Contact: Rachel Elwood, World Gospel Mission, 765-671-7255
MEDIA ADVISORY, March 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- A recent survey released by Barna Group states that overall financial giving to nonprofit organizations is down, but missionary-sending agency World Gospel Mission (WGM) reports their giving is ahead of this time last year. Offering insight into why that might be, Tim Rickel, WGM's Vice President of Communication, explained, "Rather than treating donors as God's gift to us so that we can do the ministry, we place a strong emphasis on discipling them and enabling them to do the ministry. We really feel like that kind of emphasis gives people the peace of mind to know that their money is well-spent."
According Rickel, developing relationships with supporters--called champions--is a key part of doing international missions. Champions are encouraged to visit the various mission fields and challenged to expand their own missionary activity in their local communities.
"While we have had some of our champions cutting back on financial involvement due to economic hardship, many have remained involved in service in their communities," said Rickel. "But we've also been glad to see many champions recently get involved with their finances, and some have even been giving more as they've sensed God's call for them to step up their generosity."
"We are not by any means immune to the economic downturn; we've made some cuts of our own," Rickel continued. "But God has brought us through some tough times, and we're excited to see what His plans are for those of us who care deeply about this cause and are willing to make sacrifices for it."
WGM is a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
For those who are interested in partnering with WGM in mission fields such as Haiti, Grenada, Uganda, or any of the 23 mission fields they serve in, please visit www.WGM.org or call 765.664.7331.
About World Gospel Mission
World Gospel Mission disciples believers to become missions-active Christians. As an interdenominational missions organization, WGM partners with individuals, small groups, college groups, and churches to intentionally address the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. Learn more here.
