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Scriptural
Giving
When the Apostle Paul thanked the Philippian church for the
gifts that they had sent him as an investment in his ministry of
the Gospel, he described their gifts as "a fragrant offering,
an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God" (Philippians 4:18).
God expects us to give willingly, joyfully, and generously.
Paul describes the willing giver in II Corinthians 9:7 by
saying, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart
to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver."
God expects us to give "with honest intent" (I Chron.
29:17); to give quietly, not as the boastful Pharisees (Matt.
6:1-4).
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded His followers to
"go
and make disciples of all nations." Beyond your local ministry
support, you need to look to God in prayer for His guidance to "adopt" specific works. These are ministries that are vital
to the building up of Christ's kingdom, and outside the scope
of local church outreach.
What
NCEM Believes About Finances
We are stewards of all that comes into this ministry, and we
will have to give an account of it to the Lord.
We have a responsibility to inform our supporters about where
our finances go. God is our Provider, and He will move through
His Body to meet every need, as long as we and our supporters
are walking faithfully with Him.
NCEM is a nonprofit Christian ministry. It belongs to God,
not to any of its members. If He ever chooses to close it down,
we will accept His leading. All assets will go to another
Christian ministry -- not to any individuals associated with
NCEM.
Designated
Giving Policy
Spending of funds is confined to
NCEM Governing Board approved programs and projects. Each
contribution designated towards a Board approved program or
project will be used as designated with the understanding that
when the need for such a program or project has been met, or the
Board has determined it cannot be completed, the remaining
contributions designated for such program or project will be
used where needed most.
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Questions about
Finances
(that we've been asked)
How are NCEM workers funded?
Each NCEM worker -- whether a field
missionary, office worker, or director -- must trust God to provide for
his/her needs. NCEM is a "faith" mission. It is not
structurally funded by a denomination, church conference, or any other
organization. Workers are individually responsible for developing a team
of financial supporters, usually a combination of interested individuals
and churches.
How much support does an NCEM
missionary need?
Our workers serve in diverse situations,
some in communities where the cost of living and/or travel is
comparatively expensive. With approval of Mission administration, each
missionary establishes a budget amount based on his/her ministry
circumstances to a maximum of: $3,300 per month for single workers;
$4,800 per month for married couples (figures current to 2008, for
full-time workers).
Surplus in a worker's salary (above the
maximum monthly levels) remains to be paid out when incoming funds are
lower, or can be used for ministry expenses.
Are there deductions from the
missionary's allowance?
Yes, besides Income Tax, Employment
Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, the members provide a 4% (before tax)
administration fee to NCEM's General Fund.
What expenses are covered by the
missionary's monthly allowance?
The monthly amount is intended to cover
the missionary's housing and all other costs of living. But missions is
not just about "living" -- it's about "serving"!
Personal ministry expenses such as vehicle fuel, literature and media
materials, hospitality, etc., are also paid from the worker's support.
If a worker's
allowance drops, how are his/her needs met?
Initially, the missionary should have
raised the required budget amount (see second question) for NCEM's
Worker Salary Fund before his/her placement on the field. If the
allowance drops thereafter, various means -- including deputation and
specific requests for prayer -- are used to let others know of this
need. (The Mission's General Fund does not make up the difference.)
Are contributions to NCEM tax
deductible?
Yes, if sent directly to NCEM for
receipting. Cheques should be made payable to NCEM with the approved
designation on a separate piece of paper. If you are giving regularly,
you may choose to receive your income tax deductible receipt monthly,
quarterly, or annually.
How can I be sure that monies sent to
NCEM will be used properly?
NCEM is a member of CrossGlobal Link and an associate
member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC). An independent accountant audits NCEM's
finances each year. Our annual financial statement is provided upon
request.
Funds will be used as
designated with the understanding that if the project closes, donations
will be directed to another area of need.
Can I send money directly to a
missionary?
Funds should be sent directly to NCEM,
but if an income tax receipt is not required, gifts of money may be sent
directly to the missionary.
When does the missionary worker
receive his/her allowance?
Once every month. Monies received for the
Worker Salary Fund are accumulated and distributed at the end of each
month, along with a statement listing the names and addresses of donors.
How are NCEM's administrative costs
covered?
They are covered by NCEM's General Fund,
which is supplied primarily by undesignated gifts to the Mission and by
donors who consider "The General" to be an important ministry.
Ways to Give
Donors may give by cheque, money order,
credit card, or pre-authorized method. Cheques should be made payable to
"Northern Canada
Evangelical Mission" or "NCEM."
Special interest in a specific ministry
and/or worker should be indicated on a separate piece of paper.
*On-line giving may be
available soon.
Do you have additional
questions?
Feel free to write or call us if you have questions about the
following -- or questions about other ways of giving to NCEM's
ministry...
- Worker Salary Fund
- General Fund
- Estate Settlements
- "Minute-Man" (enlisted donors contribute financially to NCEM
projects, and covenant to give at least $1 per call -- maximum of three
calls per year)
Write or call: NCEM
For our addresses, click Contact Us
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