Donations to the World Mission Prayer League are used entirely for the project of missionary for which they are designated. We do not take out an administration fee. Overall, more than two out of every three dollars are applied in a typical year to the direct support of our missionaries around the world.
Since the support of our missionaries is such a big part of our operation, I thought it would be good to share some interesting facts about their support.
| Monthly Fielding Cost | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| Target Allowance | $1,519 | $1,596 | $1565 |
| Health Insurance | $734 | $827 | $817 |
| Housing | $105 | $109 | $140 |
| Other Benefits | $186 | $172 | $176 |
| Total Fielding Cost | $2,544 | $2,704 | $2,698 |
The table above shows the average fielding cost of our missionaries over the past three years. “Target Allowance” refers to an amount established by our Home Council for the support of our missionaries. This number is based on family size and nothing else. The fact that the target allowance is down in 2010 means that the average size of our missionary families has gotten a little smaller. Overall target allowances were last increased in the summer of 2008.
The cost of health insurance has always been a concern to me. I am happy to report the average amount spent on health care premiums decreased in 2010. I have been told next year’s premiums for U.S. – based staff will only increase by about one percent. This is an answer to prayer.
| Monthly Support | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 |
| Support Funds | $1,588 | $1,599 | $1,550 |
| General Fund & Estate Fund | $828 | $897 | $881 |
| Not Paid (short allowances) | $128 | $208 | $267 |
| Total Fielding Cost | $2,544 | $2,704 | $2,698 |
Monthly support for missionaries comes from their designated Support Fund, or from our General Fund. If there is not sufficient funds in those two sources, missionaries do not receive their full target allowance. In 2010 we paid our missionaries $267 less than their target allowance, on an average monthly basis. That is more than two times the amount shorted in 2008.
I cannot write an article about the support of our missionaries without saying that I am extremely grateful for the financial donations received in this office. It is a blessing to be able to serve as Business Manager and to see the generosity of our membership and the graciousness of our missionaries serving around the world. In a recent allowance survey, our missionaries reported story after story of God’s faithfulness and provision.
Thank you for your part in the story.