• I’m sure you understand that most non-denominational mission agencies expect those who apply to them as candidates, to raise their own financial support, which normally comes from local congregations that know the candidate, or their personal friends. Since you live in Zambia, I would assume that most mission agencies would be convinced that you couldn’t raise sufficient support from your own country, and you don’t have the contacts established in the U.S. to do the same. Even people born and raised here often have difficulty securing the necessary support. • Mission agencies like to know well the people they accept. This involves a process of securing references from trusted sources. Since you are in a foreign country, where the agency leaders don’t know your friends, it is difficult for them to either get to know you at such long distance or appreciate the value of those who know, appreciate, and support you as a potential missionary. • Most probably, mission agencies feel that you should be part of the ministry of agencies in your own country, where you are known, have practical experience, and are appreciated. As you know, there is a growing movement of missions, sending missionaries from non-western nations. • There are exceptions, of course to what I have outlined above. I have known foreign nationals who have come to the U.S., perhaps for study, who have made friends, have shown their great potential for ministry, and in the process have won the confidence and support of sources in this country. Other have so impressed North Americans working in their countries that they have “sponsored” nationals, inviting them to accompany them on trips to the U.S. where they are introduced to the contacts of their friends. We have a number of Latin Americans in our mission who have achieved this level of recognition and appreciation from American churches and individuals, have been able to raise their support in our country, and are full members of our mission, carrying out effective ministry.

I trust these few thoughts will be helpful to you.