth of GFA Missions, we have also
increased our services rendered to meet our missionaries' needs.
However, with the help of supporting churches and other friends, GFA has been able to
maintain its practice of meeting its office expenses without suffering
a monthly deficit. It is our desire to continue this faith-based method
of support as a mission agency just like our missionaries.
Whether the support for the home office comes directly to GFA or via
a deduction from the missionary's support, God's source is still the
same—YOU—the supporter.
We believe that our policy is worth maintaining for the following reasons:
- It lightens the missionary's burden. Wear and tear on the
missionary is lessened. Because the missionary is not required to raise
additional funds to support the home office, deputation time is
shortened significantly.
- It makes for good stewardship of the Lord's provision for His work.
This policy makes good financial sense in many ways. Here is one
example: Because the missionary is not having to support the home
office, his total income is lower. This reduces his U.S. and foreign
tax liability, allowing more of the Lord's money to be used directly in
ministry on the field.
- It reinforces confidence in our policy of recruiting quality, not
quantity, in our missionary force. There has never been pressure to
lower our standard to uphold a missionary quota. GFA is not dependent
on the number of missionaries to meet operational costs through the
fees received from them.
- It maintains our status as a true service organization by providing
free assistance for all our missionaries. Even if a missionary is
financially unable to afford the benefits, GFA can still provide
services to help him successfully do the work to which he is called.
- It satisfies donors. Donors greatly appreciate knowing that 100% of
what they give for a missionary goes to that missionary without any
service fee deductions.
Would you consider one of the following:
Including GFA home office in your monthly missions budget as a missions project. - Sending the GFA home office a designated amount per month for each GFA missionary you support.
- Sending a one-time gift for the GFA home office.
