Dear mission partners,

Every so often, we are asked how we are doing financially in view of inflation, my expanding work in Africa, Holly’s work, increased expenses with the kids, etc. It is a good question and an issue that I spend time thinking and praying about. In fact, I was sharing with my workout buddy Jeremy yesterday that in my devotion time in the Gospel of Luke that day, four different times Jesus brought up the subject of money in one way or another. He certainly was not afraid to talk about it. But money is a loaded issue with all sorts of sensitivities, and sometimes it is easier for us to avoid it rather than discuss it.

God’s Word clearly teaches that God owns everything. (Ps. 24:1) We are His servants, stewards of His riches. (Prov. 3:6,9-10, Luke 16:9-11) We are not to love money (1 Tim. 6:10) but “godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Tim. 6:6) Thinking about money, whether you have lots of it or little of it, has the potential to distract us from more important issues. Jesus says you can’t serve God and money, and then proceeds to apply that truth in the area of worry about fundamentals of life. (Matt. 6:24-34) However, we do live in a world where money is necessary. As usual, the Bible is more concerned with what is on the inside than on the outside, so guarding our heart is important, fighting against greed, envy, covetousness, and materialism in all its many forms. Jesus, Paul, and others affirm the call to be generous givers rather than hoarding our possessions, understanding it all belongs to God. (Luke 12:13ff; Luke 21:1-4; 2 Cor. 8-9) Jesus, his disciples, and others were supported by women and those who had resources. (Luke 8:3) I could go on, but the point is that the Bible has much to say about money, including how it relates to ministry.

At the same time, there are realities with which many of us who are full time missionaries must deal. We are part of a “faith-based” mission organization (EFCA/ReachGlobal) which means we need to raise all the money for our personal and ministry needs from partners who support our mission work. If the contributions come in, we can do the work. If they don’t, we can’t. We are not independent. Rather, we are part of a team, and each of us has our role. God has called us to “go,” and others he has called to “send.” For over 15 years Holly and I have been living and serving based on the faithful contributions of our dear partners. We pray for each other. We care about each other. And we serve God in this way together.

This leads us to the bottom line. Over the past few years, there have been some developments in the world and our service. Thankfully the effects of COVID are diminishing making travel easier, but prices for travel are just the opposite. A ticket to Africa that cost me $1200 five years ago now costs $2800. The needs of pastors in Africa who attend our trainings are increasing, so we need extra funds to support them. We praise God that Holly is healthy, which means she can travel with me maybe once or twice a year, but that doubles our expenses for those trips. Inflation has ramped up, so all our expenses are increasing despite how vigorously I search for cheaper deals. Holly is also collecting a salary approved by our mission for all the work she does in advancing God’s kingdom through prayer initiatives and many other ways, but to collect that salary means we need to raise that support. When it all balances out, it ends up that we need to raise about $5000 more in monthly giving! Wow!

In all of this, please hear my heart. We are trusting God, and know He will provide what we need. But as the primary “breadwinner” and the one who handles our finances, I bear the responsibility to proceed wisely down this path. I heard a missionary recently ask his current supporters to increase their giving by 10% or more from what they committed to five years ago in view of inflation and increased costs. Great idea! Another option is to add more partners – those who contribute regularly and generously in support of our work. We trust God will move in people’s hearts as we are diligent to continue in His service and talk with people who may be interested. The other option is that we cut back on our expenses – cutting out Holly’s salary, cutting back on the number of trips I do. We hesitate doing this until we are certain this is the direction God would have us move, for there is much work to do and God is able to provide. So “in faith” we will continue on and be encouraged as God works through the generosity of His people to supply our needs, just as He used the Philippians to supply Paul’s needs, “according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:14-19)

If God is moving in your heart to partner with us, or to increase your partnership, praise to the Lord! Please click on the link to the left that says, “Partnership (Giving Info)” or contact me at eric.belz@efca.org or 360.915.3921. I would love to help you in that process or answer any of your questions. Thank you!