As a traveling evangelist, we have to be creative in coming up with some means of support. It takes money to keep the wheels turning and food on the table.
Most people see the “TV” evangelists and hear them talking about their planes and see their high dollar wardrobes. By that they figure we’re ( evangelists) all rolling in big donations. After all, don’t they spend a lot of time asking for money on their “shows”?
Not all of us do that. As a matter of fact, most of us struggle to get to the next town to maybe minister at a rehab. facility to bring the light of hope and the gospel of Jesus Christ to people struggling to get their life back on track.
“Well then”, you ask, “What about the love offerings?” … What about them? We came to give. These people are down and out. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t pass the plate everywhere we go.
Most places God calls us to minister are not high powered events. Big names don’t show up. There are usually no ‘atta boys’ or big dollars… You can’t even sell your latest book or CDs. These people need help, not someone taking their last dollar in the name of the Lord.
Then why do we go?… Simple… God called us. If we were in it for the money, I would have stayed a secular entertainer.
He said ” Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 15:16).
He didn’t say “Go get rich, buy airplanes, big ranches, Armani suits, and fancy cars.” He did say, however, “He would supply all our needs” (Philippians 4:19).
When we started this ministry several years ago, we hoped people wanting to be of service to the Lord, but not feeling called to go on the road, would come alongside to help us make a difference… To not make us rich, but share some of the financial burdens. We travel in 2001 motor home and drive a car with well over 200,000 miles on it. Not exactly living the high life.
Still, we are very thankful for the few who recognize our ministry and see God’s hand at work. We thank them for their support through giving love, finances, and most of all prayer. Without them, the struggle would be much greater.
Other than that … unless we are in churches where we receive love offerings (sometimes only enough to cover fuel expenses) or at a venue paying for a concert, or a special event, financial support is pretty scarce.
We don’t get much attention to this page… no word of mouth going out. The messages God gives us to write often go unread, and the donation page, of course is totally skipped.
How do we keep from getting discouraged? One word … Prayer
How else do we do it? We work. We own a seasonal outreach restaurant in Quartzsite, AZ. It doesn’t pay all the bills, but it helps.
In the mornings (5 days a week) we have Bible study in the dining room and then we open for food service in the afternoon. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday and closed Sundays. This past winter we set up a 60ft. X 20ft. tent on the back of the property and had Sunday afternoon worship services.
The days are long (14 to 16 Hr.) but we are blessed to have a real family restaurant, that not only serves great BBQ, but also dishes out the gospel. The meager amount of money brought in helps support the ministry. the rest of the year.
The people, from whom we lease the building, have been one of our greatest supporters.
He charges us (very reasonably) for the three months we’re open and allows us to leave all our equipment in place in the during off-season. What a blessing!
Now, unfortunately, that’s about to come to an end. He’s selling the property.
He gave us first right to purchase. Even though he offered it to us at a bargain-basement price ($295,000), we don’t have it.
The people looking at it don’t want the restaurant. They just want the property that includes a laundromat and a propane station, so they can resell it at a profit when the market goes up. They see it for what it is. Not the gospel corner it could be.
On the other hand, it could be a great tax write-off for someone wanting to help further God’s kingdom instead of man’s. agenda.
We either have to find a place to move all our equipment or a place to store it.
Please pray for us and for this ministry. I know God never closes a door without opening another … It’s in His hands.
My prayer: 
Almighty Father,
You are in control of the richest and the poorest. Why people have to suffer only you know the truth of it.
Forgive our sins, Lord, and guide our hearts and minds so we can better serve You.
We can read the Scriptures, give an educated answer (guess) to questions, and ponder what seems like unanswered prayer. But when it’s all said and done, You are the answer. Only You know for certain what tomorrow will bring and why You allow things to happen.
Lord, I pray for all the needs of Your children… to stop their suffering; spiritually, physically, and financially. Bring families together in one accord to serve You.
I pray for strength for the tired ones reading this … put joy in their lives.
I pray for the brokenhearted one suffering in anguish over the loss of someone or something important to them. Take away their tears.
Lord, I pray for our country and our leaders, that they make good decisions, Biblical decisions, to bring our country back to You. Stop the lies and power greed running rampant in Congress and bring the truth to light.
I pray for a new beginning …
In the precious name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen