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In order to aid you, we have compiled the following real excerpts from some of your prayer letters and leaving pieces. Then in Part B, we have reworded them. Notice the difference.
Examples of what not to write:
- “Please continue to pray that the last 25% of my support comes in soon.”
- “Please continue praying for the development of my ministry team.”
- “I want to thank you for your wonderful support over the past year.”
- “Thanks again so much for your financial gifts and prayers.”
- “…and has also raised up one third of my necessary support.”
- “My prayer is that…my financial support base would…”
- “Thank you for all your prayers, thoughts…and financial contributions.”
- “…will quickly raise up my ministry team so I can get back to campus.”
- “I am at 45% of my funds raised.”
- “I need a team of ministry partners who will support me with monthly gifts and prayers.”
- “Thanks for making our ministry possible here at… [XYZ]…State University.”
- “As you know, 100% of our salary comes from the generous donations of people to GCM’s work here at… [XYZ]…University.” (This may sound OK, but #12 below would be a better way to state it.)
How can I re-word these phrases to be GCM-friendly?
Here’s how you can rewrite the same sentences shown above:
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As you can see, these are not major changes. But they correctly communicate that the donor is supporting GCM, not the staff member personally. Again, most of you are doing a good job at correctly wording your prayer letters. But for those who feel they need to make some revisions, we would strongly encourage you to adopt these types of changes with you next prayer letter.
Some good examples written by staff members.
We thought it would be helpful to show these also:
- “Through your faithful support and prayers of GCM’s work here, He continues to bless…”
- “Currently, GCM needs $500 more in monthly support to bring us to…”
- “I am asking folks who are already supporting GCM financially to consider increasing…”
- “Together with Great Commission Ministries we are bringing meaning to many hopeless and hurting students.”
- “Currently I am trusting the Lord to provide financial prayer partners for GCM so I can work full-time on campus.”
- “Pray also for God to provide a large number of special gifts so that GCM will have funds for these start-up costs.”
- “I appreciate your steadfastness in both prayer and financial gifts to GCM.”
- “Thanks for supporting Great Commission Ministries and allowing us to do ministry here at…”
- “I’m grateful to you for allowing GCM both to build a bridge to these young people and to…”
- “It will cost GCM about $1,200 for me to attend this conference.”
- “Thank you for your support of GCM’s college ministry.”
- “I’m also excited about how your generous gifts to GCM make all this possible. Your ministry partnership with GCM is truly having a global effect.”
Do I have to mention GCM in every prayer letter?
Yes. To understand this, it might help you to think about how GCM deputized you to raise funds for its ministries. So what does deputation mean? Well, a deputy is defined as a person empowered to act for another. GCM has empowered you to act on its behalf in raising funds so that GCM can carry on its ministries. So, a deputy does not act on their own personal behalf, but in representation of another. Thus, your prayer letters should reflect your deputation by the way you represent GCM.
Do I need to put the name “Great Commission Ministries” somewhere on every prayer letter?
Yes, you are presently required to do this. Many staff members already include this somewhere on their letters either in the letterhead, address line, or somewhere else on the page. You could possibly put it in the return address on your envelopes. Also, you could even use the GCM logo on your letterhead or envelope if you want.
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