When God lays upon the heart of a person to step up and answer His call to go out into the mission field, their work becomes more than just addressing the needs of the people they are sent to serve. It would be wonderful to know that their full concentration and energy could be put to use where it matters the most. But that is usually not the case.
Most, if not all missionaries, rely on the good will of others to provide the necessary funds that are required to fulfill their mission. We all know and have heard of charitable organizations that are well-funded. Some even to the point of exaggeration, where most of the money that is given goes to extravagant administration costs. If you are like me, you avoid this type, merely for the reason that you have no idea where your money is actually going. I prefer those that assure me 100% of what I am giving is going to the need I have designated it for and not to line someone's pocket.
Seventy percent of American missionaries must raise their own money to serve. Needless to say, this can be a daunting task and one that many are either afraid to approach, or do not have the knowledge to even begin. It is said that when the want-to-be missionary realizes the difficulty, they rarely even start the process because the idea of having to stand before others and ask for money scares them off.
There are many different ways to gather support. A website I found listed a few. One such method, the "Mueller approach," is to pray, and only pray, believing that God will send others to you to offer what you need. The effectiveness of prayer should never be questioned. It should always be to God that we first go, especially when we believe that He is the one Who is sending us to do His work. And when we ask others to pray, the word is spread abroad and our need for support is heard. Prayer also draws others whose hearts have been prepared by God in advance and who never question - they just do. They become willing partners because He set them aside long before the need was realized. However, in the meantime while we are waiting for answers to our prayers, the work God is asking us to do is stuck in idle.
When Wycliffe Bible Translators was asked how their missionaries garner support, the details had to be pulled from them. Their work around the world has been amazing, to say the least. The Word of God has been tirelessly translated by this worthy organization into more than 700 languages in order for the nations to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But it requires that the missionary live among the people for decades in order to understand their form of communication, which often does not include a written language. Wycliffe missionaries ask for prayer but do not share the financial need unless asked. Rather than putting the missionaries into an uncomfortable position of requesting a certain amount, the donor is left to determine how much his heart is willing to give. However, most of us want to know how much is needed so that we can be sure the goal is reached.
The "D.L. Moody approach" is to "share the financial needs and appeal for action." This is a much more direct approach, but can often be viewed as too forceful. Of course, there is also what is called the "Campus Crusade approach:" sit down at a business lunch, present your proposal with colorful pamphlets or booklets, and use a more direct, logical, "spell out the vision, the need and that God is calling you to be part of the answer" spiel. Unfortunately, this may be great for a businessman or top executive, but it has the possibility of being seen as a good tax write-off, or something to ensure the board their money is protected, rather than answering God's call to help. Also, it is probably the least favorable and desirable approach because of the appearance it gives of being a business rather than a demonstration of a heart's desire to honor God. The world is full of businesses of this nature who showcase their charities like a badge of honor.
You are probably asking yourself where I am going with this. Since this is Beka's and Anna's blog, and if you have been following it, the answer is obvious. Although they are profoundly grateful for all that has been done, they have chosen to remain humble in their approach to secure funding. They have not asked for anything, but it is clear that Beka and Anna need our continued help.
I think it would be safe to say that, so far, the two women have relied on the first approach: prayer, both from their end and from those of us who have joined them. And the things that they have been able to accomplish through this approach have been truly amazing. God has heard them and us and has responded by greatly blessing their endeavor, not only with a little money, but with providence and protection. He is mighty and worthy of our praise, isn't He?
Over the last couple of days, a question/answer conversation I had with Beka has revealed a great deal. We have all known what they were aiming for, and we have watched with joy as some of it has come to fruition. But it is only a beginning, a scratching of the surface, so to speak. The work that lies ahead for Beka and Anna has just started, and what they will face in the coming year will determine whether or not Wongani's Hope is built and the children they have been sent to serve come pouring in. Therefore, I would like to share a few things with you that will give a clearer picture of what it is going to take, both emotionally and physically, to see this happen.
As you all know, in one week Beka will be back home in Benton City. However, Wongani will not be with her. The adoption process has proven to be a complicated and lengthy one and she was unable to get it completed in time for her departure. He will be staying behind with Anna and Chifu on the farm until Beka is able to return to Malawi. When I read Beka's words about having to leave him behind, my heart was overcome with sadness for them. She has indicated that communication will be virtually cut off - no phone service, no internet, email or Skyping. A final kiss and a long hug before she boards her plane will have to carry them through her lengthy stay back home until she can return to them and the farm.
Some of you may wonder why Beka is making this trip in the middle of so much unsettledness, and how she can leave part of herself behind. It is true that she is homesick and misses her family and friends, but I want you to know that this will not be easy for her. Although she appears to be putting on a good front, I read the tears between the lines in her response to my questions. She is torn between staying behind with Wongani or coming back to the states. As a missionary, her reasons are obvious: the necessity to accomplish exactly what this blog post began with - fund raising. Beka knows that she must come home and spend whatever time it takes to secure support for her mission, even if it means being away from Wongani and Anna for a long period of time.
I am going to go out on a limb and share with you in her own words how important this is to Beka. My questions to her were about the length of time she would be gone and if she would need to work at home to earn money to return:
"To be honest, I have no idea how long I will be home this time. It all depends on fund raising...my job is to speak with churches and people and see what doors God opens. I could be home for as little as 4 months or it could be a year. I hope sooner rather than later, but I'm just not sure. Right now, I don't have any money to my name to call my own, which makes me feel uncomfortable, so I will probably work at least part time once I get home. My job is really to focus on fund raising but I think it would be difficult not to work. I haven't secured a job yet but I will see once I get home."
Beka also told me that she and Anna do not yet have full support from any one church. The money they have received has come from individuals who are passing their donations through Mabton Grace Brethren, or that which is given to her sister, Mandy, who is graciously handling her meager bank account.
That about sums it up, doesn't it? It also reveals how truly humble Beka is when it comes to asking others for help. The problem is that Beka and Anna need to ask us for help and I think they have finally realized that. Beka is willing to sacrifice being away from Wongani for up to a year to secure that assistance. She is willing to employ a few of the approaches mentioned above, one being to stand before strangers and present the work God has given her and Anna to do in Malawi. She will face rejection, apathy, or silence at times, I am sure. But she knows the task that has been set in front of her and is willing to face it with boldness and a praying heart that others will be drawn to offer what she and Anna need to build the toddler house.
However, as my daughter-in-law, Rachel, pointed out, Beka and Anna should not have to do it on their own. It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. If you believe that God was the author of Wongani's Hope and that He wrote upon their hearts to serve Him this way, it is time for us to also step forward and assist. The sooner we yoke ourselves with Beka and Anna and put our backs to the plow, the quicker Beka can return to Wongani and continue her work in Malawi.
I know this is a long post, but I would like to share some priorities I asked Beka and Anna to give me in order to fully understand their financial situation and their immediate needs. Their desire is to be as openly transparent as they can possibly be so that it is understood by their donors exactly where their money will be going. These are things that are seen as the most vital or urgent in building the toddler house and securing the farm's success, including the funds that are needed for specific projects. As you will see, they are not limited to mere monthly support or what we may see as normal necessities to answer inconveniences. So, I am listing them in the order of priority as Beka and Anna see it.
Current General Monthly Expenses - $700
Although this wasn't at the top of their list, I am placing it here in order for you to understand their monthly living expenses. This includes rent, electricity, water, food, communication, soap, cleaning supplies, medical expenses, and transportation for the five people in the household (Beka, Wongani, Anna, and Anna's two sons, Chifuniro and Keith). They have indicated that once they are living in the house at the farm, they will save approximately $200 per month because they will no longer have to pay electricity, water, or rent. And during Beka's absence, the communication and food cost will also decrease.
Complete Land Registration Process - $400 Beka and Anna have started this process but it has had to be sidelined because they lack the fees required to complete it. These fees need to be paid to two separate agencies: the Land Office and City office. This is crucial. Although they have paid for the official house plans and they are ready to record them, in order for the building of the toddler house to begin these fees must first be paid. Beka and Anna have said this will be the first thing they do once they get the necessary funds.
Garden and Farming - $438
Because their funds are running low and the cost of supplies continues to rise, Beka and Anna have only been able to plant a small portion of their farm ground. A small amount of maize, beans, pumpkin, and a few vegetables are currently planted, with plans to plant soy beans, ground nuts, sweet potatoes, more beans, and cassava as soon as they have the funds to do so. They are trying to take advantage of the rainy season and what little they do have to plant. The following is a break down of their current farm and garden needs:
- To clear and prepare the rest of the land - $110
- Pest chemicals for all 3 acres and sprayer - $200
- Funds for seeds: soy beans $18; ground nuts $25; beans $15; maize $70
Water and Power - $200-$1200 As some of you know through a recent FB message, $200 is needed for a connection fee to electricity, yet does not include wiring the house. However, Beka and Anna have stated that there are cases of people waiting as long as three (yes, that's 3) years after paying before electricity is brought to them. Because of this, they have also considered another option: solar power. It is a much larger investment - $1200 for the panels, the batteries, and to wire the house - but certainly worth considering. Over time, the savings they would realize not having to pay an electric bill would be substantial, plus they wouldn't have to worry about the continual blackouts that occur everywhere in Malawi.
Beka and Anna are in the process of learning what it will cost to dig a well on the property and have promised to get me the information as soon as they know it.
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| The house and almost-completed chicken coop. Look at the view God has given them! |
Livestock - $515Funds have been designated to purchase certain animals, but money to build pens and barns is still needed:
- The chicken house is completed, but an additional 20 sheets of tin is needed for the pig, cow, and goat "houses." - $400
- Wood planks have been secured, but they are needing 15 kgs of nails to build the animal "houses." - $75
- 10 meters of mesh wire to cover the windows - $40
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| Anna and Keith |
Finish House Surface Plaster - $160Although the house appears to be finished and liveable (other than plumbing and power), it is common practice in Malawi to plaster over the brick. Beka and Anna have placed this on the lowest priority, but it would be a blessing to have it completed.
A 3-Ton Truck - $13,000
I have placed this down at the bottom of the list, but only because I was uncertain where it should go in relation to the importance of other things, and because it may appear to many as a startling amount of money. Beka and Anna learned that to have all their supplies and building materials delivered to their property was not cheap. In fact, they told me that "thousands of dollars" went towards transportation costs that could have gone to other needs. They have expressed dismay that the building of the toddler house, which will be a much bigger building, may have to be put on hold until they can come up with a better solution to alleviate this problem.
However, Beka and Anna see this problem as of great importance and have researched the price of a 3-ton truck. The cost to them would be tremendous, but I can see it benefiting them in the long run. Not only would they be able to use it to bring building materials and supplies onto the property, but eventually they would also employ it to deliver animals and produce to local markets, including providing them with vital transportation, if needed. The thought of starting a small transportation business has also been on their minds, which would supplement their income and ease their reliance on donations.
Beka's Round-Trip Plane Fare - $2200
I wasn't surprised at the amount Beka gave me. What's troubling, though, is that the same amount will be needed for Wongani's ticket when he is finally able to travel with her. This is a huge expense for her and dramatically cuts into her finances that could be used for other things.
Non-Governmental Organization Status (NGO) - Cost Unknown
Wikipedia defines a NGO as "a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government." They are generally non-profit organizations with no political affiliation that aim to address social conditions. Although they will definitely be working on it and know they will need to eventually establish status as a NGO, at this time they see it as just another fee they can't afford. Because the project is "underground" at the moment, it would also mean that the process would complicate what they are currently doing. The requirement is one that they will address after Beka returns, but only if she is able to secure more support while she is in the U.S and only until everything they are trying to do is in place.
Once they are able to secure their NGO, the time and energy it takes to keep Beka's visa in good standing will lessen. At present, Beka is able to apply for a 9-month stay. But when the NGO status is established, she will be able to apply for what is called a "Temporary Employment Permit" (TEP) that will allow her to remain in the country for two years at a time. Beka has also stated that there is no requirement regarding the amount of time she must stay out of the country before she can reenter. With the ability to extend her stay that long, the pressure Beka feels over all that needs to be accomplished before she leaves each time will be eased.
I am sure that the information you have just read appears overwhelming. There may even be some of you who feel that the challenge is just too great and the result impossible to achieve for two women seemingly on their own. However, when I consider the great things that God has been able to see His servants accomplish, why should these daunting numbers cause us to doubt that He will complete what He has begun in Malawi?
Beka and Anna have the necessary faith and trust to keep on tirelessly working to see Wongani's Hope built. And they will do it with or without our help by relying on what little they are receiving. Up to this point, they haven't asked for much, and what they have received has been used to glorify the LORD through their faithful service to Him. They will continue to build using one brick, one plank, one nail, and one seed at a time until what they have committed themselves to doing is accomplished.
Trusting them to continue to do so by using our donations wisely is something each of us will have to individually consider. Personally, it only took a brief presentation back in May for my husband, Steve, and myself to give our hearts, our trust, and our time and money to this project. We didn't know Beka Feth, but we recognized her heart. And that was enough for us.
Please consider the needs Beka and Anna have. When Beka returns home, she has a huge task ahead of her, one that I'm sure is causing her anxiety. I know I would be dreading it. But Beka is determined and if there is anything we have learned from her it is that she doesn't give up. She may even show up at your church and tell you about all the wonderful things God has done through her and Anna to bring about hope for Malawi's children. If she does, I am praying that there will be others who will stand up and step out in service to assist them, as so many have already done.
I love writing these blog posts. As I add the pictures to the words, they bring greater meaning to the project. The small reward of just seeing the progress they have made here on the blog fills my heart with joy. It's not my intent to bully or pressure anyone into making donations. I only want to share the thrill and excitement I feel each time I see how my gifts are being used to bring Christ honor and glory. If you decide that you would like to help, as you watch your donations bring God's work to its conclusion, I know that your heart will also respond with joy, filling you with gratitude to the LORD for also allowing you the privilege of having a part in it.
The more work we do for Beka and Anna here, the less the burden is that they will have to carry. Lets all start brainstorming about ways to help secure these funds. Sharing this blog and the work they are doing with our church and community is a first step in letting others know that there is a very worthy project waiting to be recognized. Foremost in my mind, however, is a little boy who will be waiting anxiously for her in Malawi and depending on us to make sure she gets back there soon.
Thank you, everyone, for your generous contributions and for the love you have demonstrated to Beka and Anna. Continue to employ the first and best approach - prayer - not only for them, but also for our success in garnering ideas and support, and for those the LORD will send to join us as we work together to build Wongani's Hope.
In Christ's, Beka's, and Anna's service,
Karen
I am sure that the information you have just read appears overwhelming. There may even be some of you who feel that the challenge is just too great and the result impossible to achieve for two women seemingly on their own. However, when I consider the great things that God has been able to see His servants accomplish, why should these daunting numbers cause us to doubt that He will complete what He has begun in Malawi?
