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- As said earlier, “There is no better gift than intercession to the Almighty on behalf of another.” For example, I try to pray for people on the spot when they request the need for prayer. Immediate intercession precludes me forgetting and breaking my promise to pray sometime in the future. In addition, a hand-written note or an email with a prayer encourages. Begin to build a prayer list so you can pray for someone with your spouse or family members for a season of sickness or other felt needs. Prayer means you care.
- Ministry to givers also includes being present for special occasions like births, deaths, graduations, and weddings. You need to plan for funds in your ministry budget to cover travel and accommodation expenses for those times you and your spouse are invited to attend one of these memorable events. The investment of time in the families of your donors shows your genuine concern and love for them and their children.
- When one of our givers or a son or daughter is blessed with a newborn, we send them a copy of Max Lucado’s book, In Case You Ever Wondered. It is a very uplifting and personal story of the Lord’s love for a child. I write a personalized note in the front of the book to the infant reminding him or her of the parents’ love and Christ’s care for them.
- What needs do the children of donors have, and how can I help serve them?
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What is donor care? It is meaningful ministry to the giver so they feel cared for and appreciated. Jesus said it well, “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” (Luke 6:38, The Message) At Ministry Ventures, our approach to fundraising is to first give and then trust God for the gifts. We care for donors because we want to model generosity and gratitude. We believe that the Lord blesses meaningful ministry to givers.
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Donor care begins with prayer. There is no better gift than intercession to the Almighty on behalf of another. I love how Paul framed this for those who invested in him,
- “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel . . . And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” (Philippians 3-5a; 9-10)
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Who can I reach out to and ask them for their prayer needs?
- I cannot stress enough the value of listening so you can learn during your time with ministry investors. Leave your phone in the car, and look them in the eyes as you converse together. Their ideas are usually timely, and their overall wisdom is refreshing. Write down what they say, and follow through with what makes sense to better your ministry. Also write down ideas of how you can help them with people connections, resource referrals, and prayer support. Timely follow-up and follow-through communicate that you care and that you are competent to complete the task. Always dress neatly and smartly, while carrying an attitude of humility and humor.
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Presentation skills can be learned, so in the beginning you may even script out what you want to say. Write out the key points in a narrative, and then take an outlined version with you. The Holy Spirit anoints preparation, so prepare your heart and mind.
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How can I learn to listen more and talk less? What advice has a donor given me recently that I need to follow up and implement?
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