What We Do
Why Support A Missionary
Why do missionaries have to raise support?
LAM is an interdenominational faith mission, supported by freewill offerings and contributions of churches, groups and individuals. The needs of the work are constantly laid before God in prayer, and information concerning the work circulated among the Lord's people. All monies received are under the control of the Board.
As a faith mission, LAM is not related to any particular denomination nor do its missionaries receive denominational support. Instead, LAM works across denominational lines both in Latin America and in the recruitment of missionaries from North America. As an independent mission, the mission and its missionaries must raise all of its income through the contributions of generous supporters.
In order to be accountable, LAM is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (www.ecfa.org) and the Evangelical Fellowship of Mission Agencies.
The financial policies of LAM are similar to those practiced by other faith missions. Missionary appointees are responsible for raising funds for their future missionary work by presenting their needs to churches, church groups and individuals. Each appointee must raise the minimum amount of monthly support as stipulated for the chosen field of service. Appointees are responsible for their personal living and travel expenses during the time of their deputation.
Salaries of missionaries are varied according to the cost of living in each country. The support level is reviewed annually and necessary adjustments are made. The support figures include salary, housing, maintenance, furlough, medical, retirement, life insurance and missionary services. Funds are transmitted monthly.
In addition to regular support monies, contributions for which tax-deductible receipts may be issued are those received for
- Fieldwork funds
- Outgoing expenses
- Equipment for the work
LAM fundraising and administrative costs are low. All other funds go directly toward the support of missionaries and their ministries to people in need.
