How to raise money for your mission trip

When God called me to a mission trip in 2010, there were many unknowns. 

I’d never been on a plane bigger than a four-seater for a 30-minute flight. I had a history of fearing germs and was going to a country where disease is rampant. But the biggest unknown was how we were going to pay for the trip. My husband and I were both going to Kenya, and our total expense would be almost $8,000. 

I’ve heard people say they would love to go on a mission trip, but the cost holds them back. I made two decisions at the beginning of 2010: I was going on the trip, and I wasn’t going to worry about cost. 

God’s Will = God’s Bill 

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” 

Jesus has called us all to make disciples. If He specifically calls you to do that in another country, you can trust He is going to provide the way for you to do it. 2 Corinthians 9:8 is an assurance of this: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

I have now gone on three mission trips to Africa and have only paid for passports. Last summer, my daughter and I were accepted for a mission trip to Uganda, and my husband and son were heading to Israel on an educational excursion. The total of these trips was around $14,000. That seemed impossible. 

We raised money in different ways and had about $6,000 left to pay and a couple months to pay it. Someone in the community was told our need and sent us the balance through PayPal. We laughed, prayed, and danced around our house that night, rejoicing in God’s provision again. 

God Blesses Hard Work

Faith is demonstrated through actions (James 2:18). We have to do more than say God will provide. We have to act as though we believe it. That’s where fundraising comes in.  
 
We knew God expected us to put in some work to fund our mission, and we trusted He would bless that work. Here are some fundraising strategies that worked for us.

• Send support letters. So many people want to be part of a mission trip, but may not be able to go. Many friends and family will support you as humble yourself and ask. 
• Have a monstrous yard sale. Clean out your house, find a great location, ask people for donations, advertise, and let the fun begin. We did yard sales for each trip, and they were successful thanks to friends who provided awesome locations and items. 
• Use your craft or do odd jobs. Do you make something other people would buy? Do you have a service to offer? Use the money you make to help make a payment.
• Spread the word. Let people know you are going on a mission trip. Talk about it. Share it on social media. I once had an old friend from Virginia donate when she saw my online post. 

These aren’t the only ways to fundraise — just a few that worked for us. NewSpring has seen people successfully raise money in lots of ways, including: 

• Holding Instagram sales (like a yard sale on your Instagram account)
• Selling T-shirts  
• Adjusting the budget to save money little by little 

A mission trip is not an impossibility. The experience will change the way you see the world and understand God’s love. Trust that God will bless you as you prepare for the mission. Sign up and see God show out.