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| sanjay anchan: (03/02/06) Jack I have been serving the Lord for 5 years now and I will continue to do so.. But i don't have a regular financial support..It's only my mother who supports me financially..but now I am married and going to have a child so want to have some people support me..I am from India, so it is hard to raise support here, so I am praying and look for people outside India to support me..could you guide me please.. |
| Jack: I praise the Lord for your calling to serve the Lord and your faithfulness in doing so.
When we look at the history of the Early Church, most specifically in the Book of Acts, we note that all different kinds of people "served the Lord." Some of them received remuneration for their services which enabled them to serve "full time," others supported themselves. Paul is a good example. At times he received funding from churches. Note his communication with the church at Philippi (Philippians 4:10ff). Other times he supported himself (Acts 20:34). Down through history we have noted that God's servants have supported themselves through a variety of means. Offen the pioneers initiate their work by preaching in their free time, until they have developed a congregation that can support them. Other times, friends and congregations support them. Personally I would not be enthusiastic about someone like you receiving financial aid from outside. It would open you to the criticism of Indian people that you are projecting a "foreign Gospel." Once you start, it will be difficult to stop, as a dependence is created. Such an arrangement would also open you to be unduly influenced by those who provide the funds. History has shown the value of developing local ministries that are self-governing, self-propagating, and self-supporting, However, I am sure that the Lord who has called you will guide you in these matters. Jack |
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