“Mission agency to cut 600 to 800 Missionaries“

Western missions funding has been declining for the past 25 years & the pace is accelerating!

When we were first married, we immediately met with our missions coordinator, who was delighted that a young couple was committed to going abroad. However, as the years rolled by it became evident that our departure was not going to happen any time soon. Indeed, the mission was pulling people off the field due to lack of finances. The missions coordinator told us to simply go abroad and find jobs, and that is how we became the accidental tentmakers.

What happens to missionaries when they have to return home due to cutbacks in support? How do they feel? Here are some of their replies.

• disappointed
• angry
• question our calling
• questioning God
• burned out
• embarrassed at coming home early
• worried about our future
• afraid of having to explain their premature return

Most of these forced returnees have professions, degrees and work experience, and as such they are prime candidates to make the shift to tentmaking. They also have experience in dealing with culture shock, learning another language or two, knowing how to work in teams, understanding the need for a dedicated prayer team, and most importantly, they have a sending church.

Tentmaking offers traditional missionaries a new future that is not dependent on donor financial support.

By Ari Rocklin