Last year, before the football season began, I had the opportunity to attend a luncheon with the Missouri State football team.  The Head Coach, Ryan Beard, gave a very motivational speech to those present.  Among his inspiring words were two phrases that continue to captivate my attention:

            “How you do anything…is how you do everything.”

            “What you do when nobody else is looking is our tactical difference.”

While he was speaking about the way his football team practices and prepares for games, I think these principles can easily be translated into our everyday ministries and lives.  This can be particularly true in the area of finances.  At the beginning of a new year, I thought I would simply remind you of a few ways that we make a tactical difference in the stewardship of the funds with which God has entrusted us.

Quarterly Reports

Since we operate under the 501(c)(3) code of the IRS, we must be able to provide an account to them on how funds that we (the Mission Office) distribute are spent on a rolling 90-day period.  The QR helps us be in a good position to do this.  Most of our missionaries are always on time in submitting these reports, and for that we are grateful!!  This makes our job much easier.  Maybe a new year can motivate those that need it to resolve to be timelier with the Quarterly Report.  We are always available and happy to help in this matter.

Personal vs. Ministry

“How do I classify this purchase?”  “Can I use my personal funds for this expense, and, if not, why not?”  “Why can’t I just put everything under ‘Subsidies’?”  “Are fees from my tax preparer personal or ministry?”  “What if I use some of my Social Security income for ministry purposes?”  “What if we have a ‘helper’ in the home?”  “What about my car insurance?”  You’ve got questions…and we’ve got answers!  Let us help you navigate these and other reporting issues in order to always be above reproach.

Love Offerings

When receiving a Love Offering from a church, the best practice is to send this to the Mission Office for processing.  This will ensure transparency on your part and increase overall efficiency.  If the Mission Office processes the gift, then the donor will receive a tax-deductible receipt. 

Cash Gifts and Gift Cards

Upon receiving these types of gifts, the two main questions are: 1. Do I have to report them, and 2. If so, in what category?  The answer to both is also an answer to another question.  Ask yourself, “Am I receiving this gift because of who I am to this individual, or for what I do?”  For example, if the gift is coming from an immediate family member, who would/could give the gift because of your relationship, then you need not report it.  However, if you are receiving the gift because you are a missionary, then it needs to be reported.  The next question is simple… If this is a reportable gift, then, ”How did you spend it?”

God has called us to be a people of integrity and character, in every aspect of life.  I hope these simple reminders will help us please and bring Him the honor He deserves.

-Brian Garrison