I have been asked many times by friends to write a book on fundraising.
I suppose the reason is that almost everywhere God has placed
me has required a financial miracle to avoid utter defeat in
the work God had called me to do. At last, I have tried to write
something that would especially help leaders who are faced with
similar circumstances - a financial miracle or failure in Godís
program.
It has been proven to me again and again that God always has
the money for anything He wants done. And, He is always ready
to channel that money through His people.
In this book, I have tried to outline principles that
are safe. Principles I have used successfully again and again,
where people do not get ìbuyerís remorseî after they have made
commitments to Godís work.
These are simple laws that seem to govern successfully tapping
into Godís bountiful supply of money for His legitimate work
down here. You will find the rules hidden in the stories of
fundraising miracles that follow. Some have been forged in deep
stress, but they have invariably ended in great rejoicing.
If you can find and apply the rules that bring God on the scene
and get His people in touch with Him in their giving, 90 percent
of your problems will be solved.
My first experience at raising large amounts of money came when
I was Director of the Assemblies of God National Radio Department,
ìRevivaltime,î from 1951 to 1958.
In 1953, the General Council in Milwaukee voted to put ìRevivaltimeî
on the ABC live network, with a full-time speaker, Dr. C. M.
Ward. The money needed to purchase air time for nearly 400 stations
required extensive and ongoing fundraising efforts.
My next challenge came when I was voted in as superintendent
of the Illinois District of the Assemblies of God in 1960. In
need of new headquarters, we purchased the 160 acre Carlinville
property the year I was elected. Everything from the ground
up had to be developed and funded. This presented quite a challenge,
but it must have been Godís way of preparing me for my next
position.
In 1971, I became president of North Central Bible College in
Minneapolis, Minnesota. This is where I learned the most about
the need for large amounts of money.
Since then, I have been asked to participate in many fundraising
projects for churches and various ministries.
Over one four-week period, I raised well over $1,000,000. That
was the only time I ever checked on the amount pledged during
a specific time. For some reason I have never kept a record
of what money I raised. Perhaps itís just as well that I didnít.
"Many
times the victory in any situation depends on funding"
God has helped me to raise large amounts of money without offending
people. Because I have tried to keep my approach safe and scriptural,
I have been asked again and again to the same place to raise
funds.
Many times the victory in any situation depends on funding.
The final outcome can be won or lost right at that point. That
is why I hope my experiences are of some value to people who
are struggling over the lack of funds to do what God has called
them to do.
The principles outlined in this book have been used again and
again successfully. These are simply accounts of my experiences
and some of the laws that govern successful fundraising.
Over the years of being involved in raising money for various
churches, colleges, and organizations, I have probably learned
more about giving than about fundraising. In fact, learning
how to give has been the key to my success in raising large
sums of money for projects that have allowed me personally to
invest in the kingdom of God.
More and more I realize the truth of Paulís statement in 2 Corinthians
9:7 that ìGod loveth a cheerful giver.î My experience has taught
me that ìhappy, cheerful giversî give more and do not have ìsecond
thoughtsî the next day. That truth has led me to build a format
for ìcheerful giving.î
Anyone who raises money in the easiest way must, himself, be
a ìgiver.î He must have learned that it doesnít ever hurt anyone
to obey God in giving if the person is sure of Godís leading.
The fundraiserís main job then is to get God and the people
working together on the problem.
There are definite laws that govern "cheerful"giving,
and I will try to outline these in the coming pages. The accompanying
accounts from my own experiences - all of which can be easily
authenticated - will show these laws in action.
In the millions of dollars that God in His goodness has helped
me to raise, I have tried to do it with the kind of dignity
that makes God happy to receive it. I never want to promote
anything but happy, enthusiastic, and spontaneous giving.
I hope that when you have read these stories of financial victories,
your faith will be strengthened to do whatever God has called
you to do - regardless of the money involved. Such obedience
will affect your life - and Godís work - for all eternity.
"God
always has the money for anything He wants done".
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