God has opened doors, in our ‘latter years’, and Geoff and I have been accepted as missionary candidates for Spain.

It reminded me of Joseph Prince's comment, “With the former rain, farmers begin ploughing and planting seeds. Then, the latter rain, which is even more important, matures the crops for harvesting”.

However, the process of deputation is a rollercoaster ride! We cannot escape the highs and lows, and it IS a walk of faith. We must be careful to not let the ‘capital’ required to dominate our thinking, but instead to concentrate on Jesus...

Gleanings from ‘A practical Guide to Raising Support - People Raising’, by William P. Dillion

‘You are about to embark on what can be one of the most maturing and spiritually fulfilling ventures of your life’ (Tucker, D)

Friends you thought would support you… don’t!

… days go by, and when your support level does not increase, you may be tempted to question your calling to missionary service.

Deputation is not, as is so often misrepresented, a punitive measure, but a privilege. It is not a promotional gimmick, but a prerequisite for a missionary career...you learn how to work with people and how to adapt under divergent, difficult, and sometimes desperate circumstances.

A missionary on adding friends to their network of people, becomes involved with caring, praying, and burdened people. Sweet times of fellowship result in interacting with believers through support-raising.

Support raising is far more than raising money. It is a ministry. It is about relationships. It is watching God work his eternal program for the ages in a practical way.

Missions are God’s idea, and it is a real privilege to speak to God’s people about God’s program and to enlist their petitions.

Be encouraged. Trust God. Relax and enjoy your challenge!