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Here is a template for your final prayer letter. 

Express Appreciation

First, thank the donor for their past giving and maybe share a story of some things which happened over the years while you were in ministry which their donations helped achieve. 

"In addition to praying for me, you also have the opportunity to choose to continue your partnership with Reliant in enabling (Church or ministry name) to reach out to the college generation. I know many of you committed to support Reliant on my behalf, and I am so very thankful for your faithfulness to give as you have been able to."

Cast vision for your next steps

...

Reliant believes that God is still at work at your life and calling you to something new.  Express that with hope and faith to our ministry team. 

Example: "The recent years working with students has allowed me to see that I'm designed to understand culture and philosophy in deep ways.  An opportunity has arisen where I can utilize those gifts.  In two months I will start a fellowship at a local university ..."

...

Provide concrete guidance for the Giving you need

Example: "Your giving is as vital as ever though the end of May. My last day of ministry activity is April 30. Since I have $___ available as back-pay (or reimbursements), Reliant allows funds to cover those expenses until May 31."

...

Propose an Opportunity for continued PartnershiP

...

Example:

"Whether you decide to complete your partnership with Reliant at this time, or if you are considering continuing to be involved, let me offer a few options.

Please consider continuing your partnering with Reliant at (ministry name).  I'd like to recommend that you transfer your Reliant giving to ________(missionary name)_________?      Should you choose to partner with Reliant on behalf of _______Missionary name_________ role with (name of ministry), you may do one of three things: contact me, contact her directly, or go to www.mygcm.org where you may change your financial partnership from my name to hers.  

If you would like to stop your financial partnership at this time, you may contact Reliant by phone at 407-671-9700 ext. 142, email (donor.services@reliant.org), or online at www.mygcm.org.  If you are enrolled in the LifeLink program, you may call, email, or go online to stop the automatic donation program. The transactions will automatically stop after the (month) LifeLink transaction if you do not contact Reliant.  If you have any further questions about your Reliant support, please contact me. "

Things to Avoid 

We realize that many factors lead to a change in ministry.  It's common for God to use uncomfortable situations to move us on to new opportunities.  In communicating with donors, focus on what is ahead and how it relates to your calling. Don't use exit communication with donors to air confusion, disillusionment or team conflict.  Concerns you have need to be directed to those who have the power and responsibility to address those concerns. Negative tones could leave a ministry team member wondering about the value of what they gave previously. That would dishonor their sacrifice. 

Specifically be cautious and avoid: 

• airing theological differences. 
• opportunities you hoped for but didn't realize. 
• airing disappointment related to your team, leadership or ministry focus. 

Ways to honestly honor your investment and the supporter's Gift:

• "I'm looking for new kind of challenge."
• "I have found a better fit."  (or "an even better fit.")
• "I"m so glad for the ways I have been able to serve and look forward to directing my energies to______."
• "My commitment to the Great Commission is deeper than it's ever been and I look forward to ___ ." 

Timeline for Communication

Ministry Team Members should receive word of your change 2-6 weeks before the last day of your employment.  It's simply not fair for them to learn you stopped employment before they heard from you.  At the same time, notifying them too early may result in team member stopping their giving before you finish.  

All Exit communication needs to be approved by the Reliant MR team.  The deadline for us to receive your letter is 30 days before your end of employment.