1.GOD WILL PROVIDE SO LET US TRUST HIM. (Matthew 6: 25-34).

2.BUT FAITH AND PRAYER AND WORK ALL GO TOGETHER (Epistle of James).

3.TELL GOD'S PEOPLE. In almost all of Paul's letters he mentions the 'offering for the poor' or financial support for himself (see e.g. 2 Corinthians 8:8-15).

4.FORM A SUPPORT GROUP who will pledge a regular commitment of finance and prayer. Missionary and evangelistic groups have found this to be the most equitable and effective way to link people in a disciplined way with those set apart for specific ministries.

5.WORK IF NECESSARY. If support for a worker is inadequate, it can be supplemented with sale of skills, produce or assets. Paul was careful not to be a burden on anyone but gratefully accepted financial gifts, supplementing these with his own efforts (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, 2 Corinthians 11:8-9, Philippians 4:16).

Rowland Croucher (John Mark Ministries).