Financial Support FAQ

Why do missionaries need financial supporters?

Missionary funding is different than a commercial enterprise because there is nothing to sell.  Missionaries need like-minded individuals and churches to stand with them in ministry with prayers and financial support.

How much financial support do you need?

As of November 19, 2013, we had pledges for more than 100% of our Required Monthly Support of $2,840 per month and donations to cover our Start-Up Expense Budget of $43,200.  These goals had to be met before we could leave for the mission field.  Yay God!

Monthly support includes our allowance (salary), medical insurance, payroll taxes, retirement, travel allowance, and administration (10%).

Our start-up expenses included training and language school, household set-up, air fare, medical & immigration, our first month’s support, and a contingency fund.

Do you still need one-time  or special donations now that your start-up expenses are funded?

Yes!  All donations go into our ministry fund, whether pledged or not.  We don’t get a “raise” if our ministry fund has a surplus.  But we will have more funds available for ministry expenses, unexpected needs and emergencies, increases in expenses (such as health insurance premiums), and to allow for a natural decline in supporters over time.

Special donations and new pledges will help make up the gap between our Required Monthly Support (what we had to have to leave the country) and our Recommended Monthly Support of $3,480 per month (what HCJB Global recommends we have).

Are my donations tax-deductible?

Donations to HCJB Global qualify as charitable deductions for tax purposes.  For many people that will mean that a $100 contribution will cost $75 or less.

Donations are tax-deductible since they are to the mission rather than the missionary. Mission trustees maintain authority over donated funds as a matter of integrity and legal compliance.  Missionaries who raise more funding than needed are not allowed to increase their salaries.  Under-supported missionaries continue to receive full salary for a brief period before taking pay cuts or seeking additional financial partners.

What About Accountability?

HCJB Global is a charter member of ECFA, the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability.  Go to http://www.ecfa.org for more information.

Other Questions?

If you have other questions about the financial requirements for us serving in Ecuador, please ask.  The reality is that God’s work requires willing hands, people who pray, and generous people who give financially.