Ready to Go: Raising Support for your Summer Mission
by Sarah Wontorcik
Once you’ve been accepted to a summer mission trip with Cru®, one of your big next steps of faith is trusting God to provide the financial resources needed for your mission.
Here are some frequently asked questions when it comes to developing a team of ministry partners who will help you participate in a summer mission or other short-term mission trip with Cru.
We don’t expect you to do this alone! We provide tools and resources to help along the way, and your summer mission leadership is available to help, too. If you don’t see your question below, reach out to summer.missions@cru.org.
Jump to a specific question from here:
What is Ministry Partner Development®?
Ministry Partner Development® (MPD®) is simply inviting others to partner with you and your ministry through prayer and financial support. Other organizations use terms like support-raising or fundraising, and while that is an element of MPD, at Cru we consider those who give as more than “donors” or “supporters” — we’re inviting people into gospel partnership. Together, we are participating in the Great Commission! Through Ministry Partner Development, you are trusting God for His provision as His people give of His resources to accomplish His redemptive purpose.
Why does Cru® require me to raise support?
Ministry Partner Development serves a practical and spiritual need. Practically speaking, you’ll need money to cover costs of travel and living expenses while on your mission trip. By inviting others to partner with you in meeting this financial need, you allow them to participate in God’s work through you, expanding the impact of your mission trip.
Furthermore, God calls His people to be generous, just as He is generous: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich,” (2 Corinthians 8:9, New International Version). When we invite others to partner in God’s mission, we invite them to practice generosity and grow in their own relationship with Jesus.
MPD also develops your faith and communication skills. As you share about what God has called you to, you’ll need to share and ask clearly (don’t worry, we have many resources to help you do this!). MPD requires you to step out in faith, initiate in the power of the Holy Spirit and leave the results to God. You will see God provide in surprising ways, and your faith will grow along the way.
How do I do it?
For summer mission trips and short-term mission trips, we recommend a five-step process:
Namestorm.
Write your letter.
Follow up.
Thank.
Report back.
Namestorm
First, you’ll brainstorm names of people you know — we call this “namestorming.” At this point, don’t rule anyone out! Write down every name that comes to mind.
Write your letter
Once you have a list of contacts, your next step is to write a one-page letter inviting people to partner with you. Be sure to clearly communicate your vision, calling, and an invitation to partnership. You can use these sample letters as a template.
Follow up
A little bit after sending your letter, you can begin following up with people. You might find that people have decided to give generously after receiving your letter, without a second connection from you, and that is wonderful! But many people need a reminder after receiving a letter, so a simple, gracious follow up text, email, or phone call can make a big difference.
Thank
Send a thank you note to each of your ministry partners for partnering with you. Thanking others helps us grow in gratitude for what God is doing in our lives and all He has given to us. It also ministers to those who give generously. When someone gives something to us, they aren’t often looking for thanks; but when they receive thanks, it brings joy to their heart.
Report back
Toward the end of your trip or after you get home, send a short one-page update on how you saw God work on your summer mission. Many summer missions will create a “summer mission newsletter” that you can personalize and send out. This honors the Lord and encourages your partners to know how their partnership made a difference!
Who do I ask?
First, ask God to bring the right people to mind. Then, when putting together your list of contacts, write down every person you think of without ruling anyone out. God will surprise you with who He calls to partner with you, and you don’t want to exclude anyone from the opportunity of participating in His work!
As you “namestorm,” here are some categories to think through: family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, advisors, mentors, family friends, church friends, Cru staff and co-workers.
For more ideas, look through your social media accounts and see who liked your most recent post or wished you a happy birthday, scroll through your phone contacts to see if anyone stands out, or consider asking close friends and family who they recommend you send a letter to.
As you prepare your mailing list, you might be tempted to exclude people, but resist that temptation and ask boldly! Most often, those who receive an invitation to partner are honored to be included, and excited to hear how you’re trusting God with your summer. We want to give as many as possible the opportunity to partner in God’s mission.
How do I talk to my parents about my plans?
Family dynamics can be complicated, and everyone’s experience is different. If you’re worried about what your parents will think of your plans to go on summer mission with Cru, reach out to a Cru staff member on your campus or leading your summer mission. They can help you navigate those conversations with grace and faith.
If your parents have concerns, we have an information page for parents that shares helpful context and answers to those questions.
Above all, remember to ask God for a humble posture when talking with your parents. Share how God has used Cru in your life, and why you feel called to go on a summer mission. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead the conversation and quiet any fears you may have.
