Thanks, Elaine, for your forthright question concerning what your response should be to missionaries who ask for help.

You raise at least two issues:

1) Should missionaries follow Paul's example and support themselves? This has been a pattern for some down through history. The Roman Catholic missionary monks frequently went out planning to seek means of self sustenance. So did the Moravians.

In countries of "creative access" many have legitimate businesses or teach, as they seek to be a witness to our Lord. However, there is a pattern in the Scripture that supports the concept that Christian workers may live from their work, beginning with the priests in the Old Testament.

In 1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 5:17ff, Paul discusses the issue. First of all he defends his right to support himself so as not to burden his hearers, but he is quick to say that this is not a universal principle.

Rather, he notes that "the worker deserves his wages." In the same way we expect to support our pastor, the missionary has a right to be supported.

2) To whom should we feel responsible to support? I commend you and your husband for your hard work, tithing, and offering as you are "led to do so."

It is precious that you are open to God's specific word to you regarding participating in situations of special need.

I think it is important to know the people to whom you are giving and not only support them financially, but also in prayer.

This is why I encourage young people who are trying to "raise support" to see it more as "people raising," establishing a relationship with future "colleagues" in their ministry. This takes time, but I think is very crucial.

Personally, I don't think you should feel responsible to meet every need that comes your way. I would counsel you to continue on in the pattern you have established.