Question: The funding of the missionary enterprise is always challenging. How might wisdom be applied to raising financial support for missions? (Chapter 22)

Answer: One untapped method of support is endowments. At Multnomah Bible College we have set up two missions endowments. One is for scholarships for future missionaries and one is to help support short-term mission trips. The concept is simple. Raise money for a protected endowment where the principal is not touched, but earnings are used annually.

The Norm and Muriel Cook Missionary Endowment has raised $135,000. Each year the earnings help faculty, staff, and students finance cross-cultural outreach. A 5 percent annual yield produces over $6,700 yearly in support money.

After the death of Multnomah student Holly Miller in Indonesia, students set up the Holly Miller Missions Endowment. In less than a year they raised $50,000 which has grown to over $60,000. The endowment earns funds every year for scholarships for students with the missionary heart and spirit that Holly had.