Finance

What is OMF’s financial policy?

We believe God is able to supply our financial needs through his people, and we pray daily for this provision. Our part, in the words of the Lord Jesus, is to ‘seek first His kingdom and His righteousness’.

What do OMFers do?

OMFers go to East Asia out of obedience to God’s Word, love for the people, and concern for God’s glory. Will you pray for their work and get involved in Christ’s work amongst Asian peoples?

How do they do this?

OMF’s founder, Hudson Taylor, never mentioned financial concerns unless specifically asked. He started what was then known as the China Inland Mission with ‘£10 and all the promises of God.’ He was determined to trust God for his finances rather than ask people for money.

Hudson Taylor committed his needs to his Savior, trusted in God’s faithfulness and discovered that God never let him down. Today, OMF remains a faith mission, and has proved God’s faithfulness for over 135 years. We never go into debt.

How does it all work?

Every OMF worker is given a figure which shows the cost of keeping them in their ministry. It is then up to them to pray faithfully for this share of OMF funds. The amount varies considerably from person to person, depending on their circumstances and the country or ministry they’re involved in.

The support figure for an OMFer is more than the amount of money paid into their bank account. A rough breakdown of the various amounts looks something like this:

• Field - language learning; ministry tools such as computers, cars, etc.; ministry training and equipping; medical care; leadership and team co-ordination; travel; children’s education, etc.;
• Personal - food, clothes, holidays, etc.;
• Home - mobilization of new candidates; prayer materials, literature; videos; website; retirement provision; representation in churches and at conferences; office admin and support; employees' salaries, etc.

What level of support do OMFers need?

All workers pray for the full amount needed to keep them in their ministry. It comes largely from friends and home churches who give specifically for the support of that OMF member. In some home countries, a part also comes from unspecified gifts, donations or legacies shared amongst all OMFers from there.

We look for evidence of a team of committed prayer supporters as recognition of a new worker’s call, and a sign that their church and friends are in partnership with us.

How can I learn about an OMFers’ needs?

We are always happy to answer your questions or give clarification about the support levels of any worker.

Some countries report on finance regularly in their version of our quarterly magazine East Asia’s Billions. They do this to show God’s faithfulness and to keep our supporters informed of what God is doing through OMF in East Asia.

If you are committed to praying for an OMFer and sign up to receive their monthly prayer letter, we will send you an annual summary of their support needs for your prayers.

How do I support a particular OMFer?

You may do this by specifically naming the person, and making your gift either through your church or direct to OMF.

Although you may make a gift for the support of a particular OMFer, your gift is payable to OMF and administered in line with our policy of corporate sharing. The person whose name you have mentioned will be informed of your support.

How can I make personal gifts to an OMFer?

We do have a process for sending special items such as birthday or Christmas gifts. These need to be clearly marked as donations.

Do you have special projects?

Yes, we have a list of special projects. Gifts earmarked for, say, support of national co-workers, theological education, crisis relief, a community development project, or a literature project are always welcome. These gifts go directly to the ministry or project specified.

How can I give to OMF?

Many people give through their churches. However, other ways of giving are…

• Giving by check/cheque: These can be made payable to ‘OMF International’ and may be sent direct to our main office in Manila
• Giving through charity giving agencies: You can make gifts through agencies such as the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), Stewardship Services, Sovereign Giving etc.
• Giving by direct debit

How can I increase the value of my gift?

If you are living in the UK you may avail of Gift Aid. This gives you the opportunity to maximize the value of your gift. If you pay tax, the government enables us to reclaim tax on any gifts you make directly to us, no matter how small. This increases the value of your giving by approximately one third. For example, a gift of £100 from you is worth £130 to us.

Personal gifts cannot be made under Gift Aid.