Be a Fully Funded Missionary: eBook Review

I’ve never been a missionary, but I’ve known a few. I’ve seen missionaries come to churches asking for money . . . some of them polite and others coming off as a little demanding. While I understand that missionaries need money to travel and spread the gospel, there is sometimes a clear lack of training when it comes to fundraising.

Fundraising, after all, is a lot like selling. How do you sell an idea and not sound, well, pushy? If only there was a training course designed specifically for missionaries.

Well, now there is.

Darius Walker (pen name) contacted me over at The Christian Dollar and generously provided me with a free copy of his new downloadable eBook, Be a Fully Funded Missionary Platinum Edition. Because Darius works in sensitive parts of the world where using his actual name would put him at risk, he goes by a pen name to conceal his identity. Honestly, this troubled me at first, but having spoken with him via email at length and having read through his book, I must say he has some pretty important things to say about raising money as a missionary.

What’s in the Be a Fully Funded Missionary eBook?

There are several obstacles to being a fully funded missionary that Darius addresses in his eBook, such as:

• Feeling like you’re a salesperson.
• Not having enough contacts to support your ministry in the long term.
• Making congregations feel like they’re not to give to their church.
• Not having a consistent income and having individuals and churches that drop support.
• Having congregations telling you “No.”

Darius makes it clear that his system is not easy – it’s hard work. That’s very honest of him, and having read through the material, I can tell you that he’s right. He advocates a lot of note-taking and followup with contacts which isn’t the easiest thing to do – especially in a graceful, non-pushy manner!

The GEAR Process

Be a Fully Funded Missionary promotes a method called “GEAR.” This stands for Gather, Engage, Awe, and Reap. You’ll learn how to select churches who are likely to provide for your ministry, engage those churches and individuals, make presentations, and develop a system to follow up with your contacts. This is very similar to what you’d do when you’re trying to get the business of anyone, but Darius puts a missionary twist on it. Very nice.

Research

You’ll also find a few books mentioned in Be a Fully Funded Missionary. It’s obvious that Darius has done some research on selling and applied it to missionary work. The books mentioned are great reads for anyone interested in selling an idea.

Examples

One of my favorite things about this eBook is how Darius provided examples of what to do. Example conversations and letters are outlined giving missionaries a practical starting point. He even leaves blanks you can fill in and apply to your situation.

How to Give Presentations

This is one of the lengthier sections and is especially nice for those who need help:

• Setting up the technology required for a powerful presentation.
• Knowing what to include in the presentation (including what to put on slides).

How to Follow Up

Following up with clients is super important. And trust me, Darius knows how to do this! For example, it has taken me awhile to get this review up and running on The Christian Dollar, but Darius was persistent and showed how he could provide a good value to my readers.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a missionary who has struggled with funding for your ministry, How to Be a Fully Funded Missionary has something for you. Darius presents a straightforward guide to reaching out to churches and individuals so that you can focus on ministry and not be worried about where your next paycheck will come from.

However, if you’re looking for a snazzy, upscale guide to acquiring funds for your ministry, you won’t find that here. Darius’s guide is substantive, not flashy. The information contained within this eBook is what gives it value – not the graphics.

This eBook also makes a great gift for missionaries that you know. You can simply purchase the book for them and send them the file once you receive it (which is immediate).

Be a Fully Funded Missionary Packages and Coupon Codes

If you’re interested in purchasing Be a Fully Funded Missionary, here are a few versions you can choose from along with some great coupon codes to save you a few bucks:

Platinum Package: Original Price: $97

I listened to a few of the audio modules listed below and found them to be generally helpful. If you’re audibly oriented, the Platinum Package would be a good choice.

• 12,000+ word Be a Fully Funded Missionary (PDF)
• Spreadsheet template to keep you organized (Excel and Open Office format)
• Four audio modules (about 40 minutes in total) including: How to Ask a Supporter to Give More (MP3), How to Do a Missions Expo (MP3), How to Do a Missions Presentation (MP3), and How to Raise Lacking Support (MP3).
• Six case studies: three from supporting churches and three from non-supporting churches.

Use Coupon Code “bigsaleplatinum” for 40% off original price!

Silver Package: Original Price: $47

Most people can get away with just the Silver Package. You’ll receive the eBook which covers all the material you really need to know. The Platinum Package is nice, but not really required.

• Just the 12,000+ word Be a Fully Funded Missionary (PDF)

Use Coupon Code “bigsalesilver” for 40% off original price!

Do you have questions about being a fully funded missionary? Ask Darius in the comments below and we’ll see if we can get some answers for you!