One area that people find difficult to approach is raising the financial support needed for missions. Below are some suggestions that you might find helpful.
GOD IS OUR PROVIDER: (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:8, Matthew 7:8) We must remember that God is committed to and responsible for supplying our needs. He loves us and desires to give us good things. As we are obedient to His leading, we must trust Him to make the way for us. It is easy for us to look to others instead of God, putting pressures on those who are not responsible. We must keep in mind that God is our provider and we need to trust Him to take care of us in unexpected ways.
DEFINE YOUR MINISTRY: (Hebrews 2:2) Before you can effectively share with others, you must know what God is calling you to do. Pray over and define the vision and direction for your ministry, the circumstances that have led up to your call to do sports ministry, and how you feel this program will affect what you hope to do short and long term. It will also be helpful for you to understand the vision of our ministry and why God is calling you to be a part of . As you become aware of what God has called you to do, there will be a confidence and excitement in what you share. People want to support those who will be fruitful and make a difference.
THE VISION GOD HAS GIVEN TENNIS MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL? The ministry of is based upon the premise that tennis can be used as a powerful tool for bridge social, cultural and communication barriers between people, resulting in opportunities for friendship, evangelism and discipleship. We are committed to use tennis as a platform from which the people around the world can hear the Gospel message; train and mobilize others in using tennis as a ministry tool; and serve the local church and community through athletic events and training.
SHARE YOUR NEED: People are not likely to support you unless they are aware you have a need. Personal contact, whenever possible, is the most effective means of communication. One thing to remember is that the more personal you can be the better. Relationship is the key. As you share your vision and needs with others, commit yourself to seeing their needs met as well. Look for ways to serve and bless them. Your motivation must not be, “What can I get?” but “What can I give?” Begin by calling and setting up appointments with those you feel are interested in what you are preparing to do. Ask God to show you those He would have you contact. Be sure to have some information regarding on hand to share with them. As you share, remember that God is your provider. Do not make people feel responsible for your needs. Most likely, they already feel weighed down by their own needs and responsibilities. Giving should be a blessing for them, not a burden.
PRACTICAL THINGS TO DO: In obeying God, we must be willing to make sacrifices ourselves. Sometimes God wants to see “just how willing” we are to obey Him. Many have earned money for their tuition and expenses by selling their cars, furniture, stereos, etc. The rich young ruler was willing to serve God in a deeper way until Jesus asked him to sell his possessions. We must be willing to ask God if there are any possessions He would have us sell, and we must be willing to obey.
May you be encouraged and have the faith to step out into what the Lord wants you to do!