practicing dependence on God
"YWAM is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision... YWAMers give themselves, their time and talents to God through the mission with no expectation of remuneration." (YWAM Fountaional Value #16)
We have seen God’s miraculous provision over the years time and time again, just like He provided manna for the Israelites in the desert. But as a seasoned missionary explained to us as we sat with her for coaching on how to raise support— when the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land the manna stopped. The provision was still there, but it was in a different form. They now had all the resources they needed, but they had to “work the land” to access it. We recently experienced a sort of “crossing over” as God made it clear to us that choosing to be career missionaries was a legitimate career, and also our calling. In that moment something switched in our minds in regards to fundraising. In the past we felt sometimes guilty or awkward asking for support, but after realizing God’s calling to be career missionaries, we saw that it’s an honor to have a team of financial partners supporting us to be unhindered in the work we are doing, because not only do we receive blessing— but our partners receive blessing as well!
It was very insightful to be reminded about how it used to work with the Levites: the Israelites would bring their sacrifices and offerings to God, but in the end the Levites were able to eat those offerings. So essentially, God was providing for the Levites through the Israelites. And we truly believe it is the same when you choose to support missionaries like us— you are first giving to God, and He then in turn gives to us. The “God-factor” takes away all awkwardness and shame, and it’s so freeing! This illustration was really helpful in understanding this concept more, taken from Scott Morton’s book, “Funding Your Ministry”.