Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - Missions and the Falling Dollar
(Note: I decided to bump this post back up to the top of the blog because the situation hasn't changed and I feel it is important)
Missionaries all over the world go through the same daily ritual; we check the local exchange rate like folks back home check the weather.
None of us are in this work for the money, it is a rewarding life, but we are always conscious that we are asking people back home to sacrifice financially to make it happen. We ask people to pray and to give because the cause is more than worthy. The Lord has blessed us with a great support network of churches and individuals and you are a part of all that happens here. We are privileged to be the agents here on this end of world missions.
Many of us can quote Paul in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. The direct context of that statement was in regard to his financial support as a missionary.
Philippians 4:10-13 “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in all and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
There is a great deal in that passage that only hard times can teach a person. Which is the greater challenge, to live for Christ in prosperity or in want? A Romanian pastor I once heard said that most Christians will pass the test of persecution but fail at the test of prosperity. Paul said that he had learned to live in either which means he had a solid daily focus on Christ and his values reflected the values of the Kingdom and not of the world.
The fact that the US dollar is trading at historic lows compared to other currencies has a direct impact on world missions. Speaking about this with my administrator at ABWE and my home church pastor they both told me that they don’t have any missionaries at full support. Our situation is far from unique, it is almost universal.
The following chart records the fall of the US dollar relative to the Brazilian Real over the past five years.
We have fallen from a high of R$3.6 to $1 to a low now of R$1.73 to $1. This scene is repeated with almost all of the major currencies that US dollars get converted into to make the Great Commission a reality.
What Can You Do About It?
1. Understand your missionaries are not talking about lifestyle expansion; this is affecting the very basics of life such as groceries and gasoline. The money that they projected they would need and raised to fund their particular mission is worth far less now than when they left for the field. Giving to missions is critical right now.
2. New missionaries leaving for the field are forced to raise far more support than missionaries have in the past. It used to be that places like Brazil were rather inexpensive countries to serve in. That is no longer the case. Your pre-field missionaries are going to need your support and understanding. Schedule meetings with them anyway, they are developing a network of people not just financial supporters. Don’t be afraid to schedule meetings because you can’t offer financial support at this time. Pre-field missionaries have a positive impact on churches.
3. Pray for “tent-making” opportunities. We have received authorization to work on a limited basis as coming home to raise support is not an option given the fragile condition of Hope Baptist and where our kids are in their schooling. Many missionaries are turning to secular employment on the field as the only short term solution. From a missions perspective the right job could create opportunities for the gospel as well as keep your missionaries on the field. It does create a strain on our time both for the work and for our families.
4. Missionary special projects such as building churches and other works are suffering greatly. Many of us have been forced to call a halt to building projects indefinitely. One-time gifts or special missionary fund raising projects from Sunday School classes or youth groups can have a great impact on keeping building projects alive.
The bottom line is that while missionary giving has remained steady or even increased the actual effect of that giving has nearly been cut in half over the past few years. The need for the gospel has never been greater and a casual glance at any newspaper will tell you time is short and the world is in deep trouble. The battle will not be won without the participation of the home front. We ask that you prayerfully consider this situation and do whatever the Lord leads you to do.
Philippians 4:17-19 “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
By His Grace,
Dave McIntyre
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