Money is both a roadblock and an excuse precluding mission involvement. Overcoming the financial obstacle is perhaps easier than the psychological aspect of using it as an excuse not to leave our comfort zone and serve. To serve involves sacrifice but funding ones mission doesn't mean you have to bear the entire burden of cost.

One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was to not use my own money to fund a mission trip. When I first started going on mission trips, I had the financial means to simply write a personal check. However, when you pay your own way, you are cutting out a huge aspect of the mission experience. I strongly encourage people to raise money for their trip by asking people to support them.

Asking people for money is often a hard and humbling experience. When someone asks you for money to help a cause, how do you react? If I know the person is sincere about what they are doing and has a strong and genuine passion for their cause, I love supporting them. To be successful in this endeavor you have to look into your own heart and determine if this is something you truly believe in…this soul-searching is healthy and strengthens you in your work.

When someone supports you financially, they are invested not just with money but with their heart. Now you have a whole team that will be supporting you not just financially but probably prayerfully and intellectually; they learn from and through you and your efforts.

Another thing that I have found, and I can't explain it, is that those with the least give the most and those with the most often give the least. Don't limit who you enlist to join your cause!

So, get out there, commit to a mission you believe in and don't let money be your roadblock!