Money and Mission

So clearly I had much better intentions in updating this blog than I am currently doing. I keep thinking about writing, even know what I want to write about, but for some reason I keep waiting for the perfect time. Then I'm too tired, the computer is off, I'm too lazy, and the excuses continue! But this is NOT what I wanted to write about.
Actually, I had saved a list of facts that I wanted to share since last weekend, and now can I find them? Of course not! I'm going to do my best. My husband and I are missionaries with Word of Life Fellowship, and we are currently finishing raising support to go to the United Kingdom. Last weekend (the one before Mother's Day) we were at a missions conference in northern VA. Sunday morning that pastor gave one of the most compelling messages regarding giving to missions, and not simply because I am a missionary in need of support. I was convicted and saddened by the lack of emphasis we, I, put upon giving our money to God's Work!

• Only 15% of pastors say missions is one of their priorities
• Only $0.10 of every $100 goes to missions in the average church
• The average American family makes $34,000 a year and only gives about $15/weekly (This is one I'm not sure I cited exactly right, but it is an alarming statistic)
• The average American family only gives about $2.00 towards missions

I was stunned! The pastor went on to speak about eternal investments! It hit me later that week as I continued to think about what God calls us to give - that all of our money goes either towards our own desires (which are not always bad) or towards eternal rewards. When we give to God's work that others would know Him, we are investing in eternal things, not temporal ones. So where's my money going? Am I only concerned about things that will benefit me here or am I thinking heavenly and putting my money in what I say is the most important thing anyone could have - Jesus?
Here's Paul's thoughts:
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:12-19
You know the sweetest promise is at the end of this passage. When we give to the Lord so that others will know Him, He WILL meet all of our needs!

Blessings,
Shannon