Last Thursday, I wrote 5 Smart Ways Missionaries Can Increase Financial Support. The response was overwhelming. I spent a big part of my weekend reading every one of the hundreds of emails I received from missionaries all over the world. Everyone from Bible translators, vocational training centers, medical clinics, ministry schools, and just straight up boots-on-the-ground missionaries took time to write in.

This Need Can’t Be Ignored.

In my post, I offered help to one missionary. I’m going to keep my word. But there’s no way I’m going to turn a blind eye to your needs. This response was unexpected, but it was no accident. I wrote the original post on a whim in the middle of the night, completely last-minute. I believe it was God.

So, after considerable thought, prayer, and counsel from friends and leaders, I’m going to realign my priorities to help you. Every single one of you.

One (Very Important) Disclaimer.

An online platform, no matter how well done, will not be able to replace face-to-face fundraising.

A missionary and leader that I greatly respect pointed this out to me. This man has trained hundreds of young people in missions and has given his life to serving in the field. He told me:

The thing that actually most directly correlates to success is old-fashioned, pound-the-pavement selling. Looking a person in the eye, and asking them if they will “buy.” Social media and online marketing…should not be used as an escape from risking rejection and doing the hard, gritty work of “real sales.”

I completely agree. A blog is a helpful resource for the very reasons I cited in my original post. However, it’s not a replacement for other support raising methods. I just want to be clear on that. Otherwise my help will do more harm than good.

How I Can Help.

I’m going to do a FREE webinar (online seminar) on writing effective blog posts, writing better support letters, and basic marketing principles. The benefits of doing a webinar:

• accessible to you anywhere, anytime
• accessible to all missionaries, which alleviates time zone differences
• accessible for reference later on
• content that can be tweaked specifically for missions

I have other webinars I was preparing for business clients, but I’m going to postpone those to devote time to this. It will take me a bit of time to put this together. How much depends on what comes next:

Help Me Help You.

There are 3 easy things you can do to help me help you.

1.  Spread the word.
The more people we reach together, the more impact we can have. You know more missionaries than I do. Share this post and the previous post on Facebook, Twitter, your email list, and anyone else you feel might benefit.

2. Sign up for my email list.
Because my blog is not a ministry-centered platform, I’ll be returning to my regular posts after today. Being on my email list will allow me to communicate directly with you about details on the webinar. I will not be writing about it regularly. Since I only post twice a week (Monday & Thursday) my blog post slots are limited.

If you’re not comfortable leaving your email, you can follow me on Twitter or Facebook. However, opting-in for my email list gets you my Read-to-Lead Resource List. Members of my list also get other freebies. In the past I’ve given away music, conference teachings, and most recently all my personal notes from Platform Conference.

3. Fill out the survey below.
This will help me focus the content of the webinar. I want to be on target so I can be of most help to you. It will also help me prepare faster, since I’ll know what you’re looking for. This is an open survey and doesn’t require your name or email. So have at it, and invite all your other missionary colleagues to jump in, too!

Thanks for giving me the honor to serve you. If there are any other questions you have, please comment below. You may very well ask a question someone else has. Let’s continue the conversation there.

Don’t forget:  spread the word, sign up for the email list, and fill out the survey below!