Like most non-profit ministries, Blackaby Ministries International depends on people’s financial support to meet our needs. Because we receive generous and sacrificial gifts from a wide range of people, we feel we should explain our approach to receiving funds. The following are some of BMI’s operating principles:
1. God’s Purposes
Whether by giving the aged Abraham a son and creating a holy people, raising up deliverers such as Moses or Gideon to free His people from bondage, or building His Church and expanding His Kingdom, God is continually at work in our world. God declared: “Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:11). God’s kingdom, not ours, deserves people’s support. People want to invest their hard-earned money in efforts God has initiated. So BMI carefully prays over its activities and endeavors before publicizing them or asking others to support them. Be assured that if we ask for financial support, we will put it toward a venture we believe God is leading us to undertake.
2. God involves people in His work
God has myriads of heavenly creatures at His beck and call. He does not need people to accomplish His work. Yet God has allowed people the privilege of becoming involved in His divine activity. Jesus declared that He did nothing on His own initiative, but only what His Father revealed to Him (John 5:19-20). God uses people to accomplish His work on earth. As a result, we anticipate that God may call specific people to join us in the assignment He gives us.
3. God made people interdependent
When Christians in the early church in Jerusalem experienced need, God led fellow members to give what they could to help (Acts 2:44-47). When people saw the sacrificial love Christians had for one another, many were drawn to the faith. Likewise, when the church in Jerusalem faced financial need, God called on Christians in other parts of the world to collect an offering to assist them (2 Corinthians 8-9). God could have met the financial need in numerous ways, but He chose to invite other believers to become involved in God’s provision for His people.
4. We let people know of the need
When BMI faces financial needs, we reveal those needs to others. Scripture indicates that those who have the ability and a willing heart will respond to God’s invitation (Exodus 35:5; 2 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Corinthians 8:9). BMI does not harass donors or inundate them with numerous appeals for money. We believe that, as we share the need, the Holy Spirit will indicate to people whether they should become involved.
Our hope is that people will not be offended that we alerted them to our need. We do not want people to respond as a result of feelings of guilt or high-pressure tactics, but only by the Holy Spirit’s prompting. We share our needs with integrity and then trust the Lord to lead people to respond. God knows what we need, and He will motivate people to provide that exact amount.
5. We seek to be a good steward both of the donation as well as the donor.
Scripture warns that to whom much has been given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Because God motivates people to give, the financial gifts we receive come from God. He has a right to hold us accountable for how we use them. To squander money donated to us is to disrespect God. We therefore strive to be good stewards of what people give us. Not only will we seek to use your gift wisely, but we will also strive to honor God’s activity in your life. We will not share your name with any other organization. We will use strict confidentiality concerning your personal information. We also desire to say thank you and to treat our donors, as well as their contributions, as gifts from God. We hope you sense our gratitude when you donate to BMI.
6. God calls us to be a blessing.
The apostle Paul declares that God blesses those who give (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). We hope you receive a blessing for having given to BMI. We want you to know that you ministered to us personally, and you have our sincere gratitude. We would be grateful if you would partner with us in prayer. Perhaps you can attend our conferences or spending time with us in person. If possible, we want, like Paul, to impart a spiritual blessing to those who support us.
Thank you for prayerfully considering supporting BMI financially! We have many pressing and tangible financial needs. We know God has called us to specific assignments. We trust He will provide. If He is leading you to be a part of His answer to our prayers, we sincerely thank you and pray that you will feel God’s richest blessing on you, your family, and your church in the days ahead!