Grace Baptist Mission
helping the churches to support and care for their missionaries worldwide
Finance
How are Missionaries Supported?
When a church approaches GBM for help with sending out a missionary, one of the questions must obviously be “how much will it cost?” The answer can be daunting – because as well as personal allowance there may be the costs of accommodation, travel, health insurance, administration etc to be taken into account. So a budget is agreed for the project and each year it must be reviewed.
The next question has to be “where is the money to come from?” Clearly one way in which the sending church will demonstrate their commitment to a project will be by contributing to the cost. But few, if any, churches can meet the whole amount needed and they will seek the help of churches or individuals with whom they have close contact. Ideally each missionary should be fully supported by the gifts of interested churches.
The aim is to provide support for all missionaries to be able to meet their basic needs and to be free from undue anxiety about money.
GBM produce a scale of allowances and generally these are used as the level of allowances for all workers supported from GBM funds.
The cost of living obviously varies from country to country, and so the salary scale is adjusted to take account of these differences so that, as far as possible, all workers can have the same standard of living.
Funds are sent regularly to the missionaries, usually on behalf of the sending churches. It is our practice to send, in faith, the full amount required even though, at the time, we cannot always see where the money is to come from.
Designated Giving
GBM exists to help local churches but it is ultimately the churches that are responsible for the care of their missionaries.
Part of a church’s commitment is the provision of financial support by way of ‘designated’ gifts which are normally channelled through the mission office.
Individuals may also give to help achieve this support. The objective is that each missionary is fully supported by the gifts of interested churches and individuals.
How Can You Give?
Through the Post
Most of our gifts come this way. Please make sure that you cross any cheques or postal orders you send and endorse them “A/C Payee”. If you require an acknowledgement we are happy to send one. It helps, though, if you include a stamp-addressed envelope.
Through the Bank
You may pay by cash or cheque through your bank or any branch of the HSBC. Our account at the HSBC, Abingdon (sorting code 40-08-10) is number 71100335. If using this method on a regular basis we can provide you with a book of bank giro credit slips.
Through a Standing Order
You can instruct your bank to send us a regular gift. You can download a Banker’s Order Form for completion.
Through Church Tithing
Some churches give a proportion of their total income to GBM. This is a great help especially if the gifts are sent at regular intervals during the year.
By an Interest Free Loan
Interest free loans are particularly useful during the times of the year when giving is low and bills still have to be paid.
By Selling your Treasures
You may think “I can’t give very much”, forgetting that you have some jewellery or an antique stored away somewhere. Northwood Missionary Auctions give their time and expertise freely to sell such goods and raise money for Christian work. Let them know that you want the proceeds to come to us, and they will send us the money.
Telephone 01923 836634 or visit their website www.nmauctions.org.uk
By a Legacy
Legacies form an important part of GBM’s income. It is humbling to see, so often, legacies have arrived at just the moment of greatest need. The actual bequest may have been made many years earlier.
Form of bequest
“I give and bequeath to the Treasurer for the time being of the Grace Baptist Mission (founded in London in the year 1861) of 12 Abbey Close, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 3JD: -
The property known as and situated at …………………………
OR the sum of £ …………………………
Free of duty, for the promotion of the objects and work of the said Mission: and I direct the said Treasurer’s receipt shall be taken and deemed a sufficient discharge for the same.
Tax Efficient Giving
Gift Aid
If you are a tax payer, it is possible to increase any gift you make by 28% and all we need is your signature.
For example your gift of £5 becomes £6.40, £10 becomes £12.80, £50 becomes £64, £100 becomes £128. Signing a gift aid form does not commit you to any regular giving – it simply enables us to reclaim the tax on your donations. Please help us to make your giving increase its value by completing a Gift Aid Declaration Form.
Payroll Giving
Under the payroll giving scheme employees can authorise their employer to deduct charitable donations from their pay before calculating Pay as You Earn tax.
All donations given in this way are tax effective, so we receive your donation and the tax you would have paid on this amount. Why not check with your employer to see if he or she is willing to be part of the GAYE scheme.
Other
A number of organisations now exist to help facilitate charitable giving; the mission office can let you have further details.
