What does it mean to be on support?

I realize that not everyone understands the term "on support."  Many of you may have questions such as am I just fundraising for the ministry, am I raising my own expenses, etc. 

What does it mean?  To be a missionary on support means that you raise your yearly salary and all ministry expenses.  This isn't done by car washes or selling candy bars.  It is done by forming a partnership with people who are interested in the ministry or just plain care about the person.  The partnership consists of financial giving.  It's typical to give a certain amount monthly.  One can also donate a one time gift.  I use the term partnership because it is important to me that those who have given, no matter how big or small, know that they are an important part of the work that is being done.  I can't do it without them.  I send out regular updates on what is happening and how your gift is benefiting thousands of people around the globe.

Where exactly does the money go?  Many people wonder if just a portion of their donation is actually going to the staff member of choice.  In some organizations, the ministry does take a percentage of it.  However, in COTN 100% of the money goes to who or what you choose.  So, when you decide to support a staff member, it goes directly into their account.  Once 75% of the amount needed that year is committed, and 3 months are actually in the account, the staff member is able to start full time.  Then they are paid by the organization just like a regular pay check out of their account.  The donated money, and much prayer, is what makes all of the life-changing things happen.

How can I give?  There are two main ways to give.  The first is online.  The direct link is http://www.cotni.org/opportunities/9 or you can go to www.COTNI.org, click on "Make a Donation," and then scroll down and click on "Support a Staff Member/Missionary."  You then fill out the amount, my name (Andrew Neal), and the frequency (how often you want to donate that amount), and then click "Add to Basket" and follow the instructions from there.  The other way is by check.  Make checks payable to Children of the Nations or COTN.  Mail it into the Florida office.  P.O. Box 948339 Maitland, FL 32794.  Include a note with who it is for or write the name of the staff member on the envelope.  If you choose to give monthly by check, you will get a receipt mailed to you with another envelope that you can use for the next month.  You also may send in a voided check with a note stating you wish for $XX to be taken out for donation each month.    

Will I be given a receipt?  Yes.  With any method used, a receipt will be mailed to you.  Since it is made out to COTN and COTN is a 501c3, meaning it is a tax-deductible non-profit organization.

I hope this helps you to understand support more, let me know if you still have any questions about it.