After you've asked for questions, you will lead into your various asks.

• "Thanks so much for your questions/listening to what God is doing. I am so excited to be a part of this ministry... <Cast vision one last time before asking for partnership>
  • Ex. "Like Jim was there for me when I was a student and desiring to understand the gospel, I want to be on campus at <university> to be there for those students and to help them to know and follow Christ with their life."

• On the "I am Reliant" page: "But Mr. Jones, I can’t do this alone. Because I am Reliant. I am Reliant on the Lord for everything. And I am Reliant on people like you to team up with us at <university> to make these things possible. Students can’t afford to support the ministry of <org/church>; they can barely afford college. We need others who believe in us and our call to reach students like those at <University>."
  

  • Some ideas for furthering this idea of being reliant:

    • Romans 10:14 states, ‘How can they call upon Him in whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can one preach unless he is sent?’ At <church>, we’re convinced of God’s call and are willing to do our part, but we need others on our ministry team to make this ministry happen.

    • Let me give you an analogy from Exodus 17. Maybe you remember the story. Moses, Aaron, and Hur were overlooking a battle between the Amalekites and Israel. When Moses had his hands raised, Israel would begin to prevail. But when his arms dropped from being tired, Israel would start to lose. Aaron and Hur, seeing that he was weak, held Moses' arms, and ultimately Israel won.

      Who won the war? The soldiers? Moses? Aaron and Hur? It took a team working together to see victory. We see a team as a partnership that can make a difference in <location>.

• On the circles page:

  • Keep each circle's explanation short, no more than one sentence each.

  • "<Insert name>, let me tell you how you can be part of the team. There are three ways we have often received help in our ministry.

    • We need true intercessors who will commit to praying regularly for Reliant, <organization/church,> and our ministry on <University's Campus>.

    • Another way you can help is by connecting me to others you know who would love to hear about our ministry.

    • Lastly, a regular way we’ve been helped is through the generous giving of others. If you don't mind, I'd like to share with you about that now.

Ministry Updates

This not only returns to your mention of the need for prayer but also confirms with the donor that you are not “taking money and running.” You intend to establish a relationship and report back.

Plus, some people will not be able to give financially but will want to be part of a regular prayer team or should receive updates because there is potential they will join the team in the future. Use discretion on this; it can be costly to add everyone to your print mailing list.

In today’s transitional world of communication technologies, it’s best to rely on donor preference for how to send updates. Most missionaries send their prayer letters via email but also maintain a postal mail list.

Script Example for Yes or Maybe Responses

"I send ministry updates in the form of a regular prayer letter or email, and I’d love to include you so you and your family can pray for our ministry. Some people will even make a commitment to pray for me regularly, and I desperately need that. Which method is best for you to receive updates?"

Script Example for No Responses

"Some people haven’t been able to give on a regular basis but still have a strong interest in the ministry we’re doing and want to commit to being part of our prayer team. I typically send ministry updates in the form of a regular prayer letter or email, and if you want to join that team, I’d be happy to include you. At the same time, I understand if this isn’t something you’re interested in at this time. What do you think?